Yesterday Crusaders Masters got their season underway with a cracking fixture against North East Thunder Masters at Robertson Rd.
From the off it was clear to see the work Crusaders have been putting in at training. The team were a lot sharper and much better organised.
Crusaders were first on the scoreline when UKAF Masters guest player, Andy Gray combined with Kev “Butch” Forrester to cut through the Thunder line.
The response from Thunder was swift and they capitalised through some great runs from their Tag shorted players and great organisation from another UKAF Master, Darrell McClaren.
Before the end of the first 20 minute period Jason Grant offered an inside line to draw in numbers whilst John “Longers” Longden threw a great pass to Romoi “Baz” Baselala who cut a half break before passing to Jay “ittookme2yearstoscoreatry” Wainwright to score. Despite both teams being unable to recollect this fete, the club has been contacted by a fell walker who was battling 30mph winds at the top of Sca Fell Pike but managed to hear Jay’s celebration!
Thunder continued to play great rugby and Crusaders had to work hard to prevent them from scoring more than the other two tries they scored.
The game was end to end throughout but it wasn’t until deep into the last 20 mins period that Crusaders were able to capitalise off a rare Thunder error and some swift handling found Crusaders debutant Adam Thompson in space out wide to run in a try from 40 metres out.
The ethos of Masters is to list every game as a nil all draw, with no bragging rights. Well this one was actually a draw, and with bragging rights for both teams about the quality of the rugby on display.
Thank you very much to North East Thunder for a great game. Also thanks to the UKAF, York and Carlisle players that backed up Thunder yesterday.
Thank you to the man in the middle, Paul Clarke, much appreciated.
Thank you The Hildyard Arms for hosting us post match.
Comments