John Mooney: West Hull vs Thatto Heath!
Scott Partis inspired West Hull to a dramatic comeback victory over Thatto Heath Crusaders as they progressed to the semi-final stage of the RFL Challenge Trophy. Losing 22-6 at half-time, the half-back produced three moments of magic in the second period after the visitors had dominated the opening 40 minutes.
The Crusaders were quickly on the score-sheet with a long-range converted try and another four-pointer soon followed, just too far out wide for the extras. Ryan Wilson pulled a try back with Partis converting but an interception try from a Wests attack and a short-range attempt just before the break sent the visitors into half-time with a well deserved cushion.
Wests needed something special to claw their way back and Partis took the game by the scruff of the neck. He produced a moment of magic with a fine individual solo effort before a short grubber-kick paved the way for a Sam Cator score, both which he converted. Another Wests attack just a few minutes later saw Cator again get on the end of a short Partis kick though he had the good fortune to see it rebound off a Crusader's defender. That took Wests into the lead for the first time but Thatto were not done with and with the home side switching off momentarily in defence they took advantage and went 28-24 in front. With time running out, Elliott Windley, no doubt having learnt from his side's earlier scores, followed his own grubber-kick to touch down near enough to the posts for Partis to send his team and the home supporters home happy.
John Mooney