Cowling Harlequins 56 Greetland All Rounders A 14

Cowling Harlequins won their third game on the bounce to maintain their 100 per cent start in Pennine League Division Seven.

They overcame their old rivals in fine style, with Ben Pickles and in-form Gary Nelson both scoring hat-tricks.

The game started at an electric pace, with Pickles going under the sticks and Rob Owlett converting the first of his eight goals. On the next set, Craig Nicholson got Quins near the line and Ross Pearson powered over from acting half.

Nelson continued the great start, making many yards in bursting down the centre before popping the ball out to send Brannan Lawn flying down the wing to score.

Greetland hit back when their No 7 chipped the Quins winger for their first try.

They followed it up with another try but Cowling refused to drop their heads as Pickles and Nelson both scored to send them in at the break 30-10 up.

The second half started as the first ended, with Owlett dummying his way to the line and adding the two once again.

Greetland tried a short kick-off but the ball went straight out and the penalty put the hosts within striking range.

James Bowdin, with his second try of the season, powered over and Owlett appeared to have kicked his eighth goal from eight, only for the referee to disallow it.

There was more frustration when Nicholson went on a 70-metre breakaway and dived over the line but his score was ruled out.

To make matters worse, Nichol-son was carried off to Airedale Hospital with a broken leg.

This galvanised the Quins to finish strongly as Nelson and Pickles claimed their hat-tricks in style to leave Quins sitting pretty at the top of the table, having won three on the bounce for the first time in ten years.

Cowling have a week off before games on the road at Odsal A and Queensbury B.