Saddleworth Rangers 14 Thatto Heath Crusaders 14

Heath opened up their National Conference Division 1 account for the new season with a well-earned draw against last year's Premier division outfit Saddleworth Rangers.

On a difficult pitch and in heavy rain it was always going to be a tough time to hang on to the ball.

Sure enough handling errors brought about the first score of the afternoon when Saddleworth's lively centre Carlton Campbell provided the finish after stand off George Slicker had picked up a spilled ball.

Added to a third minute penalty converted by Slicker, this put the home side six points in front.

It was end to end stuff for the majority of the first half with the Heath side finding their feet under the stewardship of new player coach Matty Knowles and they were unlucky to concede another try when Slicker crossed out wide on the power play.

Heath's only points on the board where from a Mike Woods penalty on the half hour mark.

After the break the pieces started to fall into place for Thatto as the pack started to dominate with Blanchfield, Horton and Mitchell all getting on top of the home side.

It was Mitchell who finally crossed for Heath on twelve minutes, diving over close to the sticks for a typical hooker's score. Woods added the two to put the visitors back in the game.

Two minutes later and Heath conceded a penalty that let Slicker increase the home side's lead with a penalty for a high shot.

When Saddleworth where reduced to twelve men on the half hour mark Heath where quick to take advantage and Jamie Hill finished of a complex move to cross out wide.

Woods atoned for an earlier miss with a touchline conversion and the visitors went into the last ten minutes with a narrow lead.

But handling errors where to cost Thatto dearly as they squandered several a number of chances to put the game beyond the reach of the home side and with only seconds remaining Slicker was able to land a penalty to tie the game.

Men of the Match: forwards ; Matty Knowles. Backs; Johnny Hughes.