Crusaders run riot against Yarnbury 5s

Wetherby Crusaders 81 – Yarnbury 5ths 0

Buoyed by a comprehensive win against Hemsworth last week a strong Crusaders side were assembled for the pending visit of Wensleydale 2nds. The jungle drums must have been sounding loud and proud across the Dale as Wensleydale cried off midweek only for the gallant Yarnbury 5ths to step in. Huge respect goes to Yarnbury for travelling light and minus a front row however it was a rare week were the Crusaders had the luxury of replacements and Dominic Snook and Watty stepped forth to represent Yarnbury.

And so to the game, the Crusaders looked for early dominance upfront and soon were punching holes in the Yarnbury defensive wall, the ball was released to the backs and the returning Tetlow in his new position of 10 went on a mazy run from the halfway line, after leaving several would be tacklers in his wake offered up a pass to the gleeful winger only to hold on to the ball himself and claim a remarkable individual try. So the scene was set, the Crusaders decided anything was game, and lost definition up front and tried running from anywhere, even from the behind the goal line (it wasn’t pretty!). Yarnbury proved they were no fools and began some forward pressure of their own and began making ground, however when the ball was released to their backs despite skill level they found themselves against a quick, strong resolute Wetherby defence who continued their impressive tackling from previous weeks repelling everything that came their way.

It was time for common sense and structured rugby, the call was made and the Crusaders went back to punching holes with the forwards to give the speedy backs good ball with space to run into. And so they did, Tetlow pulled the strings ably assisted by the centres Walshy and Micky Young, who when they were not trying to run rings around everyone supplied the ball out wide and the Crusaders began to run tries in at will. Yarnbury battled hard and every credit must go to them however they really did catch the Crusaders on a good day, Walshy bagged a hat trick, Kai ran in his customary brace, Tetlow added to his solo try and Johnny Wheatley on his return bagged 5, by the end every back had a try.

The Crusaders have well and truly got their season going and have threatened a performance like this for some weeks if they continue in this vein they will prove a difficult side to beat in the coming weeks. Many thanks to Yarnbury for making the trip they competed well and never gave up and were a credit to themselves and their club. Thanks also to the Crusaders who helped them out Caukwell Brown v Massey in the front row made interesting viewing!!