When pre-season began early this year, there were two points raised, start fast and finish strong. As a Crusaders side travelled to Swaffham they were looking for proof that training works, and they certainly got it, in abundance.
On a sunny day in west Norfolk Crusaders were going to be tested, home advantage to Swaffham and Crusader’s first taste of ‘contact’ as a rare heat-wave had put pay to contact training thus far.

Newly appointed 1st team captain Sam Barker led the team in what from the side looked a high-octane warm-up and as the side and substitutions for this 4 quarter friendly were read out all looked raring to get going.

A fast start was needed and we got one, camped out in Swaffham’s 22 for the first 9 minutes a simple line out led to a sweeping backs move then crash ball after crash ball saw ‘Big Tim’ smash over the line from around 10 yards.

The conversion slotted home easily by Rob Loone and Crusaders were 7 up in 10 minutes.

Swaffham were strong in the forwards, and looked at set-plays to make this dominance show at every opportunity, rucks were both fiercely and sometimes illegally contested and much of the first quarter saw the ball being held in the middle third with heavy contact after even heavier contact.

The second quarter, produced some thrilling rugby with 4 tries to one being scored was marred by crusaders, losing Jack Edward at fly-half to a knee twist and finishing the half down to 13 men, two quick yellows, Tim Z for failing to keep his opinions about the refereeing to himself and Callum for use of knee in a maul – both silly and not to be repeated.

The halftime chatter was all about pace and aggression and simply not rising to Swaffham’s tackling (being mainly high and or late).

Mass changes ensued and with fresh legs Crusaders, took the game swiftly and simply away from contention.

Henry Mower showed pace beyond belief and the second half quickly descended into the Greg and George show as Crusader’s backline, being presented clean ball from a strong Crus pack; showed off some training ground moves, one in particular resulting in Greg scoring showed switches, dummy runs, reverse passes and touches defter than Paul Daniels.

The net result – 59-7 victory with every single player 1s and 2s showing that this season looks to have started in the best possible way, playing well, staying aggressive, starting fast and finishing strong.

Pre-season training pays dividends. We are one united squad. It was a pleasure to watch.

Let’s Go Crus.