Bonus Point Win Away From Home

EC1 Thurston 7 - Crusaders 29
Despite failing to fire on all cylinders, Crusaders began the new season with a comfortable win against newly promoted Thurston. Despite Thurston's weight advantage in the scrum it was the Crusaders forwards who muscled over for two first half trys touched down by James Durrant and Captain Lewis White.
Injuries to full back Tristan Smith and prop Sean Patterson never helped the visitors cause but they added a third try when after a home scrum on their line, pressure on the kicker saw the ball dropped over the line for James Loone to pounce and score. Thurston scored a converted try to close the gap 7 - 15. Before Ryan Harris playing at wing forward grabbed another try for Crusaders, converted by Robert Loone.
Greg Thurston got the try he deserved with great support play after a great break through the defence from Ben Barker converted by Robert Loone to seal Crusaders best start to a season for some time.

Great Team performance and the team is coming together very well.

Man Of The Match Ryan Harris who has slotted into the Wing Forward role very well.