North Wales Crusaders A played their part in an entertaining North West Men’s League Division 4 clash last weekend as they were beaten 46-34 at Saddleworth Rangers A.
Having lost 52-0 against the same opponents at the end of March, a repeat was on the cards when the home side scored three early tries, but Crusaders are a side with pace on the edges and capable of scoring tries from deep.
In the space of just 20 minutes, North Wales crossed four times and Damian Goss got the scoring up and running
The try of the day came next as a combined team effort ended with Ryan Turner crossing by the posts.
Turner then provided a defence-splitting wide pass for Rob Sansom to finish well in the corner.
Speedy winger Aidyn Jones added the fourth with an opportunist effort, before Saddleworth hit back with a good kick-chase to level the scores at 22-22.
The second-half started rather like the first as the home side were dominant for a 20-minute spell, before taking a lead they didn’t relinquish.
However, Crusaders finished the game well as Ryan Newton and man of the match Aidyn Jones crossed for tries.
The latter was a spectacular effort, beating several players and outpacing the defence.
Jones, Turner and captain Jacob Hitchcox had fine games for the Welsh side.
Excellent team spirit and the way the team picked up from a poor start were especially pleasing for coach Mike Newton.
“Our resources were stretched for this game and we had a couple of players making their debuts,” he said.
“We also lost two through injury in the first-half so it was outstanding to score six tries against such opposition.
“We defended heroically at times, but teams like Saddleworth have lads who have played together in every age group from the age of eight onwards and their skill and smartness close to our line was the main difference today.”
All in all, it was a very encouraging performance from Crusaders, who continue to build for the future.
Contact details for the A team are on the website.
