Home Defeat

Crusaders 15 - Newmarket 25

The cost of last week's victory at Thetford was evident with six changes including captain Lewi White on the injury list. Newmarket took the lead early in the game when following sustained pressure on Crusaders line they were awarded a penalty in front of the posts for offside.
Crusaders were soon back in the match and follwing some impressive scrummaging had Newmarket under pressure on their own line, spurning two easy penalties their gamble paid off when their forward power enabled Rob Loone to dash over for a try wide out, the scrum half converted his own try with a splendid kick from the touch line for a 7-3 lead. Crusaders were enjoying more of the possession and although individuals punched holes in the visitors defence their final pass was wasted with lack of support.
Crusaders added to their lead when fullback Alex Kelsall foiled his way over in the corner weilding hand offs with the skill of a swordsman - 12-3 HT.Newmarket helped by a spate of Crusaders infringements took a grip on the game with a penalty and a converted try 12-13. Newmarket had their tails up inspired by the back row and added to their lead with a second try for Walker and a further penalty for Greaves. Rob Loone closed the gap with a penalty for Crusaders but Newmarket had the last word when an impressive move between forwards and backs gave Max Bell a try to seal the match.
With three more players having to leave the field with injuries, Crusaders must dig deep for next week's cup game against Royston.