Crusaders V West Norfolk

ECL1
Crusaders 19 - West Norfolk 45

This top v bottom clash went to form and produced an enjoyable spectacle for the supporters. Crusaders openened the scoring when Ryan Harris tapped a quick penalty and surprised the visitors defence with a good try. Crusaders pack were enjoying another solid performance but a number of infringements at the breakdowns gave West Norfolk the chance to make some deep penetrating runs into the Crusaders half and it took took some last ditch tackling from Harris and Petch to keep the visitors out. With the wind and slope in their favour West Norfolk pinned Crusaders in their half but it was two careless mistakes which gave the visitors a 14 - 5 lead. A Crusaders fumble in front of their posts was snapped up by West Norfolk's centre to drive over. This was shortly follwed by a misplaced Crusaders throw at the lineout which gave the outstanding West Norfolk number eight a clear run in to score. Petch took advantage of some excelent forward play to score Crusaders 2nd try to keep Crusaders in touch.
An injury to Pete Blinkhorn forced Crusaders to reshuffle their pack with Sam Barker to prop and Henry Joy moving to No. 7. Despite restricting West Norfolk to quality ball in the set pieces Crusaders continued to give away penalties in loose play and the visitors took their chances well to score three quich trys to take control of the game.
Crusaders fought hard to get back in the game and were encouraged when Triston Smith scored a typical try from the half way line when he rounded West Norfolk's defence to score Crusaders 3rd try. Crusaders toiled hard to pressure the visitors line on three occasions but two knock ons within a metre of the goal line let West Norfolk off the hook. A Crusaders rolling maul crossed the visitors line but once again they failed to get a clean touch down. West Norfolk finished the stronger having soaked up the pressure and scored another try to keep their promotion bid alive.
Crusaders had some good individual performances notably Harris, Thurston & Petch but man of the match must go to West Norfolk's No. 8 Brad Cook.