Whittaker fires Cross into final

TEENAGE substitute Alex Whittaker did it again, landing a match-winning goal for the second time in successive home games as Cross edged out Thornhill in a thrilling John Kane Cup semi-final at Leeds Road.

Eighteen-year-old Whittaker came on as a substitute and kept his nerve as Cross produced a big effort to snatch victory, well led by player-coach and their man of the match Graham Nash.

There was also an impressive return at full-back for Johnny McGhee, playing his first game back after a heart operation.

After being dumped out of the Yorkshire Cup by Manston, the Trojans were humbled by the Sharks second string as local bragging rights were firmly handed to Shaw Cross.

The Trojans may claim some controversial decisions, but any team which persists in disputing them and conceding penalty after penalty, will struggle.

At one stage Thornhill had only 11 players with two in the sin-bin and ended a man short as, for the second successive game, they had a player sent off for foul play.

Trojans badly missed influential half-back Liam Morley and coach Wayne Loney named himself among the substitutes to add experience.

Shane Johnson played his best game in a long time and always made ground, Jack Stead took man of the match with his all-out enthusiasm and there were solid showings from full-back Mark Hodgson and returning prop Vinnie Johnson.

Cross drew first blood. Good play by Nash, Terre Ionia and new signing Sam Matthews led to a penalty led and fast hands enabled Liam Brooke and captain Ollie Broadbent to send Adam Masson over in the corner. Declan Naughton missed the kick.

Thornhill hit back and Stead almost scored but lost the ball over the line. Nash and Dave Berry stopped a fine run by Shane Johnson but Nash was sin-binned for holding down.

Thornhill used their extra man and Vinnie Johnson powered over, Hodgson converted.

A penalty goal from McGhee levelled before Thornhill regained the lead. James France made a good run down the wing, the ball was worked infield, then switched back and Shane Johnson went over for an unconverted try.

Nash led Cross back and Broadbent intercepted and raced 80 metres for a spectacular try under the posts. McGhee missed the kick and it was 10-10 at the break.

Thornhill made a terrible start to the second half with Ricky Mayfield sin-binned for speaking out of turn and Simon Nelson for pushing. Gaps appeared and McGhee took a fine pass from Broadbent and beat two men for an excellent try, Whittaker converted.

Back to 13, Thornhill hit back and Mayfield dived over but Hodgson’s goal attempt hit the post. Soon after, however, Hodgson landed a penalty goal for back chat by Cross to again level.

Then Mayfield was sent off and Whittaker kicked the vital goal. The Trojans threw everything at Cross to in a thrilling climax but the Sharks held out.

Cross expressed thanks to Matt Farnhill for doing first aid.

Shaw Cross: McGhee; Parkinson, Masson, Carney, D Berry; Brooke, Broadbent; Ionia, Price, Wray, Matthews, Naughton, Nash.

Subs: Whittaker, R Berry, Hinchliffe, Buckley.

Thornhill: Hodgson; France, Brook, S Johnson, Jackson; Joss Ratcliffe, Stead; V Johnson, Jake Ratcliffe, Harris, Gamble, Nelson, Mayfield. Subs: Loney, Moore, K Johnson.

Not used: Lumb.

Referee: Alex Brooke (Dewsbury & Batley).

Shaw Cross Sharks’ Adam Carney tries to clear from a Trojans tackler in the John Kane Cup last Saturday. (d24101078)