Higginshaw 14 Thatto Heath Crusaders A 30

THIS was gruelling contest on a pitch far too small for Thatto's open style of rugby.

Higginshaw slotted over a penalty on two minutes and soon after opened up Heath's defence down the centre with a slick passing movement to score under the posts.

Heath hit back with some strong running from packmen Dave Donoghue and Phil Hayden and centre Wayne Jackman and Heath's pressure paid off with the Oldham men giving a penalty away in front of the posts. Jackman stepped up to kick the easy two.

On 30 minutes quick passing from right to left along Heath's line saw wingman Jason Gavin squeeze in at the corner.

Heath seemed well in control but were not able to convert their possession into more points until a minute before half time when Jackman cut through the defence from 20 metres out and rounded the full-back to score beneath the posts. Jackman converted. Ten minutes into the second half Crusaders centre Mark Hayton scored a fine individual try out of nothing from 40 metres out, showing great pace and flair to take the Oldham men on down the left hand wing to score.

A number of silly penalties from the Oldham outfit gave Jackman several kicking opportunities on this short pitch and he duly obliged.

Higginshaw hit back with a try down the right hand side but on 70 minutes hooker Jimmy Waterworth sealed the game's destination, forcing his way over the line from acting half-back.

The last 10 minutes of the game became very sloppy with the Oldham men showing their obvious frustration, much of which went unpunished by the referee.

Crusaders were best served by Hayden, Waterworth and second row Lee Gannon.