PREMIER DIVISION
By PHIL HODGSON
JORDAN GALE led the way as reigning NCL champions HUNSLET AMATEURS edged a closely-fought game at THATTO HEATH CRUSADERS 17-16.
The South Leeds outfit were perhaps slightly more comfortable winners than the result might suggest, Thatto closing the scoring in the final minute with a try for Adam Hesketh, with Lewis Fairhurst landing his second goal.
That touchdown came, in reality, too late to influence the outcome, Gale having booted a field-goal a minute earlier.
Gale opened Hunslet’s account on the half-hour, converting his own try, before Dan McGahan crossed for the Heath on the cusp of half-time.
The St Helens side went in front ten minutes after the resumption, Fairhurst scuttling through and improving his own effort.