Alliance Team Start in Style

Coach Ian Boden, had a selection quandary after Thursday's training session with 28 players available for the first home league game of the season against Fitton Hill.

With the NCL team flying high at the top of Division Two of the conference league and the Alliance team narrowly missing out on a win at a experienced Oldham Saint Anne's side on their last outing the side was itching to get out on to the park to show what they are capable of.

The Soap should have scored with their first attack of the game only for James Mercer to fumble in the corner. It didn't take long however to put that right as Danny Lee scored the first of his 3 tries with Sam Hickey converting. Boden's boys were enjoying themselves and revelling in the task at hand. They showed spells of great attacking play and strong defence, applying constant pressure that eventually told as Jordan Williams attacked on a great line to cross for the first of his brace of tries for the afternoon, again converted by Hickey.

A lapse in concentration allowed Fitton Hill to cross against the run of play with the conversion unsuccessful.

Soap got back to the grind with tries from Mitch Mcjay, and Ben kenwright giving Crosfields a commanding lead at half time of 24-4.

The second half was all Crosfields and for a 15 minute period just after half time the Soap men were ruthless in attack, scoring 3 tries with Fitton hill only touching the ball to restart the game. Great play and shape allowed Danny Lee to go over for his second. James Mercer was next to trouble the scorers sticking tight to his wing found by a great ball from Louis Walsh allowed him to squeeze over for his first try in 5 years. A barnstorming run from Tom Brown gave Crosfields good field position and man of the match Williams added his second.

Crosfields were then camped in their own 20 for a period but great defence kept the Oldham outfit out. A fantastic break from Danny Lee alleviated the pressure and capped his day with his hat trick try.

The visitors came back strong and again against the run of play managed to get an unconverted try on the scoresheet. Jordan Chilton was next to cross by the posts to celebrate his birthday weekend. Bailey Hartley converted 3 tries Sam Hickey converted 5 to run out convincing winners 52-8.

There is certainly a feel good factor around Crosfields at the moment, giving the team the confidence to take games like this in their stride. A promotion push for the two open age teams is the goal but it is very early days. Best for Soap were MOM Jordan Williams with second rower Mick Gimmel the best for the visitors.

Next the young Soap are at home to Wigan Bulldogs on the main pitch 2:30pm KO 1st April