CROSFIELDS have set their sights on promotion from National Conference League Division Two this season.

With a settled and spirited camp being boosted by the return of prop forward Andy Pucill from the professional ranks there is great hope at Crosfields Rec in Hood Lane.

Peter Cannon, son of the former Wire star, is set for another big campaign from the loose forward berth after his honours last term of Soap's player of the year and runner-up Division Two player of the year.

And a fine season is expected from BARLA Under 18s international Dave Mather too when the back rower returns from his commitments with Halifax Blue Sox's Alliance side. There are more good youngsters coming through Gary Chambers and Chris Rudd's u18s team.

Mather will not be available for Saturday's opening game at home to Blackbrook, kick-off 2.30pm, and neither will holiday makers Pucill or coach Terry Reid.

Hooker Carl Porter, the club captain, will be taking charge of the side and secretary Martin Price says it is not a problem.

Price adds: "The team picks itself. We're hoping to get off to a great start and we'll be very disappointed if we don't gain promotion this year.

"Thatto Heath, who are going to be having their first year in the Conference, will be the main contenders because they are very experienced with 80 per cent ex-professionals in their ranks."

Wayne Lawton and Mark Hickey will be running the second team for 2000/01 while Bob Eccles has returned to the club to coach Crosfields Falcons U16s with Bob Jack.

Another ex-Wire pro, Jimmy Fairhurst, will be in charge of Crosfields Storm U16s.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.