HOME SWEET HOME FOR SOAP (From Warrington Guardian)

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Crosfields RL 8

Dodworth 5

CROSFIELDS Rugby League Club's first game at Hood Lane since November saw a contest dominated by determined defence from both sides.

The heavy conditions led to a tight game which, for the third time in four meetings, saw less than a try separate the teams.

Neither team could get on top in the first half. Crosfields went close on a couple of occasions but fell behind to a soft penalty under the posts.

Dodworth had the best chance of the opening half when they broke through from 20 metres but a superb tackle from Russ Parkman halted the attack and Crosfields had time to regroup.

The second half saw a similar pattern emerge with the fitness levels of both sides holding up as tackle after tackle was made.

Soap took the lead when Dave Gibbons' class shone through as he dummied his way through the visitors' defence before committing the full back and handing on to the ever supporting Gary Maddocks, who scored in the corner.

Dodworth came back and the pressure they exerted on the Crosfields defence paid off when they were awarded a penalty, which was converted to level the scores.

Dodworth edged themselves into the lead with a drop goal but Soap continued to threaten their defensive line.

There were three minutes left on the clock when the home side made the critical breakthrough.

Camped in the Dodworth 20, Crosfields drove the ball in and then swift handling by Eddie Bannon, Gibbons and Parkman gave Maddocks room to feed Andy Holroyd on the wing. Holroyd dived in at the corner to win the game.

Crosfields were best served by Bannon, Parkman, Billy Lomax, Carl Porter and Paul Williams.

Mayfield 14

Crosfields A 10

DESITE a five week lay off Crosfields A started well and were 4-0 up after 15 minutes from two Graeme Taylor penalties.

On a heavy pitch there was some strong running from I. Noone, C. Rhodes and D. Smith but the side lacked attacking ideas.

After only a few runs into Soap's half Mayfield went in front 6-4 due to some sloppy tackling. And they extended their lead with a move that had Soap and their supporters baying for a knock on call but the referee having none of it.

Soap played with more enterprise in the second half. This paid off when D. Robertson's wide ball put in S. Nelson to round his opposite number and score. Taylor converted.

The welcome return of veteran C. Meakin gave Soap more power up front but this was not enough and Mayfield held out.

Backs P. Caswell and D. Robertson shone while S. Bancroft, S. Sinclair and C. Rhodes performed in the forwards.

Eddie Bannon evades a tackle.No.DTA230199

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