THATTO Heath Crusaders cemented their place at the top of National Conference Division One as they eased to a 46-8 victory over Oulton Raiders at Hattons Solicitors Crusader Park on Saturday (June 11).

Despite falling 4-0 behind early in the first half to Greg Colbridge's unconverted score and again at 8-4 when Harry Grayshon hauled in a neat crossfield kick to touch down for the visitors, Heath responded well to take a 14-point lead into the break. Louis Taylor's interception effort split the two Raiders scores before Jack Jones' show and go was added to by Nathan Ashurst's scoot from dummy half and Taylor's second of the game before the end of the first half. All but Taylor's first effort were goaled by Shaun Quinn to give the table toppers a 22-8 half-time advantage.

Sean Leicester had been sin-binned for dissent in that first half but returned to grab a second half brace of his own. Dave Sutton and Niall Allen completed the try-scoring for the hosts, while Quinn kicked seven of his eight conversion attempts.

Men of the match, sponsored by Hesketh Media & Photography were Crusaders scrum-half Chris Frodsham and Raiders hooker Joe Hawley.