CROSFIELDS came off second best in a 22-18 defeat to Thornhill Trojans, whose victory guaranteed them promotion.
The hosts scored first when Jack Reid’s up and under was taken by Mindaugas Bendikas, but Ian Boden’s perfectly-timed tackle forced a knock-on, which Nathan Taylor picked up and touched down.
Bendikas was then penalised for punching and the try awarded. Reid duly converted.Crosfields pressurised the Thornhill defence, but a long, looping pass was intercepted and put the visitors on the front foot.
But Joel Gibson took advantage and slid through the defence for a try to then reduced the deficit at 6-4.
Penetrating drives from Steve Pickersgill, Joe Moore and Phil Brazendale laid the platform for Reid to dummy his way through for a try, which he converted, for a 12-4 lead.
Thornhill hit back, as they gained consecutive sets and the pressure told, when Liam Morley was able to crash over.
Gibson converted for a half time score of Crosfields 12 Thornhill 10.
A great start to the second half saw Crosfields force a scrum deep into Thornhill territory.
Reid went on the blind side and dummied his way over for his second try. His conversion gave the home side an 18-10 lead.
Both sides continued to work hard in both defence and attack, but chances remained at a premium.
Thornhill made the most of a rare break, when the ball was moved quickly to Bendikas, who rounded the defence to score.
Morley converted and Crosfields lead was again just two points at 18-16.
On 75 minutes, from a scrum on the Thornhill 20-metre line, the visitors again moved the ball quickly to Bendikas, whose pace was too much for the covering defence and he raced 80 metres for a try.
Morley converted to give Thornhill the lead for the first time at 18-22.
Crosfields rallied and looked to have secured at least a point as Reid’s long ball found Taylor, who raced in at the corner, only to be brought back for a forward pass.
Hayden James took the Crosfields’ man-of-the-match award, while Reid, Moore, Lewis Bani and Brazendale also stood out.
Crosfields host Hunslet Club Parkside on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm.
Crosfields Alliance beat Little Hulton Reds 20-14.
Jack Williams took the man-of-the-match award, while Ben Kenwright, Sean Millington and Liam James put in excellent performances.
They host Burtonwood Bridge on Saturday.
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