Leigh East 20 Crosfields 40

DESPITE recording their seventh straight win, Crosfields “never got into top gear” according to head coach Ian Boden.

Saturday’s win at bottom side Leigh East saw Soap consolidate third place in National Conference League Division Two in a performance inspired by skipper Jack Reid.

The stand-off scored two tries and kicked six goals for the Hood Lane outfit, with further tries coming from Tom Brown, John Whittaker, Billy Sheen, Tom Millington and Matty Barber.

Boden says his side must manage games better in future but thought they were always in control on Saturday.

“We never really got into top gear,” he said.

“Leigh were full of enthusiasm, which made it hard for us.

“Our game contained too many forced and unforced errors but we still controlled the game, especially in the last 20 minutes.

“I’m pleased we've got the seven-game winning streak, but we need to manage the games early doors.”

After falling behind early on, Brown crashed over to equalise before East scored an interception try to retake the lead.

Soap hit back with two tries in as many minutes as Whittaker and Sheen added their names to the scoresheet, but the to-and-fro nature of the game continued as the home side scored again to level matters at 16-16.

However, that was when the visitors started to take over as Reid’s first try gave them a lead they would never relinquish.

Millington’s try moved Soap into a 12-point lead before Reid’s second touchdown put the result beyond all doubt.

East did manage a consolation try, but Barber wrapped up the scoring by twisting his way through the home defence.

Soap are without a game this weekend and return to action on Saturday, June 30, when they welcome Dewsbury Moor Maroons to Hood Lane.

Crosfields: John Whittaker; Nathan Taylor, Jordan Chilton, Chris Hull, Dan Reid; Jack Reid, Billy Sheen; Phil Brazendale, Hayden James, Tom Brown, Jordan Williams, Mitchell McJay, Joe Clarke. Subs: Matty Barber, Jordan Ansell, Matt Mahoney, Tom Millington.