The home side who were playing at this level for the first time in at least 5 years, matched Crosby for the first 60 minutes and were unlucky to be down 5-3 at half time. The visitors took advantage of a tired Boro side to take home all 4 points.

In greasy wet conditions and withthe match being the first of the new campaign for Littleborough 3's, the game was scrappy in nature and would not have been one for the neutral as the two sides played out a slug fest. No team was willing to back down or have the necessary spark to unlock the opposition door.

Boro in truth had the better of the first half and were lucky not to be ahead earlier than they did when Tom Travis hit the left hand woodwork with a penalty. 10 minutes later, he would find the centre of the posts after Crosby had been pinged for going off their feet at the breakdown.

Just as though it looked like the home side would take a lead into the break, Crosby squeezed over for the first try down the left hand corner in the very final play of the half.

Much like the first half both teams went toe to toe with one another as a kicking duel for territory became prevalent.

Crosby St Mary's playing in their 3rd game in the last month, took advantage of their extra match stamina and fitness by scoring 3 more tries.

First, Crosby's full back scythed through broken field to score in the left corner before the visitors centre broke through 4 Boro tackles to score under the sticks.

And to add salt to the wound, Crosby ensured their perfect start to the season continued with another try in the left-hand corner.

Despite losing their first game, there were plenty of positives to take away from the game for Littleborough. Most notably were the admirable debuts from youngsters Oliver Bamford, Toby Holt and full back James Briggs.