Crusaders v Ely

Crusaders 10 - Ely 11

Crusaders made a good start against the league leaders and had a scoring opportunity when Ely conceded a penalty just outside their 22, Crusaders opted to kick for the corner and from the line-out Ely offended again, this time Jonathan Payne stepped up to attempt the kick but pulled the ball wide.

Ely's big 3 quarters were beginning to cause problems and a penalty and a try was just reward for their efforts. Crusaders cause was not helped when No. 8 Rob Dye and full-back Ryan Harris had to leave the field with injuries. Half time 0 - 8.

A titanic battle was developing in the forwards and it took a neat drop goal by Rob Loon to break the deadlock and bring Crusaders to within a single score. Ely began to up the tempo and galant defence by Greg Thurston and Rob Craig prevented a score. Ely did increase their lead with a penalty mid-way through the 2nd half.
With No. 8 Rob Dye re-joiniing the fray Crusaders began to edge the forward battle and with the help of an Ely infringement had advanced to Ely's 5 metre line, from the line-out and driving maul Pete Blinkhorn scored a try, J.Payne converted to bring the score to within a single point.
A late Crusaders rally won them a penalty wide out with only a minute to go a kick for goal was the only option, much to Ely's relief the ball drifted wide. Although Ely knocked on in goal the referee had blown for time.