Crosfields 16 Hunslet Club Parkside 44

CROSFIELDS came up against an in-form Hunslet Club Parkside, who ensured they secured the divisional title, with a win at Hood Lane.

It leaves Soap needing a victory at Eastmoor Dragons on Saturday if they are to finish in a play-offs spot.

Crosfields got off to a great start against the champions when Matt Mahoney crashed over, following a ground-making surge by Matt Barber. But Hunslet hit back with a converted try, to take the lead.

Enterprising play saw Crosfields move the ball to the right, then swap play back, where Jack Reid found Barber, who ran the perfect line to hit the gap and cross for the try.

Reid converted, but it was Hunslet playing open rugby as the first half drew to a close.

Keeping the ball alive, they were able to create gaps and cross for two converted tries for a half-time lead of 22-10.

Crosfields lost David Rolt to the sin-bin early in the second half.

Although they managed to hold their visitors out for that period, the power and size of the Hunslet pack laid the foundation for a flurry of tries in a 15-minute period, to lead 44-10.

Crosfields worked hard throughout and were rewarded when Hayden James scooted blind from a scrum to score. Reid added the extras.

Matt Mahoney took the Crosfields’ man-of-the-match award, closely pushed by Lewis Bani and James.

Crosfields A team lost out by the odd score in a 16-22 derby defeat to Burtonwood Bridge.

Try scorers for Crosfields were Roger Steele, Ben Kenwright and Alex Clutterbuck, with man-of-the-match Ryan Connolly kicking two conversions.

The Alliance travel to Ecclestone Lions on Saturday.