THATTO Heath Crusaders had to come from behind to grab a 22-16 win against Kells at Crusader Park, writes Andrew Southward.

Whilst the comeback didn’t capture the eyes as much as the Lions versus the All Blacks or even St Helens' recent eight-minute escape against Salford, it shows they have the ability to win ugly.

The Home side could not have got off to a better start, a mistake by Kells gave Thatto the opportunity to strike instantaneously.

Dan Birkett, on his return to the side, attacked the right side and a delightful dummy allowed him to slice through the defence.

However, this wouldn’t deter the away side as they came storming back to score back-to-back tries. A similar set play executed on both sides of the field saw Reece O’Neil and Lewis Smith cross out wide.

Dom Wear would miss both conversions, meaning the scores were 4-8. He would find his range before half-time as he slotted a penalty goal to give his side a slight advantage at the break.

The second half came around and much like the first Thatto got off to a flyer. Chris Frodsham’s kick was miss-fielded by Kells and Brad Ashurst pounced on a loose ball to cross, locking the scores up following Bobbie Goulding’s conversion.

Yet the away side came back once again showing the resolve that has seen them beat teams such as West Hull and Skirlaugh this season.

Another sweeping move to the right and top scorer Reece O’Neil was in again. The referee double checked with his touch judge but the try stood, Kells took the lead at 16-10 and the pressure was on Thatto.

As the pressure built Thatto showed their prowess, producing a quick-fire double to win the match. First Matty Norton showed great desire to battle through the defence and lock up the scores.

Then came the game winner, Adam Hesketh crashed through the defence to break from fifty metres out, and in true half-back style Goulding followed up to go under the sticks.

Goulding rounded off the scoring with another conversion, taking his personal tally to ten points in a great personal performance that gained compliments from Head Coach Richard Owen.

“He did exactly what I asked and gained his reward, however next week we’ll need to execute a lot better”

Thatto Heath face the tough away trip to Wath Brow Hornets next weekend and despite showing they can win ugly, the side know a better performance will be needed.