Thurston's confident and positive start belied their position at the bottom of the table and within minutes had taken the lead with a well taken converted try. Crusaders forward power soon had the visitors under pressure and it was last ditch defending that prevented Crusaders from scoring. Continued forward pressure was rewarded when Peter Blinkhorn crashed over for an unconverted try. Theo Elliot made amends for his missed conversion with a neat drop goal to give Crusaders a narrow lead. Thurston wasted two opportunities to regain the lead with missed penalty attempts before Crusaders extended their lead, Crusaders forwards and backs combined in a move finished off by their in form hooker Dean Anderton 13 - 7.
With conditions rapidly deteriating both sides were finding handling difficult and it was Peter Blinkhorn who made the game safe for Crusaders with his second try.
Thurston never gave up the challenge and maintained a competitive edge to the end.