West Hull 8 Thatto Heath 28 (From St Helens Star)

West Hull 8 Thatto Heath 28

11:48am Thursday 4th October 2012 in Sport

THATTO secured second spot in the Hattons Solicitors National Conference League Premier Division with a stunning win on Humberside last Saturday.

The Crusaders showed their intent from the first whistle and were first to cross the whitewash in the opening exchanges.

Scrum-half Jack Jones spotted an overlap on Wests' right-hand-side, and his long pass was met by centre David Hull, who grabbed his first of the game.

Sean Quinn's conversion attempt was successful.

But it didn't take long for the home side to respond after a period of sustained pressure in the Crusaders’ quarter.

Lee Williams and James Garmston combined to send Matty Plummer tantalisingly close to the line.

A quick play-the-ball saw the ball spun out wide to Dean Thompson, who sent Chris Whinn racing in at the corner. Hewitt failed to add the extras.

Just as it looked like the momentum had swung the home side’s way, they gave a penalty away from the re-start and Thatto marched up the opposite end for Hull to register his second.

Quinn missed with his attempt at goal, but their lead was extended when Darren Woods bulldozed his way over from close range.

The visitors looked to be heading into half-time 16-4 up, but with a minute remaining, Lewis Jackson charged over to get his side back in the game.

Handling mistakes and ill-discipline were Wests' downfall in the second half as Tom Radley's knock-on led to Keiron Maddocks darting over just after the break.

Both sides were then locked in an arm wrestle as Wests tried to claw their way back but superb Thatto defence kept a persistent Hull attack at bay giving them only a few fleeting opportunities throughout the second period.

But all the home side’s efforts were in vain, and with 10 minutes to go James Clarke crashed over to punish a defensive lapse and put the game out of reach, Quinn who was Thatto’s Man of the Match converting for a 28-8 victory.

So with only three games remaining in the regular season, Thatto will visit Humberside again next week when they take on top of the table side Myton Warriors. (Kick off 1pm due to the Grand Final)