A try two minutes from time by young stand off Stuart Biscomb, converted by scrum half Tommy Skerrett, helped Methley Royals snatch a 32-32 draw in a pulsating CMS Yorkshire League Unison Division Two derby with Oulton Raiders.

Biscomb’s late score helped rescue the Royals’ blushes after the Raiders had bounced back from 12 points adrift to establish what looked like a winning lead with three converted tries.

Methley, prior to their last-gasp intervention, were kicking themselves after having themselves recovered from an early eight-point deficit with a brace for centre Michael Jacques, a touchdown by second row Sam Clark and, with his first   touch on his return from National Conference League outfit Normanton, a try by substitute packman Lee Starbuck.

Skerrett totalled four goals, while the Royals also had reason to be grateful to full back Danny Agar, who pulled off what is likely to be the tackle of the season by halting rampaging Oulton prop Kevin Dickens in a front-on stop a foot from his try-line.

Prop Adam Biscomb was another impressive figure, while there were strong displays by hooker Reece Willshaw, prop John Hughes, loose forward Thomas Wheatley, second row James Baxter, centre Sam Payne and wingers Richard Scott and John Saville.    

Shaun Dickinson, Matthew Carriss-Wright and Carl Garman offered solid support from the bench.

Adam Hemsley scored a hat trick for Oulton, Matty Bullough crossed twice and Ash Newman touched down; Lee Brown landed four goals. 

The Royals visit York Acorn on Saturday (Saturday 25 October, 2.30pm) in another league fixture. Meet at the Oak at noon.