Darren Crake made the most of Andy Hutchinson's enforced absence last week to cut the lead at the top of the Evening Press/Guildford Construction player of the year standings to four points with two games to play.

Crake was just pipped to the man of the match award by Andy Precious but was still awarded two points as the second best player.

That leaves him within touching distance of leader Hutchinson, who missed the Featherstone game through suspension.

The strong-running prop returns against Widnes tomorrow when he could wrap up the £350 first prize.

Crake still needs more than two points to overhaul Gareth Dobson for the £150 second prize which could be decided at the last match of the season at Leigh next week.

Precious takes the three points as man of the match while newcomer Steve Thickbroom, who came on as a second-half substitute, gets one point for injecting a bit of life into the side.

In a new points system designed this season, the top player in each match is awarded three points, the second best player two points and the third best one.

The cash prizes are supplied by sponsor Guildford Construction.

Points so far: Andy Hutchinson 17, Gareth Dobson 15, Gareth Lloyd 11, Darren Crake 13, Michael Smith 10, Lee Badauskas 10, Mick Ramsden 10, Alan Pallister 8, Craig Moore 7, Shaun Austerfield 7, Mark Spears 6, Paddy Handley 6, Gareth Stephens 4, Craig Forsyth 4, Nathan Pincher 5, Andy Precious 3, Aaron Campbell 3, Danny Waite 3, Neil Harmon 3, Ryan Hardy 2, Gareth Oulton 2, Jason Gatus 2, Jamie Benn 2, Darren Hughes 2, Chris Allen 2, Scott Acklam 2, Leroy Mc-Kenzie 1, Spencer Hargrave 1, Carl Bristow 1, Shane Cochran 1, Gavin Molloy 1, Steve Thickbroom 1.

Updated: 11:15 Saturday, June 23, 2001