Jason Crookes gives Normanton Knights edge in close National Conference game with Clock Face Miners

After losing their previous two games the Knights showed tremendous determination to emerge victorious in a match that swung one way then the other.

The Miners had restored parity from 22-12 down early in the second period through tries by Ryan O’Donnell and – despite the sin-binning of Brad Walkden for a professional foul – Michael Carney, with Shaun Costello adding a conversion.

But a touchdown seven minutes from time by Jason Crookes gave the ascendancy back to Normanton, who held out despite Alex Barker being sin-binned some four minutes later for a late tackle.

O’Donnell and Carney had crossed in the first half for Clock, Jack Highcock adding a couple of goals, but the Knights led through a Jack Millward brace, a try and three goals by Charlie Barker and Crookes’ first score.