By D Whittle
Billingham – 28
Huddersfield – 34
Despite a late rally from the hosts, ‘Field were able to hold on for the win as they know their fate is now in their own hands.
Manager Lee Paxman said: “I thought we played a good controlled game. We were dominant in the scrum and Adam Lancaster had a great all round performance filling in at hooker.
With Stockport annihilating Rossendale 79-7, it was vital that ‘Field also won with a bonus point and they did so with tries from Mike Clarke, Elliot Hodgson and two from Tom Hodson, who also had a good day with the boot.
Despite the pressure caused from a Tony Stringwell yellow card, ‘Field’s backs continued to link up well together as Hodgson and Hodson combined to score the try of the day.
‘Field went into the game knowing just how tough a game they would face having been pushed all the way in their 25-21 win in the reverse fixture.
Paxman said: “We were under some early pressure second half but managed to hold out and I thought we did well to force them back as Billingham came out fighting.
“They earned two bonus which may just be enough to see them avoid relegation.”
‘Field can secure promotion if they win either of their two games in hand where they face Percy Park and Sandal at home.
Paxman said: “We’ve got Percy Park next week who are fighting for their lives and need a result. It’s a massive game for both sides and we want as much support as we can possible get.”
However, ‘Field cannot take either game for granted as Percy Park need a bonus point win to keep them in National League III North next season, while Sandal have already beaten ‘Field’s title rivals Sale and Stockport this season.
With Sale losing this week, Field are guaranteed at least a play-off spot at worst if they are unable to pick up the four points that they need.
Huddersfield team
1. Alex Battye
2. Adam Lancaster
3. Tony Stringwell
4. Gavin Rhodes
5. Nick Rhodes
6. Bob Sykes
7. Ben Hoyle
8. Nick Sharpe (c)
9. Dan Jeffrey
10. Joel Hinchliffe
11. Mike Clarke
12. Tom Owen
13. Tom Van Rooyen
14. Elliot Hodgson
15. Tom Hodson
Subs
16. Laurence Sanderson
17. Ross Thronton
18. Giles Hetherington
