Thatto Heath Crusaders 30 Askam 24: THATTO Heath made it two out of two in the First Division of the National Conference at Red Rocks on Saturday with a victory over Cumbrian side Askam.

Heath were on fire from the start when winger Phil Glover crossed out wide after only four minutes when fast hands produced an overlap. Andy Benson was unable to convert but soon made up for his miss when he slotted over a penalty for off side only a few minutes later.

Despite having to make six changes to the side that won away at Redhill last week due to injuries, holidays and county duties, the Heath side were impressive to watch showing great speed and skill with the ball for long periods of the first half.

A try from Dave Lloyd who crossed under the sticks in a well worked move, converted by Benson and a second penalty, this time for a high tackle saw Heath go into the break with a fourteen points to nil lead.

When in the first minute of the second half substitute Geoff Williams crossed under the sticks after a great break by Chris Honey and was soon followed by a try from winger Mike Woods, both converted by Benson, the home crowd could be excused for thinking that at 26 - 0 it was all over.

But Askam suddenly got their game together and some canny play along with some mistakes from the Crusaders soon silenced the home spectators.

Three converted tries in twenty minutes, two coming from returns that went straight into touch, from scrum half Paul Jones, Ryan Carter and Mike Wilson all goaled by Neil Atkinson saw the Heath lead reduced to only eight points.

A superb try from man of the match Chris Honey steadied the ship and despite a last minute try by Askam second rower Mike Bolton, Heath had enough left in the tank to hold on for a fine win.

The close results of both of the Heath's opening games demonstrates the step up in class they have made on being promoted to the First Division, despite being unbeaten for what must surely be a record number of games in the National Conference, they will have to be on their toes to repeat the success of last season.

Men of the Match were Darren Blanchfield and Chris Honey.