THEY had to dig very deep, but Crosfields’ unbeaten start to Dave Boden’s reign continues.

There was golden-point drama at Hood Lane as Soap and Rochdale Mayfield finished deadlocked after 80 minutes.

However, John Whittaker’s winning try in extra time secured a 30-26 victory for the hosts and a hat-trick for himself.

“Rochdale are a quality young side – they were big, tough and fast, which makes the win even more precious,” Boden said.

“I genuinely did not realise there was golden point, and my boys looked on their last legs to be honest but were confident for the win, especially after Luke Walker’s try-saver at the start of GP.

“We pounced on an error and we were very clinical with ball in hand.

“Trigger started the scoring and deservedly ended it and bagged himself a hat-trick on the day.

“Our forwards again excelled, we contained their big lads and the backs took their chances.

“This season seems to be bringing out the best in our young players, with Aaron Halliday having his best game for Soap to date and the ever-improving Brad Stanway is attacking the line more and taking us forward.”

Meanwhile, Latchford Albion ended Haresfinch’s unbeaten start to the campaign with a 40-10 victory on the road.

Matty Nash crossed twice, with further scores coming from Matty Rudd, Danny Brown, Ben Harper, Charlie McCurrie and Jack Probert.

“This was a fantastic team effort where we were clinical at the critical stages of the game,” head coach Martyn Ellis said.

“To come and play a side who have won all seven of their games so far and put in a performance like that just shows what we are capable of.

“We came with a game plan and the execution of this allowed us the opportunity to play some good rugby, and we fully deserved this victory.”

Woolston Rovers A were 36-20 winners at Chester Gladiators, with Wil Maudsley and Kieran Jones both crossing twice.

Liam Sullivan, Eugene Westenraad and Sam Wood also crossed for the Green and Golds as they picked up a fourth win in a row.

“I am absolutely delighted with the performance once again,” head coach Liam Lawton said.

“We really took control in the first half and although Chester came back at us in the second half, we were able to manage the situation really well to ensure we came away with another win.

“We had several players unavailable but the strength of our squad this year shone through as the lads who came in did a great job.

“We now have a couple of weeks’ break that will help us to get over some bumps and bruises and get ready for the second half of the season.”

Burtonwood Bridge were 36-22 winners at Higginshaw while Burtonwood Chargers thrashed Bolton Mets 42-14.

Saturday’s fixtures (2.30pm kick off unless stated):

National Conference League:

League C: Waterhead Warriors vs Crosfields, Woolston Rovers vs Clock Face Miners

North West Men’s League:

Division One: Latchford Albion vs Ulverston

Division Three: Chester Gladiators vs Culcheth Eagles, Crosfields A vs Roose Pioneers

Division Four: West Bank Bears A vs Burtonwood Bridge