THATTO Heath Crusaders A are champions of the North West Men’s League Premier Division for a second successive season after winning Saturday’s play off final against Orrell St. James 26-12.

After finishing the regular season in third place, the Crusaders went into Saturday’s Final as underdogs after Orrell St. James finished as minor premiers.

After a strong start from Heath’s pack, Tom Rigby’s grubber kick was pounced on by Shaun Quinn for the opening try, which the latter duly converted.

Paddy Flynn added another try with a barnstorming run and Shaun Quinn added the extras.

Orrell got back into the game with a converted try, before a Bobbie Goulding drop goal and Shaun Quinn penalty gave Heath a 15-6 lead going into the break.

With Orrell down to 12 men in the opening minutes of the second half, a superb break and outrageous offload from Ben Heyes was collected by Ryan Heaton, who found Matty Cook for the try; Shaun Quinn added the extras.

Ben Heyes then got on the end of a fumbled Tom Rigby grubber kick for a try. Orrell scored a fine converted try to give them hope, before Bobbie Goulding’s drop kick sealed the victory for Heath.

The man of the match award went to Tom Rigby.

Thatto Heath Crusaders B created history on Sunday when they became the first B team to win a North West Men’s League title. Having already lifted the Division 5 minor premiership and NWML Shield Final, the Bees added the Division 5 championship with a 56-10 victory over New Spring Lions.

Heath’s tries were scored by Charlie Taylor (3) Bobby Cook

Darren Woods, Aaron Dancer, Chris Hull, Liam Knowles, Mike Stanley and Loui Pauls, with Charlie Taylor added seven goals and landing the Man of the Match award.