Jake Crossland’s drop of cheer for Normanton Knights makes a National Conference League point

Up against Wigan St Judes, who produced a performance that belied their lowly position coming into the contest, the Knights trailed 17-16 with time running out, but managed one last drive towards the posts, getting close enough for Crossland to send a field goal attempt through the posts to make it 17-17.

Saints climbed out of the bottom three with their point and played better than they had in the clubs’ first meeting of the season when losing 22-10 at Normanton.

They managed to stay in touch with the Knights on this occasion and went in front for the first time when Danny Cassidy landed a drop-goal on 73 minutes.

But Normanton were still able to restore parity with Crossland’s last-gasp one-pointer.

Reece Matthews had bagged a brace for Wigan, Connor Parkinson had crossed and Danny Fallon had booted two goals. Liam Sheridan, Alfie Beresford and Elliot Davey claimed the Knights’ tries and Joe Abson added a couple of conversions as they led 12-10 at half-time, but were never able to get clear of their hosts.

The result left Normanton in fifth place in the Division Two table, although they have a game in hand on two of the teams above them and are only six points behind leaders Heworth with nine matches still to play. They are next in league action at home to Beverley on July 2.