Crusaders 21 - Thetford 25

This top of the table clash lived up to all expectations with both sides producing 80 minutes of passion and total commitment.
In a first 10 minutes played at a terrific pace neither side could make a breakthrough, until following a Thetford boot down field which was fielded by Lewis Kenworthy, the fullback appeared to have made a good touch to the half way line but the ball was kept in play by Will Martin. The Thetford fullback seemed to have one thing in mind and with some wonderful footwork he stepped his way through the Crusaders defense for a try by the post, Matt Briggs converted.
Within minutes Crusaders suffered another blow when centre Greg Thurston was yellow carded when trying to hoof a loose ball up field he made contact with a Thetford players foot.
Down to 14 men Crusaders stuck to their task and after fielding a loose ball inside their own half they produced a quality try of their own. Jamie Dack sprinted into the Thetford half and following excellent interpassing with his centres the winger finished off what he had started touching down under the post, Rob Loon converted.
The action switched to the other end and Jamie Dack was again the hero when he pulled down the Thetford number 8 inches from the line.
Crusaders were back to a full compliment but only for a short while, winger Kyle Velardowas yellow carded for obstruction and the resulting penalty was converted from the touchline by Matt Briggs 7/10.
Excellent work by the forwards gave Rob Loon an easy penalty chance in front of the posts but a slip and a hook sent the ball wide of the mark.
Thetford struck again and it was their outstanding fullback Martin who once again gathered a Crusaders clearance on the halfway line side stepped his way through the Crusaders defense , again Briggs converted.
Crusaders came back again Greg Thurston back on the pitch glided through the Thetford defense only to be brought down a metre from the line, Ryan Harris was on hand to touch down under the post Rob Loon made no mistake with a conversion 14/17 half time.
The second half started in the same tempo Matt Briggs had Crusaders back peddling with a huge penalty kick to the corner and when the ball was switched to the opposite wing their extra man Josh Clarke touched down wide out. Crusaders forwards began to take control and Thetford had to withstand enormous pressure on their line. This pressure was finally rewarded when player coach Phil O'Brien found a gap and managed to touch down with outstretched arms, Robert Loon converted to bring the Crusaders to within a single point 21/22.
Most of the action was now in Thetford's 22 but the visitors defense held firm.
When Thetford broke clear it was their man of the match Martin who sealed Crusaders fate with a wonderful drop goal from 40 metres. Crusaders still had time for a winner but wrong options allowed Thetford off the hook.