Rugby League: Albion victory ropm

Changes due to injury and work had been made to last week's line up.

On a large wide field that was just right for open play, Crosfields opened well, moving the ball from wing to wing in their first attack, but Albion held firm and a good kick out of defence relieved the pressure. But in Crosfield's next attack a high kick had Albion under pressure again and they were relieved just to kick the ball out of play.

The drop out from under the posts went no further that 15 metres and Crosfields Dave Gibbons raced back in for a try. The kick at goal went wide much to Albion's relief but after seven minutes Albion were four points behind. Not to be outdone Albion powered upfield and in the second set of six tackles Dean Brookes dived in from acting half-back for a try that was not converted but the scores were level at fourpoints each after 10 minutes.

Brookes followed up with his second try wide of the posts and this time made no mistake with the conversion to put Albion 10-4 up.

Both teams were playing open rugby and Crosfields put themselves back in the game when fullback Russ Parkman went in for a try wide out the goal attempt went wide giving a score line of 8 points to10 in Albion's favour. Albion suffered a set back when captain John Gwilliam had to leave the field injured and took no further part in the game. Substitute Simon Kelk taking his place and was soon in the thick of the action as Albion pushed forward. A knock on by a Crosfields player in the 20 metre area saw Simon Kelk take the play down the short side before passing to Rob Bailey who went in at the corner for a well taken try. There was no goal from the touch line but Albion had increaced their lead by 8points to 14 this was the final score of the half as from the kick off the ref blew for half time

Albion opened the second period as they had finished the first taking the game to Crosfields and a middle break by substitute Craig Livock took play into their opponents 20 metre area. From the resulting play the ball Simon Marsden stormed in for an try to increase Albion's lead, no goal from the try and the score read 8 points to 18 in Albion's favour. Albions defence was strong as Crosfields came back and had a player held on his back over the try line, from the scrum Albion held them out for a further 12 tackles and following the hand over Albion's Adam Lilly and Gary Boocock took play into the home teams half. Simon Kelk's angled running was creating havoc in their defence.

On the last tackle Bobby Brown popped up to drop a goal to edge Albion further in front at 8 points to 19. Play was fast and furious with neither team wanting to lose control of the game but Bobby Brown struck again with another drop goal to increase Albion's lead by a point at 8 points to 20. But Albion's victory was sealed in the 71st minute when Craig Livock broke from midfield to go 30 metres before handing on to Bobby Brown who went in under the posts. Dean Brookes converted to give Albion a 8 points to 26 lead.

Crosfields worked hard but to no avail as Albion stood firm under pressure and it was not until the last minute before Dave Gibbons sneaked in for a try under the posts, this was converted by Andy Holdroyd to give a score line of Crosflields 14 points to 26. From the kick off Albion kept the ball until the final whistle.

Albion had inflicted the home side with their first home defeat of the season, was it coincidence that Crosfields were the only league team to win at Crossflatts? In real terms this was probably Albion best away result of their Conference league campaign. Whilst Simon Kelk, Bobby Brown and Dean Brookes stood out for Albion all the 17 players on show could have taken the man of the match award. With team spirit and confidence Albion now face New Earswick All Blacks next Saturday at Crossflatts 2.00 kick off.

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