Crosfields turn the screw after half-time (From Warrington Guardian)

Crosfields turn the screw after half-time

Saddleworth Rangers 14

Crosfields 46

A STRONG second half performance ensured victory for Crosfields in the first Arriva Trains Conference Division One game of 2004.

Crosfields raced to a 12-0 lead in the first half thanks to tries from Andy Pucill and Chris Ratcliffe, both converted by Mike Redmond, but Saddleworth hit back with two of their own for a half-time score of 12-10.

Crosfields then dominated the second half, scoring at regular intervals.

Neil Hicks led the scoring by crashing through the defence from acting half.

More tries followed through Phil Bannon, Dave Gibbons, Pete Royale and Dave Lucas, with Redmond converting all but one of the tries.

Saddleworth kept going until the end and gained a consolation try but Richard Hough was on hand to complete the try scoring. Redmond converted.

Solid defence and good support play laid the foundation for the victory.

Pucill, Wade Rasmussen and Matt Mahoney looked dangerous throughout but it was Hough who was instrumental in most of the tries and picked up the man of the match award.

Team: Chris Ratcliffe; Phil Bannon, Matt Mahoney, Pete Royale, Danny Hoyland; Mike Redmond, Dave Gibbons; Terry Reid, Richard Hough, Chris Blackwell, Andy Pucill, Wade Rasmussen, John Bannon. Subs: Iain Hannon, Dave Mather, Dave Lucas, Neil Hicks.

On Saturday Crosfields are at home to Askam, kick-off 2pm.