07/06/2026
Saddleworth 12–20 Thatto Academy
A hard-fought two points on the road for Thatto Academy sees them maintain their perfect league record, moving to nine wins from nine games.
It was another scrappy performance from the Academy as they continue to work through a mid-season lull, but despite a dip in form they still found a way to bring the points home.
After a tense opening 20 minutes, Saddleworth finally broke the deadlock, forcing their way over from short range following a prolonged arm wrestle between the two sides.
Thatto responded well, crossing twice before the half-time whistle. Sixteen-year-old debutant Jake Critchley found space out wide to level the scores at 6-6, before a superb individual effort from George Jackson handed the visitors the advantage. Breaking the line down the right edge, Jackson sprinted 60 metres to score and give Thatto a 12-6 lead at the break.
The score remained 12-6 for much of the second half, but Thatto failed to capitalise on a couple of promising opportunities, leaving the door open for the hosts. Saddleworth eventually took advantage, their powerful prop charging onto a short ball under the posts to level the scores at 12-12 with 15 minutes remaining.
With the game seemingly heading towards drop-goal territory, Kam McCabe produced a moment of quality. Breaking from inside his own half, he burst through the defensive line before finding full-back Critchley in support, who crossed for his second try of the afternoon. Connor Pilling was unable to add the extras, leaving Saddleworth within touching distance at 16-12.
Any nerves were eased in the closing stages as Thatto professionally managed the game. Saddleworth conceded two consecutive penalties in front of their own posts, and Pilling made no mistake with either kick, extending the lead and sealing a deserved 20-12 victory.
Full Time: Saddleworth 12–20 Thatto Academy
Our next fixture is on Friday night at home as we host Oldham St Anne’s A under the lights for a 19:30 kick off.
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Player of the Match Awards
Opposition: Greg Wilde
Coaches: McKenzie Buckley
Supporters: Jenson Bamber (another Sixteen-year-old making his debut)
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Squad
Critchley, S. Sherwood, McCabe, G. Jackson, Brown, C. Pilling, Ball, B. Sherwood, Palfrey, Herbert, Scott, Adamson, Wilde
Interchanges:
Rylatt, Burrows, M. Buckley, D. Grace, Hughes, Bamber
