Crigglestone 38   Greetland 34
 
With the classic statement of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory hanging in their minds, Crigg were grateful to    leave the field with the spoils to start 2007 in victory mode after shaking of the vestiges of Christmas turkey.

Two hugely contrasting halves saw Crigg and Greetland exchanging tries with goal kicks the final difference. The visitors opened the scores in a third minute attack which saw Martyn Tilfords attempted tackle of the scrum half leave him injured and leaving the field for the game with a serious shoulder injury, this was Greetlands only score of the half. The home side kicked into gear and Kev Marson had a disallowed try before later breaking clear to send in the supporting Tom Andrews, Tom Malyan converting.

A break on 16 minutes by Martin Brooks saw MickWood cross for the second. Crigg then relaxed and showed early season form with slick handling but resolute defence holding out twice. The defence was broken when DaleTilford made a barnstorming run with Ryan Horsley and Malyan combining to send in Damian Horsley. Adam Hyman then got his name on the sheet and with D.Horsley first feeding Malyan in the 38th minute, Malyan's conversion closed the half 28-4.

The game of two halves saw a complete reversal of fortunes. Crigg opened the pressure but spilled the ball near the visitors line. From the play, Greetland broke clear and went 90 yards to cross and started to build a head of steam. Crigg did respond when much improved prop Tilford went 60 yards before selling a dummy to round the full back to score.

This however was the start of a near amazing come back. With substitutions seeming to affect the balance and confidence of the home side, Greetland ran in three more tries in a ten minute spell bringing the scores ever closer and with fifteen to go, the speccies were sweating. Matters started to get tasty and the referee gave out a warning to the visitors after Crigg's Hyman left the field minus teeth after illegal use of the head. Greetlands big prop, Adam Greenwood was then dispatched to the sin bin for a head butt which proved to be expensive.

Things calmed when D.Horsley chipped the defence to regather and send in brother Ryan for the home side's last score. The visitors were not to be out done and crossed twice before the welcome sound of the final whistle.

Crigg continue a home run of fixtures with visitors Illingworth on Saturday for a 2 p m kick off.