LATCHFORD Albion Giants ended their NWML group phase with a hard fought 30-20 home victory over table toppers Thatto Heath Crusaders A
Despite it being their first game for a few weeks, the hosts started quickly and opened the scoring with a River Cole try converted by Dave Manfredi.
Thatto levelled the score shortly after with a converted try, but Albion regained the lead when Liam Sullivan sliced his way through the visitors defence, Manfredi again converting.
Thatto scored again just before half time but crucially the conversion was missed giving Latchford a slight 12-10 advantage at the break.
As with the first half it was the hosts who made the brighter start and quickly extended their lead when Ashton Lewis raced in out wide, Manfredi adding the difficult conversion.
As per the trend of the game Thatto responded with a converted try but Damola Lola (pictured) capped off an outstanding debut by barging his way over to maintain the hosts advantage.
On 70 minutes Thatto crossed again and with the score now at 24-20 the game was right back in the balance.
Fortunately the final try came the way of the Giants when Liam Sullivan crossed for his second try of the afternoon with Manfredi keeping his 100 per cent success rate from the boot by adding the conversion and sealing a great victory.
This Saturday sees a return to league action when Latchford travel to face Saddleworth.
