Crusaders Into Final Of Norfolk Junior Cup

Norfolk Junior Cup Semi-Final
Crusaders 27 - Broadland 18

Crusaders entertained Broadland in the semi-final of the Norfolk Junior Cup. Newly promoted Broadland were always in contention right to the end of an exciting match played in ideal conditions. The visitors started well using their big forwards to test the Crusaders defence and they were rewarded with a penalty from Ashley Lightfoot.
Crusaders weathered the storm and worked their way into the visitors 22, good work by their forwards saw the ball moved to Josh Stuart on the blind side with 20 metres to go and two defenders to beat the No. 8 made no mistake with a powerful run to touch down in the corner.

With the game moving from end to end it was Crusaders who increased their lead when second row James Durrant showed great determination to chase his own charge down to score in the corner. Ashley Lightfoot reduced Crusaders lead with his second penalty of the match. A third Crusaders try touched down by Henry Joy followed good ball retention by the Crusaders forwards. Tristan Smith watched his conversion attempt rebound of the post 15-6.
Crusaders plan to spin the ball wide came unstuck towards the end of the first half when Broadland seized on some loose Crusaders play to score two quick tries through Wilkes and Abeysekora to gain the lead.

Crusaders pack took control of the scrums despite their bigger opponents and with James Loone finding his cachers with uncanny accuracy in the lineouts. Crusaders slowly but surely moved back in the lead with tries from Ross Nicholson following a lineout on the Broadland goal line and a determined forward drive.
A Jordan Long break in the centre opened up the visitors defence and Stewart Cameron made no mistake with his scoring pass to touch down and Tristan Smith converted. Broadland came close to reduce the lead once more but Crusaders held on to move into next Sunday's final at Swaffham