Wigan St Judes 15 Crosfields 14

IAN Boden says he could not fault the effort of his Crosfields side as they came within inches of a place in the Challenge Cup second round.

Scott Turton’s try looked set to take them into a last-minute lead at Wigan St Judes, but Jack Reid’s conversion narrowly missed the target.

It proved decisive as Soap exited the competition at the first hurdle for a second year in a row.

"I can’t fault the lads for their effort,” Boden said.

“Scott Turton was inches away from winning the game with a minute to go, which he deserved.

“There were a lot of positives. It could have gone either way.

“We have had some great ding-dong battles here for a few seasons and this did not disappoint the spectators.”

Soap took the early initiative when Luke Walker sent Nathan Taylor clear and he released the ball back to Walker, who raced over for a try converted by skipper Reid.

The hosts hit back as Joey Brady finished off Gavin Rodden’s break, with Danny Fallon converting.

It remained all-square until just after half time when Rodden went from provider to scorer after linking up with Gary McMahon.

Judes sensed the chance to extend their lead but as they probed, Walker snaffled the chance of an interception and he raced home from 80 metres to level matters at 10-10.

McMahon kicked a drop goal to take the hosts back in front before Daniel Munt scored from range to give his side a five-point lead with 10 minutes left.

Soap pressed and it looked to have paid off in the final minute when Turton dummied his way over the line to give Reid a chance to win it with the conversion.

His effort was close but not close enough as Crosfields bowed out.