WATERLOO moved up to sixth in National Three North after a hard-fought 19-18 victory over Bradford and Bingley at Wagon Lane last Saturday.

Despite four regular first choice players being absent, they took the game by the scruff of the neck and with the opposition coming to within a point with just over 10 minutes remaining put in a tremendous defensive effort as the ‘Bees’ hammered at the line to take the points.

A penalty from Richard Skull gave the home side an early lead but with Waterloo controlling both possession and territory, two penalties from Liam Reeve afforded a 6-3 lead at the break.

Again sustained forward pressure in the second period brought a try for Andrew Trotter, the wing finishing off in the corner after the pack had gone through a series of phases to suck in the home defence and the ball spun wide. Reeve added the conversion and two penalties for a 19-3 lead.

Into the final quarter Bradford struck back with a try from Guy Ford converted by Skull who also landed a penalty on 68 minutes Brett Mitchell set up a nail-biting finish.

This Saturday Waterloo are at home to unbeaten Percy Park (kick-off 3pm).