Calder are Halifax AFL champions

Calder '˜76 clinched their first Haslem Sheppard Halifax AFL title last night.

Rob Kenworthy’s side won 3-1 away to the only team that could catch them, Ryburn United, to bag the silverware with a game still to play.

They were avenging one of only two Premier Division defeats they have suffered this season, a stinging 5-1 home reversal in mid-September.

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Ryburn’s 3-1 defeat at Midgley on Saturday had left Calder on the brink of success and they made the better start at Ripponden Wood last night, taking the lead through Remi Allen after 10 minutes.

A bad defensive error led to Calder doubling their lead, Steve Jones scoring five minutes before the break.

The quality of play was much better in the second half. Ryburn put Calder under pressure from Ashton Richardson’s long throws but Calder dealt with them well.

An 89th minute Alex Coburn strike gave Ryburn hope but substitute Max Crossley raced clear to grab a third for Calder with seconds remaining.

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Last night’s Halifax AFL scores - Premier Division: Ryburn United 1 (A.Coburn) Calder 76 3 (R.Allen S.Jones M.Crossley).

Division One: Halifax Irish Centre 1 (C.Estwood) Denholme United 7 (M.Midgley 3 D.Moralee L.Dickenson M.Waring J.Greenwood), Sowerby Bridge 1 (S Hibbert) Midgley United Res 0.

A John Booth hat-trick was in vain for Ovenden West Riding, who lost 4-3 at home to Salts in an entertaining West Riding County Amateur League game last night.

It was 2-2 at half time but Salts emerged victorious through Joe Pleasance, whose two goals included a penalty, Jonny Cunningham and Robert Barraclough.

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Halifax Irish won 5-4 at Campion with the goals flowing after a first half which finished 1-1.

Ben Hiley (2), Scott Gaukroger. Ely Hey and Gareth Sherwood scored for Irish, who are fourth in the table with Ovenden sixth.

Brighouse Old Boys ended a six-match losing run with a 2-0 home win over Oxenhope Recreation last night.

It eased their relegation fears in the Premier Division of the West Yorkshire League.