York Acorn and Thatto Heath seal final spots in Challenge Cup second round

A SUPERB try-saving tackle by Mason Phillips on Tom Hart helped book THATTO HEATH CRUSADERS a second-round tie at Championship side Halifax Panthers with a 28-24 victory.

In a Sunday clash streamed live by The Sportsman, ORRELL ST JAMES’ Tom Hart looked a likely scorer when, with only a couple of minutes remaining, he pulled off an interception and raced away from his own line, only for Phillips to sensationally make up ground and deny the flier a try which would have brought the Saints level – with the conversion attempt to come.

The NCL Premiers were, in the end, glad to hear the final whistle in a repeat of last year’s BARLA National Cup final in which Thatto beat their North West Men’s League opponents 24-8.

The Crusaders had looked, on 64 minutes, like cantering to victory, a Keane Gilford brace and tries for former Orrell man Kye Siyani, Adam Saunders and Oliver Owens helping establish – with two goals each by Ryan Houghton and Sean Leicester – what looked like an unassailable 28-6 lead.

But Orrell, who had previously been limited to a Sam Lewis try, roared back with three unanswered tries in a ten-minute blitz.

Callum Taylor, Scott Taylor and Lewis – again – all dotted down, with Brad Calland completing a four-goal contribution.

Thatto, however, held out – thanks to Phillips.

NCL Premiers YORK ACORN will host Division One side Oulton after beating GB POLICE 52-4 at Portico Panthers, St Helens.

Ben Husband scored a hat-trick and there were two tries each for Clayton Shepherdson and Josh Thompson.

Jack Green, Josh Parker and George Hunt grabbed the remaining touchdowns and Nathan Conroy kicked six goals.

Acorn were 32-0 up when Josh Tate crossed for the Police midway through the second half. Will Martin (Police) and Elliott Bulmer (Acorn) were yellow carded following a skirmish.