THE best two best sides in the North West Counties Youth who had met nine days earlier with Judes edging it by two points, but Thatto Heath Crusaders triumphed in this final 34-18, condemning St Judes to bridesmaids for the fifth consecutive final.

The lead changed hands seven times before the St Helens side ran out winners, with their fullback Charlie Taylor going over for a quartet of tries.

St Judes went 2-0 ahead from a Ben Fisher penalty before winger Louis Heyes took a magnificent crossfield to storm down line and go under the posts for a try converted Jamie Morris. St Judes levelled it up when prop Robbie Horton scored in the corner.

Full back Taylor dummied scooted over for his opener before St Judes forward Declan Hidden’s six pointer but on the stroke of the break Crusaders centre Joe Critchley’s converted try made 16-12 in their favour.

The lead again changed twice as Hidden’s second converted try gave them a two point buffer before Taylor’s restored his sides four advantage.

St Judes sub Jack Barnes had try disallowed for knock on before the Crusaders clinched the final with two later Taylor tries to complete his foursome to the delight of his side and the supporters.

THATTO HEATH CRUSADERS: 18 Charlie Taylor, 2. Brandon O’Neale, 12. Joe Critchley, 4. Joe Charnley, 5. Louis Heyes, Ben Heyes, 21. Connor Foster, 16. Adam Carr, 7. Jamie Morris, 18 Ross Healey, 13. Sam Favell, 11. Joe Ecclestone, 22. Chris Hull. Subs: 9. Joe Heaton, 20. Danny Edwards, 10. Bobby Cook, 14. Liam Ashurst.

WIGAN ST JUDES: 1. Lewis Melling, 2. Aaron O’Donnell, 3. Matthew Johnson, 4. Mitchell Davies, Matthew Langhorne, 7. Ben Fisher, 6. Jack Mills, 8. Gary McMahon, 13. Sam Makin, 11. Leon Harber, 12. Declan Hidden, 10. Robbie Horton. Subs: 14. Lewis Smith, 20. Adam Ford, 16. Lewis Belshaw, 17. Jack Barnes.

MOM Charlie Taylor, Thatto Heath Crusaders