Crosfields 14 Egremont Rangers 30.

PHIL Berry returned to rugby league with Crosfields on Saturday but was unable to help Soap record victory against Cumbrians Egremont Rangers in rugby league's National Conference Division Two.

Berry was a promising 19-year-old winger in Warrington Wolves' Super League squad two years ago but was suspended and subsequently released by Warrington Wolves after a positive drugs test led to a two-year ban, which ended in December.

He has joined Crosfields to put himself in the shop window in the search for a new professional contract.

His break from Jimmy Williams' pass led to Craig Harris putting Crosfields 10-6 ahead after 30 minutes but two Egremont tries before half time handed the Cumbrians an advantage they never lost.

Two minutes into the second half, Berry's appeal to the touch judge following a punch to the mouth was rewarded with a spell in the sin bin during which time Egremont marched to a 24-10 lead with two further tries.

Crosfields increased the tempo with a Smith try reducing the arrears to 24-14.

A few minutes later, swift hands saw the ball move to the right where the backs combined to send Russ Parkman over on his return to the club.

Play was brought back with the touch judge spotting a knock on and Mike Redmond questioned the decision, which was reported to the referee, leading to Redmond being sent off.

That effectively killed off Crosfields' fightback and Egremont scored another converted try in the final seconds.

The returning Parkman, Berry and John Pickersgill showed good touches and good strength, despite lack of match practice, while Craig Noone grafted throughout but it was Matty Pitt who picked up the Crosfields man of the match award.