A quick start from Orrell St James ultimately helped the hosts get the better of visiting Crosfields in Thursday evening's stand alone game in the NCRL's North West Conference.
Orrell blasted over for three quality tries in the first twenty minutes, but after the first hydration break, Crosfields were full of commitment and endeavor, frustrating the table toppers for long spells and even closing the score to 16-6 to shake them to their core.
The game was barely three minutes in when Orrell St James swept downfield for their first try. Adam Lavin charged down the left and found an offload to flying centre Callum Taylor and his pass inside was on the money for Jack McHugh to go under the posts. Brad Calland hit the first of four goals.
St James doubled their advantage in the 10th minute when second row Brad Gallagher got past a couple of challenges to cross on the right and Calland goaled again. Then when Charlie Berry applied a superb finish in the corner even the most enthusiast Crosfields supporter must have feared the worst.
However, the Warrington team battled back with an excellent second quarter that saw them enjoy more possession. The kicking of halfback Morgan Williams posed a couple of problems while fullback Ben Lomax was busy in attack and Tom Brown excelled in the middles alongside Leon Strettle. St James moved close again as half-time beckoned but they gave an obstruction penalty away and it was a 16-0 advantage at the break.
Into the second half and Crosfields continued their defiance. Taylor Boyne competed hard for a grubber kick and was unlucky not to ground as Orrell shuffled the ball dead.
The visitors never say die attitude was rewarded on the hour as Jack Williams surged over from close range, evading Sam Lewis in the process. Sam Hickey converted. Orrell's fourth try came when McHugh appeared to bounce the ball over the line, but referee Alan Billington was in an excellent position and awarded the halfback his second score.
Calland goaled and the host's made sure of their 10th win of the season when sprightly work from dummy half brought a score for Harry Mosley. Calland completed his goal haul but there was still time near the end for Crosfields to claim deserved consolation when Elliot Bridge-Budgen crowned a rare Crosfields appearance with a try under the posts and Hickey added his second goal to close out the game.
Crosfields remain 5th with fourth placed Saddleworth Rangers and sixth placed Clock Face Miners having games in hand.
Full-time: Orrell St James 28 Crosfields 12
By Dave Parkinson
Photo Credit: 12 Pro AM Community RL
