Waterhead 22 Crosfields 20

CROSFIELDS missed the opportunity to move into the National Conference League Division Three promotion play-off places with an agonising last-minute defeat at Waterhead.

The game was evenly fought throughout, with both sides working hard.

Crosfields were first on the score-sheet, when Matt Mahoney’s break was supported by Dave Boden. The ball was moved wide by Jack Reid, for Declan Clarke to crash over.

Waterhead hit back with a converted try, but Crosfields had the final say in the first half, when Jack Reid’s dummy fooled the defence to go over for a try and then converted to make a half time lead of 10-6.

Waterhead started the brighter in the second half and soon the scores were level.

However, a massive up and under from Reid was dropped and Jack Giblin pounced on the loose ball for a try Crosfield were back in front at 14-10.

Crosfields returned the favour, when a kick was knocked on and the Waterhead scrum half was quickest to react and touched down.

He also converted the try to give his side a slender two-point lead.

Crosfields reacted well and moved on to the attack again.

The ball was moved quickly to the left, where John Whittaker joined the line from full-back and stepped three defenders to score in the corner. Reid converted for a 20-16 lead.

Both teams dug deep, but the play flowed Waterhead’s way on the back of a couple of penalties.

Their onslaught was rewarded when they were able to crash over from acting half to draw level with the conversion clinching it for the Oldham outfit.

Reid led his troops well and Mahoney, Matt Barber and Joe Clarke worked hard in the forwards. David Rolt picked up the Crosfields man-of-the-match award.

Crosfields are at home to Stanningley on Saturday, with a 2.30pm kick off.