Thatto Heath Crusaders 35 Milford Marlins 18

HEATH resumed after a three-week lay-off and stayed on course for the National Conference League Division Two title.

The home side opened the scoring on 11 minutes when Conference top scorer Mike Woods went in at the corner for a try and a minute later full-back Wayne Jackman added a penalty.

But the Leeds-based Marlins hit back and scored a well-worked try through stand-off Andy Moran.

After a drop goal from Heath stand-off Barry Ashall, Mike Woods went over for his second try after a neat exchange of passes with his centre Anthony Marsh.

Milford again refused to lie down and winger Micky Moran took advantage of a loose ball to score out on the left. But just before half-time Woods and Marsh combined again to put Jackman under the sticks and his conversion made it 17-8 to Heath at the break.

Milford again reduced the deficit early in the second half with a try by hooker Mark Massey.

But the turning point of the game came on the hour mark when Heath loose-forward Chris Honey broke from half-way and outpaced the defence to score.

This opened the floodgates and further tries followed from Mark Hayton, Neil Prescott and Phil Glover, with Jackman adding one conversion.

David Bray scored a late consolation for Milford.