Valiant Crosfields come up short (From Warrington Guardian)

Valiant Crosfields come up short

Crosfields 14

Askam 17

THE lead changed hands five times in this closely contested Arriva Trains Conference League match with Crosfields losing out to Askam's late winner.

Crosfields had the better of the opening exchanges but against the run of play Askam broke away and Tippett grabbed a try which was soon followed up by a Parkinson penalty.

Five minutes before the break Andy Pucill cut clear, fed Neil Hicks and he sent Phil Bannon racing over. The conversion was inexplicably missed.

Crosfields forced an error from the second half re-start and strong drives from Pucill and Barry Lowe set up position for man of the match Iain Hannon to step the last line of defence and put Crosfields in front 8-6.

Askam's Regan crashed over from acting half and Parkinson converted.

Crosfields' response was immediate from a set play with captain John Bannon touching down for a try.

Mike Redmond added the extras for a 16-14 lead.

Askam forced pressure on the Crosfields line and scored on a last tackle through Carter.

Crosfields tried valiantly to regain the lead but to no avail and Wilson rubbed salt into the wounds by dropping a goal on 80 minutes.

Five minutes of injury time saw Crosfields go close, but they could not manage another score and Askam won 17-14.

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

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

Crosfields u18 14

Thatto Heath u18 14

CROSFIELDS Amateur Rugby League Club's under 18s side showed what a good team they can be if they apply themselves to the task at hand.

Soap went into the game placed only two positions from the bottom of North West Counties Youth League Division One but they gave table toppers Thatto Heath one of their best games of the season.

Chris Gibbons' late try sealed Soap a share of the spoils following earlier efforts from Chris Burgess and Grant Dodd. Greg Pickett added a conversion.