Thatto Heath 24 Blackbrook 10 THATTO Heath progressed into the fifth round of the Lancashire cup at the expense of their National Conference League rivals.

But Brook can take heart from a gutsy display after their 46-nil hammering at Moldgreen a week previously.

A strong Heath side started in splendid fashion, but the threatened onslaught never arrived as the Brook defence held firm.

At least four times in the opening 40 minutes Brook's young full-back, Phil Montgomery, produced tackles that kept his side in contention.

But pack power eventually saw Heath through to a home tie against leading Oldham outfit Higginshaw in the next round.

Heath exerted most of the pressure during the opening quarter and on 25 minutes Mark Pilkington linked up well from full-back to score near the posts. Norman Barrow converted.

Heath found their rhythm again when Darren Harris burst clear near the half-way line and sent the supporting Andy Mercer on a clear run to the line. Barrow converted and a minute before the break he increased Heath's lead to 16 points with an unconverted try.

Brook started strongly after the break, with Graeme Cox and Jon Walker stopped close to the line.

However, Darren Harris grabbed a fine opportunist try to give Heath a 20-point cushion, but Brook never gave up. They opened their account when winger Mark Dickenson sped over from 45 yards. Andy Benson converted.

Five minutes later Ian Marsh launched a bomb, the ball was spilled and in the confusion Brook moved the ball wide for Dickenson's second try.

Heath had the final word, however, when Norman Barrow chipped over the defence, regathered and stretched over for his side's fifth try.

Thatto Heath's man of the match awards, sponsored by Chris and Pauline Nicholl, (Springfield Hotel), Canter, Levin and Berg (solicitors) went to Chris Ashurst, Arthur Bradshaw and Norman Barrow.

Phil Montgomery received the Blackbrook CEF accolade and there were fine displays from Ian Marsh, Paul Marsh, Jon Walker, Paul Hamlet and Damian Grimes.

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