Heworth 26

Crosfields 28

CROSFIELDS prepared for their GMB Union National Cup semi-final clash with Skirlaugh by registering their fifth straight win with a victory at Heworth on Saturday.

But they had to do it the hard way, as a York-based Heworth outfit raced into a 10-0 lead inside the first 10 minutes of the National Conference Division Two tussle.

Crosfields, who seemed to lack the sharpness displayed in previous games, reduced the deficit when Jimmy Williams went over for a try that he converted himself.

However, the home side touched down again and, although Williams' grubber set up Dave Pennington for a try, two Heworth penalties left Crosfields 20-10 behind.

Soap looked a more determined side after the interval, and came storming back when Williams rounded the Heworth full-back to score his second try of the game.

They were back within two points when good work from Williams, Russ Parkman and man of the match Terry Reid led to Ian Lucas crossing.

Heworth lost a player to the sin-bin after a professional foul, and Crosfields capitalised almost immediately with a converted try from Greg Pickett.

Williams then completed his hat-trick before Heworth grabbed a consolation try at the death.

Crosfields: Kris Buckley; Phil Bannon, Russ Parkman, Dave Pennington, Ian Lucas; Jimmy Williams, Richard Hough; Terry Reid, Eddie Bannon, Dave Lucas, Dave Boden, Craig Noone, Greg Pickett. Subs: Neil Savage, Mike Brown, Mike Pennington, Tony Parker.

Crosfields' cup match at Skirlaugh kicks off at 2pm on Saturday. The coach leaves at 10.30am.