Cup Win

Crusaders 18 - Royston 7

Crusaders moved into the last 8 of the region's Junior VASE with a well deserved victory over Royston. Crusaders captain Jack Boorman, Peter Blinkhorn and Ryan Harris failed to recover from last week's injuries at Wymondham but the home side welcomed the return of Rob Dye, Rob Craig and Carl Peebles to the squad.
Crusaders made a good start with their forwards securing good quick ball, the three-quarters were able to to punch holes in the Royston defence. Excellent cover defence by the visitors kept the score at 0-0 after 20 minutes.
Crusaders breakthrough came when following good three-quarter play their forwards linked in support and driving runs by Dye and King were finished off in style by Dean Anderton crashing over for an unconverted try. Crusaders good work was quickly undone when from the restart they failed to secure the high ball and the quick reacting Royston forwards drove over to level the score and with the conversion took a narrow 5-7 lead at half-time.
Royston began the 2nd half determined to hang onto their lead but a transgression of the law found them facing a Crusaders attacking line-out on their 5 metre line. Crusaders made no mistake and Simon Richards got the touchdown from a driving maul to retake the lead. With the wind in their favour Crusaders were now containing Royston in their half. A further score from winger Carl Peebles following a strong run to the corner followed by a John Payne penalty gave Crusaders an 18-7 lead. Royston still had time to get back in the game but the cause was not helped when their No. 4 was yellow-carded following some desperate defence.
Crusaders can be pleased with their performance as unlike last week at Wymondham they were able to turn their opportunities into points.