The Beccles coach said it best “you’re playing to your strengths”. When those strengths are a big pack that Ruck, Maul, Scrummage and Line-out well coupled with blistering pace and swift moves in the backs, it’s both tough to argue with him and even more difficult to find fault in the performance which saw Crusaders win comfortably against a good Beccles side.

With 17/18 Captain Lewi White back in the starting line up the pack looked more dangerous especially at the break-down and with Lewis Bunn and Greg Thurston on the flank, it was rare that Beccles gained quick & clean ball.

The result will raise a few eyebrows, not least with those that watched Crusaders leave loads on the pitch last season, as today; nothing was left untried, untested or unfinished.

No yellows, better discipline and fast ball saw Crusaders enjoy around 75% possession with only one twenty minute period of pressure in which Beccles scored once.

The game was yet again a joy to watch, as Henry Joy gave his opposite number a lesson in scrummaging and Captain Sam showed why Hookers must be able to do so much more than throw and hook, both excelled in the loose with some strong and powerful runs as the pressure continually mounted on what became a tired and beaten Beccles Team.

We go to the last pre-season game on 1st September looking to start the season 3-0!