THATTO Heath Crusaders A created history on Saturday night as they won the North West Men's League Premier Division Grand Final 26-12 against Orrell St. James at Ruskin Drive Sports Ground, and in doing so became the first A team to ever qualify for the Challenge Cup.

Thatto Heath took an early lead when Sean Leicester won the race to Tom Rigby's grubber kick, the conversion was missed, but Heath had a 4-0 lead.

Heath were behind on the scoreboard when they conceded a converted try in the 10th minute. However the Crusaders roared back firstly when Tom Rigby's cross kick was plucked from the sky by Aaron Dancer and then when Shaun Quinn knocked off three would-be defenders to score, Quinn converted the latter and Heath had a 14-6 lead with 20 minutes played.

Tom Rigby's pass then got Corey Lee into space and his offload was caught by Dave Hull who finished well in the corner for an unconverted try.

With the first half scoring complete, Heath had an 18-6 lead at the break.

Orrell were quick out of the traps in the second half and scored a fine converted try shortly after the restart, to reduce Heath's lead to 18-12.

The crucial moment of the 2nd period came when a great tackle from Shaun Quinn caused the Orrell full back to spill a Tom Rigby bomb, and Aaron Dancer picked up the loose ball to score, Shaun Quinn converted and Heath had a 24-12 lead with 15 minutes to play.

The game was sealed when Shaun Quinn kicked a penalty with five minutes to play and Heath had won the game 26-12 to retiring captain Dave Hull the perfect send off present. The Man of the Match award went to Tom Rigby.