CROSFIELDS stepped up their preparations for the new season with a training game against League One side North Wales Crusaders on Saturday.

Soap, watched by new head coach Mark Brennan, welcomed the semi-professional side to Hood Lane as they prepare for life in Division Two of the National Conference League.

Brennan, a successful coach in the women’s game with Thatto Heath, has taken over the reins at Crosfields after Tony Benson stepped down at the end of 2016 to return home to New Zealand.

Former Super League referee Richard Silverwood took charge of the game, which was played in three 15-minute periods.

Soap stalwart Matty Barber said it had been a useful exercise for his side.

"It was good for the lads to show we are not that far off,” he said.

“If that was 10 weeks into our season we would have given them a much closer run for their money.”

Young full-back Nathan Taylor agreed the game had been beneficial as they prepare for the 2017 season.

“Personally I got a lot out of playing against and watching a talented set of players,” he said.

“They gave us a great game and allowed us to show how much progress we have made as a team.”

Brennan rotated his players throughout the exercise as Soap kept their more illustrious visitors at bay during the first period.

Crusaders scored two tries from dummy-half in the second period before flexing their muscles in the third, crossing several times from well-worked attacking moves.

However, Crosfields did get over for two tries of their own in the final period, with Kieran Thomas crossing with the game’s final play.

Former Soap man Alex Thompson, who now plays for Crusaders, was impressed with the talent his old side had on show.

“I thought a couple of the young lads were a credit to the club,” he said.

“It’s good to see and we really got a lot out of it.

“Lew Bani hits hard, I’m glad I’m not playing him every week!”

Soap’s first game of the new season sees them travel to Millom on Saturday, March 4.