Thatto Heath Crusaders 24 Widnes St Maries 14 (after extra-time) Lancashire Cup semi-final PLAYING their third game in seven days, this could easily have been a game too far for Heath.

Instead they found themselves in a tie that would have graced the final.

After only two minutes St Maries scored a try through powerful forward Willie Tilleke who capitalised on a knock-on behind the Thatto line to barge his way over from the drop-out. Mark McKinnen converted.

Crusaders coach Gary Forber was forced to make early changes to the pack when prop Martin Horton had to withdraw injured and was replaced with veteran Paul Littler who had passed a last-minute fitness test.

Heath could have levelled almost immediately but the referee's whistle disallowed a try for winger Mike Woods.

It took a further 23 minutes for Heath to reply, with a well worked try for centre Carl Cooper after a break by stand-off Barry Ashall.

On the half hour mark they were level as Woods landed a penalty.

With the scored looking to be level at half time a last minute drop goal from Ian Dawson gave St Maries a 7-6 interval lead.

The second half was only a minute old when centre Carl Cooper again broke the St Maries line out wide and put through Mike Woods for his first try of the afternoon.

The tough contest continued with both sets of forwards working hard to set up position for their backs. The hard tackling boiled over in the 12th minute with St Maries being reduced to 12 men after prop Steve Prendergast was sin-binned for punching.

Heath capitalised on their numerical advantage and Mike Woods went over for his second after Cooper managed to break the St Maries line again, almost mirroring the first try of the half.

With time running out St Maries needed a bit of good luck, and on 30 minutes they got it when two Thatto defenders went up for the same ball and from the fumble centre Andy McDonnell raced in under the sticks to give McKinnon an easy conversion. Still leading by one point but out on their feet with exhaustion the Heath defence managed to snuff out two drop goal attempts. But with only 90 seconds left on the clock Ian Dawson repeated his feat from the first half and slotted over a drop to tie up the scores at 14 all and take the game into extra-time.

Despite looking the more tired of the two sides at the end of normal time Crusaders came out on fire for the extra 20 minutes and on five minutes of the first period centre Jamie Hill found the energy to score a brilliant individual try. He broke three tackles after receiving the ball on his own 20 he then rounded the St Maries full-back and raced in under the sticks. Woods added the two and St Maries were forced to try and come from behind again.

In the second period of extra time with St Maries committing everyone to attack Heath winger Mike Woods snatched his hat-trick and sealed the win with another score supplied by his centre Carl Cooper.

Heath now face Haydock in the final of the Lancashire Cup (date and venue to be announced).

Canter, Levin and Berg men of the match: Forwards; Paul Littler, backs; Mike Woods. Leigh Miners Rangers

under 15s 20

Crusaders 18

Crusaders paid the price for a below-par display. Their tries were scored by Kays Welding top tackler Kev Brown and Gaz Bowes (2). Man of the match Carl Forber kicked three penalties.

Orrell under 10s 4

Crusaders 34

Improving Crusaders produced another fine effort. Tries came from Shaun Forber (3), joint men-of-the-match Andrew Yates (2), Lee Gaskell (2), Martin Harper and Dave Brownbill. Conversions were added by Lee Gaskell, Ste Barton, Andrew Morris, Shaun Forber, Ryan Hannan, Martin Harper and Dave Brownbill. Top tacklers were Chima Maxwell and Ryan Hannan. Coaches awards went to Daniel Williamson and Adam Leonard.

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