photo by Ian Lovell

Crusaders Colts opened Saturday’s events at the Brewery Field successfully as they held on for a 24-22 win over top of the table Warrington Wizards.

This win means that Crusaders Colts finish second in the final Conference National table and will travel to first placed Bramley Buffaloes in three weeks time in the play-offs where a win will see them straight through to the Grand Final on September 28th. Defeat will give them a second chance to qualify with a home match on September 20th.

Wizards pushed for a try from the off. Danny Shaw made a good run from centre but the support was lacking so his attempt to chip Josh Hannam proved fruitless and the winger collected the ball.

Colts gained the initial advantage on five minutes when Wizards were penalised for holding down in the tackle and Lloyd White kicked what would eventually be a crucial penalty.

Continuing to attack, Colts scored again from the next set. Greg Callow and Gary Williams combining brilliantly and Williams took advantage of the gap to score under the sticks. White’s kick made the score 8-0.

But Wizards struck back straight away, Shaw this time managing to break through successfully to score in the corner. Chris Mellor converted.

Colts restored the advantage as soon as they regained possession with Gary Williams finding the gap once again for a fine solo try that White had no problems converting.

Wizards attacked ferociously. They forced a scrum ten metres from the Colts line when Ashley Griffiths was forced into touch but from the resulting set, Griffiths picked up Alan Redicliff’s grubber kick.

Anthony Beckett had a good attempt at scoring but dropped the ball under pressure as he was diving for the line.

Colts also had chances go amiss. Carl Lloyd knocked on near to his own line leading to a home attack. Geraint Davies was close to scoring but, like Beckett before him, he looked to have knocked on when grounding.

But Wizards eventually struck when Redicliff scored a typical forwards try from close range. Mellor once again kicked a tough conversion.

However on the stroke of half-time, Colts struck again, Tom Burnell breaking through and scoring under the sticks. White’s kick gave them a 20-12 lead.

In the second half both sides seemed to have worked out each others’ respective gameplans and the defences ruled.

Substitute Gil Dudson had an early second half try ruled out for offside for the Colts while David Leffler tried to ruck his way over the line rugby union style to open Wizards’ second half account but he was short of the line.

But something had to give and it was Wizards who broke the deadlock on 66 minutes through Redicliff which Mellor converted. However Lee Williams scored in the corner straight away to give the home side a six-point advantage.

Wizards responded well as Shaw scored his second in the corner but crucially Mellor missed for the first time in the afternoon and Colts held on to their two-point lead.

CRUSADERS COLTS
1. Ashley Griffiths
2. Josh Hannam
3. Gary Williams
4. Lee Williams
5. Greg Callow
6. Lloyd White
7. Paul Emmanuelli
8. Jamie I’Anson
9. Tom Burnell
10. Geraint Davies
11. Phil Cushion
12. Lewis Fox
13. Chris Vitalini
Subs:
14. Gil Dudson
15. Dan Smith
16. Mark Wool
17. Oliver Hughes
Tries: G.Williams (7, 14), Burnell (39), Williams (69)
Goals: White 4/5

WARRINGTON WIZARDS
1. Carl Lloyd
2. Shaun Daly
3. Danny Shaw
4. Matt Taylor
5. Stuart Pirrie
6. Anthony Beckett
7. Warren Ayres
8. Scott Davidson
9. Steven Smythe
10. Matt Clarke
11. Jono Smith
12. Chris Mellor
13. Alan Reddicliff
Subs:
14. Paul Wilson
15. David Leffler
16. Gary Hewitt
17. Luke Worsley
Tries: Shaw (11, 75), Redicliff (35, 66)
Goals: Mellor 3/4

Referee: Ritchie Rees
Half-time: 20-12

article by Ian Golden
23 August 2008