NORTHALLERTON entertained much improved West Leeds last Saturday and dropped only their third league point at home this season in a 12-12 draw

The home team began at break neck pace and completely dominated the early exchanges.

They received their just reward with a try from winger Karl Elliott to take the lead.

With the forwards in dominant form, it was puzzling to see they were used sparingly when the visitors had no answer to their power.

Instead the backs prevaricated and West Leeds gained a foothold in the game.

The visitors' defence stifled North's attacking ambitions with a very flat defensive line and then proceeded to have the better of the attacking play.

Antipodean winger Kris Whatton claimed a try when poor midfield defence under the posts followed a misplaced defensive kick. Fly half Wayne Behan converted and North trailed 12-5 at half-time.

Throughout the second half North struggled to wrest the initiative from the visitors.

Despite the promptings of James Read at scrum half, the forwards remained subdued until the 60th minute when fine forward play created a try for impressive flanker Russell Hayward, who burst through some half-hearted tackles to score under the posts.

Full back Ed Bulman converted and North escaped with a fortunate draw when victory looked assured during the opening stanza.

This week North take on West Leeds again in an away league fixture which fell foul of the weather earlier in the season.