Thatto Heath Crusaders booked their place in Round Two of the BARLA National Cup with a hard-earned win over Yorkshire Conference A side Moldgreen, but only sealed the result in the closing stages of a fiercely competitive contest. Scrum-half Ryan Houghton proved decisive, finishing with two tries and four goals, including a late effort that finally put the game beyond the hosts.
The bank holiday fixture meant both teams were without some of their star performers but they turned out a cracker in front of an appreciative crowd.
Thatto made a bright start and struck twice inside the opening quarter. Adam Saunders powered over on the right edge after 11 minutes and repeated the feat four minutes later with another strong finish. Houghton added the second conversion to give the visitors a 0-10 lead.
Despite Thatto’s early control, Moldgreen responded well. With Ryan Butterworth, Dan Lloyd and Matty Hanley leading the way, the hosts began to find some rhythm and reduced the deficit after 28 minutes. Stand-off George Collins spotted the smallest of gaps and darted through to score by the posts, adding the conversion to make it 6-10.
Thatto hit back quickly to restore their advantage. Houghton stepped through the defensive line and showed good pace to go over for his first try, stretching the lead to ten points once more. The visitors ended the half on the front foot but couldn’t add further points, taking a 6-16 lead into the break.
Moldgreen came out with real intent in the second half and were quickly back in the contest. Butterworth broke through the middle and, just as he was about to be caught, found Hanley in support to finish from twenty-five metres. Collins converted to close the gap to 12-16.
The hosts enjoyed their best spell at this point, but Thatto’s defence held firm under pressure. That resilience proved crucial as the visitors then struck with two tries in quick succession to regain control.
On the hour mark, Lewis Foster combined to release Chris Clayton, who burst through the line to score under the posts. Houghton converted to make it 12-22. Soon after, Ryan Forshaw’s lofted pass to the right found Adam Tuby, who finished well in the corner to extend the lead to 12-26.
Moldgreen refused to fold and set up a tense finish. With seven minutes remaining, sharp play on the left created space for Solomon Tutin to cross, although the conversion was missed.
The hosts continued to press and struck again in the 78th minute when the impressive Hanley forced his way over for his second try. Collins added his third goal to reduce the deficit to 22-26 and suddenly the game was back in the balance.
But just as Moldgreen looked capable of completing the comeback, Thatto produced the decisive moment. In the final minute Houghton darted from dummy half, broke through a tired defensive line and raced forty-five metres to score. He added the conversion to complete a sixteen-point personal haul and secure Thatto Heath Crusaders’ place in the next round, where they will travel to Millom in three weeks' time.
Full-time: Moldgreen 22 Thatto Heath Crusaders 32
Date: Saturday 2 May
By Dave Parkinson
Photo Credit: 13 Pro-Am Community RL
