Dyson-Sanderson hat-trick seals Newsome Panthers victory in NCRL's Cross Conference Play-Offs

Joe Dyson-Sanderson scored a hat-trick and kicked six goals as Newsome Panthers overcame a spirited Blackbrook comeback to claim a 36–22 Cross Conference Play-Off victory that takes them into the knock-out stages.

The visitors led 18–4 at half-time, but Blackbrook scored three converted tries to move 22–18 ahead with 19 minutes remaining. Newsome responded with 18 unanswered points of their own, with Dyson-Sanderson finishing with a personal haul of twenty-four.

Dyson-Sanderson opened the scoring after six minutes and converted his own try to give the Panthers a 6–0 lead. Harrison Dean replied for Blackbrook in the 15th minute, cutting the deficit to two points.

Newsome extended their advantage through Matt Shufflebotham on 25 minutes and Max Fleary six minutes later. Dyson-Sanderson converted both tries, sending the Panthers into the interval with a 14-point cushion.

Blackbrook turned the contest around after the restart. Leon Tatlock crossed in the 45th minute, with Dan Moss adding the conversion, before Luke Marsh followed five minutes later. Another Moss goal brought the hosts within two points at 16–18.

Dean’s second try, in the 61st minute, put Blackbrook ahead for the first time. Moss landed his third conversion to complete a run of 18 unanswered points and establish a 22–18 lead.

The advantage lasted only five minutes. Dyson-Sanderson’s second try levelled the scores, and his conversion edged Newsome back in front at 24–22. Sharpe then crossed in the 73rd minute, with another successful kick giving the visitors an eight-point lead.

Dyson-Sanderson completed his hat-trick two minutes from time and added his sixth conversion from six attempts to seal victory. Blackbrook’s second-half revival had put the outcome in doubt, but Newsome’s three late converted tries settled an eventful play-off.

Newsome now travel to Orrell St James in the Cross Conference Championship Quarter Finals.

Here are the full fixtures for the Championship and Shield with all games scheduled to kick off at 2:30 on Saturday 26th September:

Championship

Orrell St James v Newsome Panthers

Blackbrook v Keighley Albion

Saddleworth Rangers v Featherstone Lions

Ince Rose Bridge v Fryston Warriors

Shield

Ashton Bears v Woolston Rovers

Milford v Drighlington

Myton Warriors v Clock Face Miners

Kippax Welfare v Crosfields

Full-time: Blackbrook 22 Newsome Panthers 36

By Ste Beech

Photo Credit:13 Pro Am RL