Crusaders perfect start to season continues.

The game was played in persistent rain and whilst the pitch held up ok handling was difficult. As a result it was a day that required field position and control. Wetherby ignored this in the opening quarter of the game and tried to play too much rugby in their own half meaning every time ball was won it was gifted back to the Pirates. The Wetherby defence was good and the Pirates were kept at bay with Jonathon Fox winning some turnovers and the scrums well on top with props Dave Harrison and Pete Franks giving their opposite numbers a hard time.

Wetherby had a slight wind at their backs and once they started to use this the pressure was put onto the Pirates and they struggled as Wetherby had in the early stages of the game. Wetherby broke the deadlock after about 30 minutes with one of the first accurate passages of play. Good ball carries from the forwards with Jack Barthorpe prominent drew in the Pirates forwards before the ball was moved down the back line with Josh McCarthy dragging the defence across creating a gap for Ciaran Harte to score. Billy Cale added the conversion and the Crusaders were on the march.

The second try came almost from the restart with a long clearing kick being followed up by Billy Cale who showed speed and composure to hack through and score. He then added the conversion to make the score 14-0, a good lead in these conditions.

At half time Wetherby made a number of changes with Sean Lally making a return to the front row after spending the last year coaching Soccer in the US. The Pirates also made changes and the front row contest was now more even. The game got even more scrappy with scrum after scrum and both defences closing down any attacking play.

Midway through the second half Wetherby managed to break free of the Pirates defence and made good ground down the right of the field. Play was switched back to the left with Matt Harrison loitering in the centres to supply the scoring pass to Matty Finch. Billy Cale converted again to give the Crusaders a 21-0 lead.

Mick Youlden, who was named man of the match, was having a great game with his work in the tackle area but was shown a yellow card. The Crusaders were then under pressure in their own 22 for a good few minutes. The defence held firm and the Pirates couldn’t get over the line. After what seemed like dozens of further scrums the game was over.

This was a really tough game with the forwards in particular earning a few beers for their non stop effort. The backs defended really well and at times showed speed and skill in attack. To stop the Pirates who were 2nd in the league from scoring was particularly good. Ripon 3rds at home next week.