Crosfields 8

Shaw Cross Sharks 16

CROSFIELDS started life at a higher level of National Conference League with a tremendously committed performance.

Soap, promoted after winning Division Two, were missing six of last season's starting line-up but those on show offered outstanding pride in their club colours.

Coaches Terry Reid and Graham Clarke can take a lot out of the game as they build for the next outing at Bradford Dudley Hill on Saturday.

Eddie Bannon was awarded man of the match but was pushed closely by brother John and powerhouse forward Andy Pucill.

The new-look side, which led 8-0 at one stage, were finally overcome at Hood Lane by Shaw Cross Sharks' experience.

Crosfields started well and indeed competed well throughout.

On 10 minutes, drives forward gave Eddie Bannon the space to dive over from acting half back. Mike Redmond's conversion and following penalty gave Crosfields their 8-0 lead.

A slip-up resulted in Patnelli breaking away for the visitors which set up Land to cross to reduce the arrears to 8-4.

Five minutes from the break, Shaw Cross were reduced to 12 men when Ashton was sin-binned for persistent lying on offences but Crosfields could not take advantage.

Shaw Cross continued to dominate possession.

On the 50-minute mark, the sustained pressure was rewarded when the ball was moved wide for Land to score his second try.

Crosfields battled on and despite holding out for consecutive sets of sixes, the defence was breached in the 65th minute when Summerscale crashed over from short range. Lilley added the conversion for a 16-8 lead.

Crosfields' commitment did not waiver and the intensity of their defence increased once more as they tried valiantly to get back into the game but it was not to be.