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Queens dethroned

20/ 1/2005

National Cup Round 2
Eccles & Salford Juniors 16
Queens 12

HAT-TRICK hero Dave Critchley's last-minute try helped the Roosters into the third round of the National Cup after a bruising encounter against Yorkshire Premier Division side Queens.

Eccles dominated the first half but failed to make the most of the possession and trailed 2-0 at half-time. However, within 10 minutes of the restart Roosters were 12-2 in front.

Critchley grabbed his first try after good work by Jason Carter, and then took a pass from McAtee before racing 70 metres to touch down between the sticks. McAtee improved both tries.

Five players were sin binned during the game, including three from the visitors, and it was while the Roosters were down to 11 men that the Leeds side fought back to draw level.

Both sides then had unsuccessful drop goal attempts in an attempt to break the dead lock before Eccles nicked it at the death.

Queens were preparing to defend another drop-goal effort when McAtee spun the ball wide to Chris Coeulle and he sent Critchley racing up the wing for a last-gasp winner.

Meanwhile, the Roosters u13s beat Leyland Warriors 12-10 with tries from Ben Connor, Steve Gaffney and Sam Fairhurst.

The u15s progressed into the second round of the NWCL cup after beating Haydock 22-12. Jack Fairhurst, Michael Gorton, Mark Thomas and Theo Wallace crossed for the Roosters. Man-of-the-match Lewis Palfrey landed three goals.