Crosfields collected their second win in their last two outings, meaning the Warrington side can now begin to dream of what looked to be an unlikely play-off berth a couple of weeks ago in Division One.
This was certainly a game of two halves with Crosfields gaining control after Ince Rose Bridge had made a sparkling start to this Friday evening encounter. Excellent hands to the right released Ben Holcroft and he was able to dive in at the corner with Rob Valentine booting a brilliant conversion.
Crosfields responded in the 12th minute when Jack Fox added a strong finish to good approach work from Ben Steele, Alex Clutterbuck and Corey Lee. Brad Stanway missed the conversion and his next effort on goal after Aaron Holliday caught an improvised kick and Luke Walker raided from dummy half.
Rose Bridge again went to their right a couple of minutes later, but this time the last pass to Ben Holcroft was ruled forward.
Stanway's field kicking forced a drop-out for Crosfields and winger Tom Smith was able to go over after excellent play from Steele and Lee.
Then Corsfields did well to put the hosts in touch and scored a fourth try in the next set as outstanding prop Tom Millington strode through from close range and Stanway's second goal made it 6-20.
There was more cheer for Crosfields four minutes later when Steele shot through a hole in the defence from ten metres and Stanway's third goal made it 26-6.
Three minutes from half-time, Ince Rose Bridge broke away and fullback Pete Valentine was favourite to score only for Luke Walker to haul him down to ensure a comfortable lead for the visitors.
If the first half belonged to Crosfields, then the second was all Ince Rose Bridge. Three tries in six minutes turned the contest on its head. Andy Collier started the fightback in the 44th minute with Robbie Valentine converting before the inspirational loose forward crossed for a try of his own two minutes later for Matt Gaskell to goal. Then with Crosfields reeling, young forward Kallem Rodgers blasted over on the right to make the score 22-26.
Crosfields were rocking and did well to regain their composure when Sam Worrall turned over the ball on the Rose Bridge line after 61 minutes. Ince thought they had claimed an equalising try three minutes later but John Holcroft saw the effort disallowed due to a forward pass from Rob Valentine.
A rare raid from Crosfields bought them breathing space and on the back of excellent carries from Millington and Joe Clarke, Walker challenged Ince only for them to give away a high tackle. Stanway pointed to the posts and added his fourth goal to make it 22-28.
There was more late drama when Kieron Eccleston's kick appeared to be taken by Jack Morrison over the line but the effort was disallowed and Crosfields collected their 6th win of the season.
Elsewhere in Division One this week Stanningley won on the road at Skirlaugh, Heworth accounted for Pilkington Recs, Oulton Raiders won handsomely against Thornhill Trojans and Egremont Rangers enjoyed a big win over Clock Face Miners.
In the Premier Division York Acorn strengthened their play-off claims with a big win over Lock Lane, relegation-threatened Siddal claimed an important win over Thatto Heath Crusaders, Leigh Miners Rangers also won at home to Wigan St Pats while West Hull were victorious at Kells and Wath Brow Hornets topped fifty points at Hull Dockers. League leaders Hunslet ARLFC were given a battle at home before eventually getting over Rochdale Mayfield.
There were close wins for Woolston Rovers over Dewsbury Celtic and Shaw Cross Sharks at East Leeds in Division Two while leaders Waterhead Warriors enjoyed victory at Barrow Island, and Saddleworth Rangers collected an important home win against Wigan St Judes. Normaton Knights had a hard-fought win over Milford and second-placed Dewsbury Moor Maroons were successful at Myton Warriors.
All top four clubs in Division Three won again with the promotion battle set to go down to the wire. Oldham St Annes accounted for Drighlington, Leigh East beat bottom-of-the-table Seaton Rangers, Millom won at Hensingham and Ellenborough Rangers were too good for Eastmoor Dragons. In mid-table there was a good win for Bentley over Beverley.
Words: Dave Parkinson
Photo: Mike Boden
