Norfolk Junior Cup Crusaders - Thetford

Norfolk Junior Cup Crusaders 26 - Thetford 30

Crusaders having completed the league double over their opponents and still enjoying the euphoria from their trip to London Welsh was soon brought down to earth by a Thetford side who began where they left off last week having defeated promotion chasing Wishbech. Thetford displayed their early intent with Briggs spreading the ball wide at every opportunity in ideal conditions.
Crusaders defence was struggling to cope with the pace of Will Martin and Josh Clarke, Matt Briggs gave them the lead with a penalty, Crusaders having handled in a ruck. Thetford tightened their grip on the game and with good straight running and support play Josh Clarke touched down by the posts for Briggs to convert 0 - 10.
A neat chip over Crusaders defence by Briggs and a kind bounce gave Will Martin a clear run in to add to Crusaders woes 0 - 17.
Crusaders were finally shaken into action and Ryan Harris was held up inches short of the Thetford line. Crusaders were pressing hard in the visitors 22 but were rocked back on their heels when Martin intercepted a hesitant half-back move to sprint the full length of the field to touch down under Crusaders posts, Bridge converted 0-24.
Crusaders needed a score before half-time to have any chance of turning the game around and it was the forwards who obliged, Peter Blinkhorn touching down out wide from a pushover scrum, the conversion was missed.
Thetford's Matt Briggs added to his impressive contribution with a well struck penalty to give the visitors a half time lead 5-27.
Crusaders set about their task in determined fashion with their forwards bossing the scrums and breakdowns. A hard earnt try by Peter Blinkhorn after the number 8's driving run into the Thetford 22 and an equally impressive try by George King both converted by Jonathan Payne gave Crusaders hope. Thetford broke out of their half and added a further Briggs penalty to their score. Crusaders continued to press and a well place kick from Jonathan Payne was collected by Ryan Harris who touched down to improve Crusaders chances. Jonathan Payne converted 26-30.
Thetford clung to their lead and a deserved victory.