Crusaders pick up first Merit Table Win

Unfortunately for Selby they only had 14 men, so Jim 'I'm retired you know' Leigh stepped up for them at second row.
When the whistle blew the crusaders received the ball and tried to put some instant pressure on the Selby pack, unfortunately a quick turnover from non other than Jim 'judas for the day ' Leigh gave the Selby pack the ball.

Then followed a tense 5 minutes as the Crusaders defence was sorely tested within their own 22. this sustained pressure led to a penalty for Selby which they surprisingly chose to kick for goal. Right in front of the posts the crusaders were still catching their breath waiting for the obvious score, which didn't materialise as they missed right.

The Crusaders took this as an omen for the day and started to apply their own pressure, the next 20 minutes was a huge battle going to and fro across the pitch, scrummaging was a key area until one of the Selby props decided he had a hurty neck and we went uncontested. Normally this is a problem for the crusaders with their voracious front row, but having had this happen a few times this year we were better prepared.

The forwards working hard towards the opposition try line set up a barrelling run for Dominic Snook to power his way through and with just the full back to beat he angled his run to contemptuously hand him off and score beneath the posts.
Alex Fraser on his return kicked the conversion.

That ended the first half.

The second half started much the same as the first ended with big hits coming flying in. With 15 minutes to go a quick forwards drive and carry from captain Chris Warburton set up quick ball for Mickey Youlden, the resulting move went one way across the pitch, and then back again for Gaz Perkins to charge down his wing and sell a dummy to no one which completely baffled his opposite winger which he then duly side stepped and scored .

More pressure followed for the crusaders and a fantastic backs move from a stable forwards platform let a gazzelle like Andy Gilligan join the back line at pace and score. Obviously he was that excited he forgot to not injure himself and had to go off.
Alex Fraser again kicked the conversion. The half ended near enough after that and the crusaders were victorious 19-0