THE return of amateur rugby league following a two-week break saw Crosfields continue their fine start to the National Conference League season.

And with the weather starting to improve, head coach Rob Campbell believes their strengths are starting to show.

Neighbours Clock Face Miners were beaten 34-10 at Hood Lane on Saturday as Soap affirmed their status as principal challengers to unbeaten Division One leaders Dewsbury Moor Maroons.

Their seven tries were scored by as many different players as Alex Clutterbuck, Tom Millington, Aaron Holliday, Sam Worrall, Tom Smith, Luke Walker and Corey Lee all touched down.

“The pitches are firming up a little now, so our expansive passing game is coming to the fore,” Campbell said.

“We knew they would come motivated, and they certainly pressed us in the first 40, but we were too strong for them in the middle and our backs enjoyed the spaces we created.

“Other than a few silly penalties, we were composed and professional and again, all four of our props in particular were solid.”

Soap are at home again on Saturday as they host Wigan St Patricks.

Meanwhile, Woolston Rovers’ difficult run of form continued – their defeat at Waterhead Warriors on Saturday was their fourth in succession.

And despite being kept off the scoreboard in a 30-0 defeat and having finished the game with just 11 players on the field, head coach Liam Lawton insists the result could have been different had “a little bit more luck” gone their way.

Rovers trailed 6-0 at the break and having enjoyed periods of pressure as Waterhead had two players sin-binned, they could not find their way through.

The hosts then pulled away after the break while Woolston had three players sin-binned late in the game – Ryan Brown was yellow-carded for a swinging arm while Adam Files and Dec Leonard followed him for dissent.

“I cannot fault the lads, they gave their all,” Lawton said.

“The first half was very tight and with a little bit more luck we could have got our noses in front, but the second half saw an excellent Waterhead side pull clear and claim the win.

“We will dust ourselves down and get ready for our next game at Clock Face Miners.”