THATTO Heath Crusaders Swords under 14s defeated Shevington Sharks Reds 12-6 in a tremendously hard fought National Cup Final between arguably the two best teams in the country.

Thatto probably edged the first half going in 6-0 up thanks to a very well taken try from close range by Tom Glover, converted by Mason Stott.

The second half was pretty even with the Wiganers having a try disallowed. Some Thatto pressure saw Dylan Greenall pounce on a bounced pass to skip his way over and with Stott’s conversion making it 12-0.

A Thatto missed penalty seemed to fire Shevy up to redouble their efforts and sustained pressure resulted in a converted try.

Shevy had the upper hand for a period of time but Thatto's defence was determined and managed to remain resolute until the final whistle.

Man of the Match was the outstanding Thatto Crusaders Toby Bottell.

Congratulations to the Thatto players and coaches Mike Woods and Phil Glover and all the staff, parents and supporters in achieving a memorable victory.