Thatto Heath Crusaders 20 Eccles and Salford 16

IT took a try seven minutes from time from Mark Beech to take the spoils in the opening match of this year's campaign.

That try came courtesy of Mike Woods' boot - which was a feature of the game as a whole. It was Woods' cross kick to the right sparked the move which saw James Milligan sidestep over to score the opener. But Eccles hit back with tries from Jason Viller and Matt Bateman to lead 10-6 at the break. And a try from Glyn Watson, from a fumbled kick, extended the lead after the break.

But Dave Hill collected his own kick and sent the supporting Johnny Hughes in for a try. Woods levelled with a penalty, but that was cancelled out by one by Eccles.

Then Woods' towering cross kick was collected by wingman Adam Walsh, who flicked an inside pass over the head of the cover into the hands of the supporting Beech for the winning try. Woods kicked three goals, with Milligan one.

Man of the match was Dave Hill.