Crusaders continue winning run with victory over Roundhegians

The day started with a Remembrance Day silence with Jon Burns delivering the Epitaph. Roundhegians who had to loan 3 Wetherby players to make up a full team started well and made good ground through their forwards.

The Crusaders were too passive in defence particularly around the ruck. Hegians were camped in Wetherby territory and this ultimately resulted in Hegians taking a 3-0 lead from a penalty.

After about 15 minutes Wetherby started to play with Billy Cale and Liam Hogan making some good yards and the scrum being dominant. Wetherby sparked into life and were soon well on top scoring four first half tries through Andy Gillighan, Tom O’Sullivan, Billy Cale and Gareth Plant. Some of these tries were excellent sweeping moves with the forwards and backs all making yards, offloading and supporting the ball carrier. Once the Crusaders had some momentum they looked like scoring on every attack with Josh McCarthy playing full back for Roundhegians stopping at least 3 certain scores with excellent last ditch tackles.

Wetherby made a number of changes at half time but kept up the pressure and scored four more tries through Matt Bartle, Gareth Plant, Chris Atkinson and Matty Finch. Gareth Plant who was always dangerous scored a great individual try in chasing and catching a Wetherby kick off then beating a number of defenders to score. Billy Cale kicked well in the strong wind adding 4 conversions.

As the second half wore on the Crusaders intensity dropped and Roundhegians, who kept their heads up, scored two of their own tries both by on loan Crusaders. First, Mike Hawley and then Ciaran Harte with last play of the game. Hawley’s effort was probably his best ever with a few defenders left in a state of shock by his fancy footwork. Shame it was in the wrong colour shirt!

Overall this was a decent effort by the Crusaders but they will face a tougher test next week away at Harrogate Pirates. The lads will be fired up to start the game with the level they eventually reached where they played some really good rugby.

MOM – Gareth Plant for an incredible try and great all round effort.

DOD – Mike Hawley for being Mike Hawley.