Crus win at Thurston

Rugby Results ECL1 - Thurston 5 - Crusaders 26

Crusaders traveled to Thurston and took an early lead when Joe Richardson broke off the back of the scrum and ran in unopposed Gareth Drewery converting. On a rain drenched pitch both sides were making handling errors but it was Thurston who were gaining an edge. Following good pressure in Crusaders 22 they scored an unconverted try out wide 5 - 7.

Crusaders shook themselves down and made a swift reply when Rob Loone taking over the line kicking from the injured Conan Hoey placed the ball deep in the Thurston half from his own 22, the same player made a perfect offload following his blind side break to put Ryan Harris in for Crusaders second try. Drewery again converted 5 - 14 halftime.

In an untidy second half Thuston never really threatened but did a good containing job, restricting the visitors to 2 further trys. Joe Richardson was making the most of his call up using his arm strength to rip the ball from a mall and break deep into the Thurston half. The ball was recycled back to Greg Thurston the Crusaders centre made good ground before feeding winger Jamie Dack who touched down out wide. Another fine kick from Drewery 5 - 21.

Crusaders final try came from a well judged kick by fullback Harris which the Thurston defence failed to deal with. The fullback displayed good pace and dribbling skills to take the ball on and touch down by the touch line. Drewery's kick came back off the post 5-26.

Although not firing on all cylinders this was a third hard earnt win despite team changes.