Oldham St Annes 14, Bradford Dudley Hill 22

HOOKER Nathan Kitson marked his return to the Dudley Hill fold with a crucial final try to ensure a compelling 22-14 success in the National Conference Division Two clash at Oldham St Annes.

A touchdown from centre Aiden Batey gave the Parry Laners an early advantage before the Saints hit back to level the score at 4-4 at the break after a first half that saw both defences at their best.

Wingman Neil Wall inched Hill back in front when he found the whitewash on the restart and full back Dave Halley also found the chalk, leaving scrum half Andy Robinson to add the extras.

St Annes refused to be shaken off, however, and levelled matters at 14-14 with ten minutes left to the final hooter.

Robinson slotted over a penalty for a tenuous two-point lead before Kitson produced a classy kick and chase to cross and Robinson made sure of a full reward with the conversion.

Kitson, who only left Hill to join Premier Division Hunslet Warriors in order to keep himself in the selection limelight for the forthcoming English Lions tour of South Africa in October, dovetailed superbly in a Hill outfit that is clearly on form and looking strong contenders for a promotion spot.