Woodfordes Junior Cup Final

Woodfordes Junior Cup Final
Crusaders 27 Broadland 6

Crusaders concluded a successful season with an impressive victory over Broadland.
A large crowd enjoyed bright sunshine with a good vocal following from Broadland creating a fine cup atmosphere.

Crusaders kicked off but with the ball carrying straight into touch Broadland were awarded a scrum on the half way line, from the scrum an offside infringement allowed Broadland to find a good touch close to Crusaders line. Crusaders resisted Broadlands early pressure and a long clearance kick from Rob Loone and some good handling skills from their backs soon had Broadlands line under threat. A clearance kick by Murray was fielded by Alex Kelsall who's powerful run was stopped two metres short of the Broadland line, Crusaders Ryan Harris playing at No. 7 was on hand to collect the ball and dive over for Crusaders first try, Theo Elliot’s fine conversion attempt was denied by the wind. The Crusaders No. 10 made no mistake with his second attempt and kicked a penalty to put Crusaders into an 8-0 lead following further Crusaders pressure.

Crusaders were enjoying a purple patch with their forwards supplying good ball. A slick handling move between forwards and backs on the blind side resulted in Ryan Harris cutting through the Broadland defence to score his second try of the match, Theo Elliot added the conversion 15-0 Crusaders.

Crusaders pressed home their advantage with another splendid try, quick ball from the forwards gave Rob Craig the space to step inside the Broadland defence and feed Greg Thurston inside Broadlands 22. The Crusaders centre left two would-be tacklers in his wake to score try number three which Theo Elliot converted.

Broadlands response was positive with their powerful forwards testing the Crusaders defence, their award was a penalty well struck against the wind by Stuart Murray H.T. score 22-3.

Broadland started the second half in determined fashion and enjoyed long spells in Crusaders half but the home sides ferocious defence with pint size Harris and Crusaders man of the match showing that you don’t need bulk to make a good tackle. The impressive Full back Murray slotted another penalty to give Broadland hope.
Crusaders forwards reasserted their authority late in the game when prop Sam Barker touched down from a rolling maul to cap an impressive victory