Wetherby Crusaders took on Hallamshire of Yorkshire 5 in a test of character and ability. With a decent squad of 20+ turning out for the home team against an apparently younger squad from South Yorkshire it became evident from the first couple of minutes that Wetherby did not want this to be a backs game.
With a bitterly cold wind blowing from the south yet bright skies over head, the ground had firmed up somewhat underfoot and offered a supportive yet soft pitch. If we had been at the races the going would have been soft but this didn’t stop the visitors scoring an early breakaway try with a sprint from the right winger who evaded any number of tackles from our slightly less pacey backs.
Another try in quick succession left the Crusaders punch drunk and 0-14 adrift.

Wetherby got hold of the ball and so followed an excellent period of rolling mauls, well contested runs and supportive running from the back row and centres. Some frustrating refereeing decisions led to a turnover ball in phase 24 which enabled Hallamshire to steal the ball and run in another try.

The Crusaders aren’t the sort of team to lie down and with some tactical substitutions bringing extra strength in depth to the forwards the home team managed to force over a try, unfortunately not converted.

What followed was possibly the longest period of concerted possession in the games short history (this game rather than THE game) with Wetherby camped in the Hallamshire 22. Some great running lines, dummies, miss passes and switch moves led to a superb breakthrough against a confused opposition – the touch down being just to the right of the posts. With the conversion being the last kick of the game the end result was 10-33.
A valiant performance – one to be proud of.

With the pasta bake becoming more al dente by the minute in a slightly too hot oven, the lads congregated in the clubhouse to enjoy some fine food and ales.

Roger Stocker deserves a special mention for a woeful performance on the chair at the end, infact, is he still there...?

Onwards and Upwards Crusaders!
Enjoy the videos.