Any Crusaders supporter would have been delighted with the performance of their pack. Having taken an early lead with a penalty, Mersea were subjected to an onslaught from Crusaders forwards resulting in two pushover tries and. but for some gritty defending by the visitors, the home side should have switched ends with a more comfortable lead than 14-13.

The second half belonged to Mersea with the visitors gaining confidence to run the ball against a much changed Crusaders back line. Their enterprise was rewarded with 2 tries and a penalty with Ryan Harris touching down for Crusaders 3rd try of the match.

With the score at 19-26 Crusaders pinned Mersea on their line, Captain Lewis White crashed over only for the referee to have judged a 2nd movement. With no time to restart the game the final whistle delighted the visiting supporters.