Crosfields 28 Eastmoor Dragons 18

CROSFIELDS gained their second victory of the campaign, beating Eastmoor Dragons 28-18.

Both teams were looking to play open rugby, and the two visiting halves’ long passes stretched the Crosfields’ defence in the opening quarter, but it held firm.

Crosfields attack also moved the ball wide and looked more dangerous, but it wasn’t until the 25th minute, that they were able to break through.

A massive impact from the bench, with first Matt Mahoney stepping through the defence and racing 30m, to put Eastmoor on the back-foot.

A quick play the ball and a block-busting drive from Matt Barber, who fed the supporting Hayden James, who raced under the posts.

Jack Reid converted for 6-0.

Crosfields looked more assured as the half developed.

Another break took play deep into visitors’ territory, but when the ball was moved wide, it was intercepted by Andrew Smith, who won the race to the line.

James Slater converted to level the scores at half time.

Crosfields started the second half brightly.

Chris Burgess made a break in the centre and Barber was on hand to crash over, with Reid converting for 12-6.

James became a constant threat in attack and one of his breaks was finished off by John Whittaker, who slotted in at full-back and showed maturity above his years.

Reid’s conversion put the home side 18-6 in front.

Déjà vu six minutes later, when James and Whittaker combined in similar fashion for Whittaker’s second try.

Reid’s third conversion put a bit of space between the teams at 24-6.

Eastmoor’s character came through and they plugged away. They were finally rewarded when an astute grubber hit a post protector and Kevin Brown was quickest to react and touched down. Slater converted, for 24-12.

Eastmoor continued to battle, but Crosfields were determined to build on earlier dominance.

A Mahoney break, supported by James and Whittaker, almost brought the latter his hat-trick, but he was caught just short.

A quick play-the-ball, gave Reid space to dummy his way over, for a try and a 28-12 lead.

Eastmoor had the final say, when a loose ball was picked up by Jacob Robertson, who raced away for a try.

Slater’s conversion was the last play of the day.

Both teams played an expansive game of rugby, but it was the short pass and well-timed drives, particularly from Barber and Mahoney, plus the darting breaks of Hayden from acting half, which were the telling factors in this game.

Phil Brazendale’s hard graft earned him man of the match, and he was ably supported by Steve Pickersgill and Dave Boden.

Crosfields travel to Shaw Cross Sharks on Saturday in the NCL Cup.