Crosfields first NCL game of the season at the weekend on the recently reseeded and repaired pitch of dreams was an opportunity for a reunion of players from yesteryear taking the opportunity to run their ever critical eye over the current crop of players.

It was a great success with players as old as 78 year old club regular Peter Price along with son Martin and grandson James came along to witness a fantastic exhibition of free flowing rugby from a very confident Soap line up.

Asked how the teams compare to the last National conference winning team John Bannon said: 'The games moved on since we played so it's hard to compare but the current crop certainly looks up there with the National cup winning team and the conference division 2 winning team. The consistent factor in all these teams was the squad was strong not just the first 15/17 and competition for places pushed success on the park. This team is certainly in the same position with the added advantage of some great kids pushing through and putting pressure on the 17. If the players stay together they will end up being the best ever Crosfields team.'

Jacent Rabbitt a string running forward of the 80s and 90s was overwhelmed with the support and hospitality of the club he loves 'Great day, really enjoyed it, from what I can remember of it! Will be back soon'

Classy half back Dave Gibbons a star of the 2001/02 league winning team who went on to star for Swinton on the back of the success of that team was equally as enthusiastic about the current side 'Really enjoyed it had a good catch up - if more of the lads we played with got down more often it'd encourage me to get down more often so more events like that the better!! Team look the real deal and they'd probably give our team a run for they're money but I'd still fancy my chances of occupying one of the half back spots of the current team!!' The ever modest Dave!

Jimmy Williams would love to pull on the Soap jersey again and pull the strings from half back as he did in the championship winning team and was in awe of the way the club is progressing 'loved it on saturday was good seeing some old weathered faces, this squad is one of the most talented that I can remember and I have every confidence they can get promotion again. I feel confident getting on the coach for away games and not worry about having to play because we're short. A good drink and singing in the club after made the day complete'

All in all a rousing success and long may it continue as the Soap march on