Report by Amy Caddy
Wath Brow Hornets 32-4 Thatto Heath Crusaders, Saturday, June 6, 2026.
WATH Brow Hornets produced a dominant display at Geil Park on Saturday afternoon as they ran out convincing 32-4 winners over Thatto Heath Crusaders in the National Conference Premier division.
The Hornets laid the platform early with a disciplined defensive effort and clinical finishing, taking an 18-0 lead into the half-time break and never allowing the visitors a route back into the contest.
The opening score came through Man of the Match Sam Curwen, who was at the heart of everything good for the home side throughout the afternoon. Curwen would go on to enjoy an almost perfect day with the boot, landing six from seven conversion attempts.
Dean Rooney extended the advantage with the try of the afternoon. Collecting possession deep inside his own half; Rooney burst clear and raced 90 metres to score a sensational solo effort that brought the Geil Park crowd to an almighty applause.
Nat Dougan was next on the scoresheet after powering his way over despite being heavily crowded by defenders as he grounded the ball.
The Hornets continued to dominate after the interval. Conor Molyneaux showcased his strength close to the line, bulldozing his way through the defence to add another four points while youngster Deen Pattinson, one of two players stepping up from last season's Under-16 side, produced a moment to remember when he broke clear to score beneath the posts.
It was another encouraging afternoon for Brow's youth development pathway, with both Pattinson and fellow former Under-16 player Billy Joe Towers contributing strongly in a confident team performance.
Thatto Heath's only response came late in the game through Adam Tubey, but it proved little more than a consolation score on a difficult afternoon for the visitors. Their frustrations were compounded in the 68th minute when Andy Lea was shown a yellow card for dissent.
Curwen rounded off an outstanding individual display by collecting the Man of the Match award, capping a performance that included a try and six goals for a personal haul of 16 points.
The victory keeps momentum building for the Hornets and highlighted the blend of experience and emerging young talent within the squad as they continue their National Premier campaign.
Wath Brow Hornets 32
Tries: Sam Curwen, Dean Rooney, Nat Dougan, Conor Molyneaux, Deen Pattinson
Goals: Sam Curwen 6/7
Thatto Heath Crusaders 4
Try: Adam Tubey
Man of the Match: Sam Curwen
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