Epic Game Against Leaders Ely

ELY 36 CRUSADERS 32

Crusaders were edged out in this epic encounter. Despite a stirring comeback late at the end of the second half their defence in the middle part of the game meant a narrow loss to the league leaders. Crusaders started very strongly and through Tristan Smith with a penalty Stuart Cameron with a try converted by Smith a further try by Callum Slaughter crusaders raced into a 15 point lead pegged back to 15-5 at the break. Callum Slaughter extended the lead to 20-5 after the break. the home side though lived up to their top of the table billing driving the game through their forwards which resulted in five quick tries which were all save one were converted by the home team. The game seemed to have slipped away from crusaders but Little Melton outfit raised themselves and the dangerous slaughter was denied a further time wide out and Rob Loone efforts from the resulting scrum were rewarded with a penalty try converted by Smith. The home side lost two players to the sin bin and a final late surge by hardworking skipper Lewis White brought a final unconverted try, the game thus yielding two bonus points for the away side. The crowd on a very pleasant afternoon were rewarded with a thrilling and open game.