Crusaders Colts made it two wins out of two in their inaugural Conference National season on Saturday, beating last year's champions Featherstone Lions 24-18 in a hard fought match in Yorkshire.

It was the fourth win in a row for Crusaders sides against those from Featherstone and like the previous three, it was an action packed game full of high drama.

The home side showed why they were champions with two quick tries. First from Mark Tepper in the fifth minute followed by a second from winger Clifton Richardson from the set following kick-off. Danny Giles converted both and Lions were 12-0 up in under 10 minutes.

But Crusaders fought their way back. Gary Williams was first over the line on the quarter hour before man of the match Tom Burnell capped a fine performance by running through for the Colts' second. Lloyd White kicked the extras on each occasion and the scores were level.

Lions were their own worst enemies during the first half constantly turning the ball over in the tackle count, and the Welsh side took advantage, handled the ball a lot better than the Lions and went into the break with an 18-12 lead after Lee Williams ran in under the sticks. The home side protested that there was a forward pass leading to the try but the referee waved away their advances. White kept up his 100% record with the boot.

A second Lee Williams try on the hour, again converted by White, made things safe for the Colts before a nervy finish which saw the Lions grab a try back from John Smith with Giles converting once again.

Crusaders won the game in the last ten minutes and proved that a good side has to be outstanding in both attack and defence. Lions had two tries disallowed in that period and were held up on the line on numerous occasions but the Welsh, thanks to some remarkable defending, held on.

Special commendation also has to go to the goalkickers. Both had a 100% record despite a strong blustery wind throughout the game.

Crusaders coach Dan Clements said: "I was happy with result especially as we were up against it in the last ten minutes. We're all looking forward to our first home game next week against Gateshead, this win has set us up nicely for that."

Lions
1 Adam Hinchcliffe
2 Clifton Richardson
3 Byron Cooper
4 Steve Froggatt
5 Rich Frankland
6 Lee Senior
7 Danny Giles
8 Kris Smith
9 Dean Gamble
10 Mark Tepper
11 Paul Watson
12 John Smith
13 Craig Barker
Subs:
14 Jamie Nicholson
15 Matt Godber
16 Mark Richardson
17 Dean Tucker
Tries: Tepper (5), Richardson (8), J.Smith (68)
Goals: White 3/3

Colts
1 Ashley Bateman
2 Elliot Kear
3 Gary Williams
4 Lee Williams
5 Owen Lewis
6 Lloyd White
7 Aled James
8 Jamie I'Anson
9 Tom Burnell
10 Philippe Gardent
11 Geraint Davies
12 Ben Flower
13 Chris Vitalini
Subs:
14 Gil Dudson
15 Lewis Mills
16 Mark Wool
17 Chris Holcombe

Tries: G.Williams (15), Burnell (22), L.Williams (29, 60)
Goals: White 4/4

Men of the Match:
Lions - John Smith
Colts - Tom Burnell
Scoring Sequence: 6-0, 12-0, 12-6, 12-12, 18-12, 24-12, 24-18
Referee: Andy Sweet

Game Breaker: The Colts' outstanding defence in the last ten minutes. Lions had their chances to level things but couldn't break through the strong Welsh pack.

Game Star: Tom Burnell was outstanding in both attack and defence always difficult to deal with. He controlled the ruck and had good distribution throughout.

article by Ian Golden
12 April 2008