Mersea Island Gain The Double Over Crusaders

Crusaders 23 - Mersea Island 48
Crusaders seeking to avenge Mersea's victory in the first game of the season made a good start. Two penalties from Tristan Smith was just reward for their early pressure. Crusaders continued to press and a well judged chip over the Mersea defensive wall was expertly kept in play by the chasing Stewart Cameron whose reverse flick pass was gathered in by the supporting Tom Sandland to drive over. Smith converted to increase the lead to 13-0.
Mersea Island's response was swift and a converted try and a penalty reduced the lead to 13-10 at half time.
The injured Tom Sandland was unable to continue after the break for Crusaders but they managed to increase their lead when a determined run by winger Callum Slaughter stretched the visitors defence and the inside pass found the impressive George King who touched down near the post for Smith to convert.
Mersea Islands response was immense and the visitors displayed a superior fitness and pace as the second half progressed. The loss of George King to injury did not help Crusaders cause as the visitors ran in an impressive 6 trys in the final third of of the match to complete a deserved double. Tristan Smith was Crusaders only reply to Mersea Island's late blitz.