1st Team
Matches
Sat 01 Apr 2017  ·  Greene King IPA Eastern Counties 1
Woodbridge
16
20
Crusaders Rugby
1st Team
Woodbridge 16-20 Crusaders

Woodbridge 16-20 Crusaders

Robert Loone6 Apr 2017 - 18:15
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EC1 League

Woodbridge 16 - Crusaders 20

Crusaders travelled to Woodbridge accompanied by a coachload of supporters for what has become an annual and much anticipated fixture and pre-match lunch by both sets of supporters. Woodbridge buoyed up after lifting the Suffolk cup by beating London league side Southwold and having only lost one league game at home this season promised to be formidable opponents for a much changed Crusaders 15.

Crusaders applied the early pressure and brought the best out of the Woodbridge defense with a powerful rolling maul which was held up short of the line, a loose ball was snapped up by the Woodbride three-quarters on their own line, impressive handling between the Woodbridge back line carried the ball from one end of the pitch to the other for JP Hart to touch down and give Woodbridge the perfect start, the conversion being missed.

Crusaders forwards once again had Woodbridge pinned down on their line and it took an impressive display of agility from second row Alex Widdrington who spun on a sixpence to touch down in the corner with inches to spare 5-5. Back came Woodbridge with their second try after Simon Ward had fielded a loose defensive clearance by Crusaders, Jamie Smith was in support to touch down. The same player having missed the conversion increased Woodbridge's lead with a penalty shortly after 13-5. A number of penalties conceded by Crusaders allowed Hart to pin the visitors in their own half but a good break out of defense by Crusaders forwards was well supported by George King in the centre who carried the ball into the Woodbridge half, Jamie Dack hit his well directed pass at pace and rounded the fullback to touch down out wide, the conversion into a strong wind was missed 13-10 halftime.

Woodbridge almost increased their lead in the second half but a fine tackle by Lewis Kenwothy bundled the Woodbridge winger into touch .

Crusaders took the lead for the first time when a dummy and a break from the back of the scrum by Robert Loone opened up the Woodbridge defense, the ball was moved wide through several pairs of hands for Kenworthy on the wing to touch down try number three. Once again the conversion was missed. Crusaders increased their lead when their forwards drove over for a bonus point try, Drewery's conversion attempt coming back off the post. With Woodbridge's backs always looking a threat the game was in the balance but despite a late Woodbridge penalty Crusaders unlike in their previous two league games when a lapse of concentration in the final minutes had cost them dearly they managed to secure the win much to the relief and joy of captain Lewis White full-time 16-20.

Match details

Match date

Sat 01 Apr 2017

Kickoff

15:00

Competition

Greene King IPA Eastern Counties 1

League position

2
Crusaders
5
Woodbridge
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Shirt Sponsor - Longwater Construction Supplies
Shirt Sponsor - North & Hawkins Building Consultancy
Shirt Sponsor & Board Sponsors  - R P Hawkins Builders
Shirt Sponsor &  Board Sponsors  - Anglia Roofing Supplies Ltd
Board Sponsor - Norwich Fireworks
Board Sponsor - Flameskill
Board Sponsor - OTW Imaging
Mini Bus Sponsor - Clearwater
Pre Match Lunch Sponsor - The Fat Cat
Beer Supplier - Lacons Brewery