Thatto Heath 25 Wigan St Pats 16
LAST season's Conference top try scorer Mike Woods ensured that Thatto made a winning start to life in the Premier Division with a superb hat trick at their new Moss Lane home on Saturday.
Woods grabbed 40 tries last season and looks set to continue where he left off as Heath showed that they are ready to make an impact on the top flight.
St Pat's took the lead on eight minutes through an Anthony Atherton penalty.
But six minutes later man of the match Darren Mitchell put through powerful prop Dave Smith who burst through the Wigan defence to score under the sticks. Woods converted.
Thatto only had a few moments to relish their lead as St Pat's loose forward Mel Alker put winger Neil Parr away in the corner and Atherton added the two.
When Atherton landed his second penalty a few minutes later the visitors had a 10 points to 6 lead.
On the half hour another rampaging run from Smith set up field position for Woods to grab his first to level the scores. Just before half time a stray pass from Pat's winger Parr bobbled into the in goal area and Thatto stand off Stu Millet pounced to score near the sticks. Replacement Ste Dudley converted.
Woods got his second on 49 minutes from a set move and despite Pats closing the gap with a try for David Hales, goaled by Carl Jones, the home side never looked in the mood to concede their lead.
Stand off Millett dropped a goal before Woods sealed his hat trick when he showed great strength and determination to score in the corner.
Pictures from this match will be featured in September's This is Rugby League magazine.
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