Crosfields 72 Gateshead Storm 18

CROSFIELDS head coach Tony Benson is confident a solid win over Gateshead Storm on Saturday gives  his side a foundation to build on this season.

Five tries for Hayden James, doubles for Jack Reid and Chris Burgess as well as scores for Ian Boden, Luke Jones, Declan Clarke and David Rolt sealed an emphatic win after Storm had led twice in the first half.

Benson said, “It was good to see the things we’ve practised come to life in our first home game. 
"It sets the foundation to build on throughout the season."

John Mason crashed over and Andy Houston converted as Gateshead started brightly, but Reid dummied his way through and converted to level soon after.

Luke Banham then put the visitors back in front, Houston's conversion putting them six points ahead, only for Matt Mahoney to release James for his first of the day.

Reid’s conversion levelled and on 21 minutes Crosfields hit the front when Rolt’s long pass found Ian Boden, who went in unopposed.

Rolt then sent Jones in and Reid preserved his 100 per cent kicking record so far before turning provider for James.

Clarke added to the score before half time, and the floodgates opened after as Keiron Thomas and Reid combined for James to to score.

A break from Mahoney gave Reid the room to go over for another try. Then Reid’s chip set up a try for Burgess and James went over from a scrum almost immediately.

Burgess was next, breaking through 10 metres out and handing off three would-be tacklers.

Gateshead stuck at it and Mason was rewarded with a second try, converted by Houston.
Another break from Crosfields was again supported by Reid, who fed James for his fifth and Rolt completed the try scoring, following a chip from Reid.

Crosfields are away to Heworth on Saturday.