FEATHERSTONE ROVERS 11 CELTIC CRUSADERS 10

By Ian Golden - http://www.sportingwales.com/artman/publish/article_8529.shtml

In the first meeting of the season between the sides in joint third place, a Jamie Benn drop goal that was deflected over the posts in the 76th minute was the only difference between two evenly matched sides at Post Office Road as Featherstone Rovers beat Celtic Crusaders 11-10 on Sunday.

Both sides were suffering from injuries after a long hard season. This game was the big test to see who had most in reserve, and both sides performed admirably under the circumstances in a very close hard fought and thrilling match.

Benn gave Featherstone the lead from a penalty after the Crusaders were penalised for offside but they were unable to get a try straight after despite continued attacks. Paul Hughes had a chance to set up a try but his kick into the area was poor.

Crusaders took the lead on the quarter hour after Chris Beasley set up Paul Morgan who ran through the defence to ground.

Rovers attempted to get another back but choosing to run in a penalty rather than kicking, Wayne McHugh knocked on during a strong passing move.

Jace Van Dijk kicked a penalty to give the Crusaders a 6-2 lead on 23 minutes, after being the victim of a late tackle, and they were unlucky not to score again on the half hour mark. Michael Ryan kicked an accurate grubber into the path of Morgan but it bobbled too much for the Welsh international to latch onto.

Featherstone regained the lead on 35 minutes after a dubious knock-on decision was given against Gareth Price just five metres from the line, and Carl Hughes scored straight from the scrum. Benn converted.

Benn had the chance to extend Rovers’ lead just before the interval but a perfectly timed tackle from his opposite number, Van Dijk caused him to drop the ball.

Crusaders attacked from the off and came close to a try in their first set as Luke Young’s grubber on the fifth tackle was picked up by Dale Cardoza.

But Featherstone increased their lead on 51 minutes when Benn kicked a successful penalty from 40 metres out after the Crusaders were penalised for offside.

Crusaders levelled the scores on 56 minutes after Benn was put on report for a high tackle on Grant Epton as he was close to scoring. Choosing to run the penalty in, Michael Ryan stormed over but Van Dijk missed the crucial conversion.

They attempted to take the lead after being given a scrum on the Rovers 20-metre line following a knock-on, but couldn’t break through the defence and Rovers regained the ball after Morgan was pushed into touch on the fifth tackle.

Rovers had the chance to win the game on 74 minutes but Benn’s drop goal attempt hit the post. Van Dijk attempted one himself a minute later but it was a poor effort and was charged down.

Morgan knocked on from Gavin Swinson’s grubber near to the touchline which gave Rovers another chance to get the winner which Benn didn’t waste with his match-winning kick.

Craig Fawcett knocked on from kick-off giving the Crusaders another chance to get a winner. Luke Young had a chance to get an equaliser but like Van Dijk’s attempt, the ball hardly left the ground and it rebounded back to him. He kicked a grubber through to Morgan but it was too far in front of him and it went into touch.

Crusaders were given a penalty on the 40 metre line in the last second. The hooter went as Van Dijk stepped up but his kick didn’t quite reach the posts.

Crusaders’ operations manager Gerald McCarthy said: “That was the best effort we’ve made all season. It was a thrilling game and the result says it all. We’ve got two home games left and one away and we can still finish in third as we’ve still to play Featherstone at home. It was a very disappointing day for us but you can’t fault the effort from both sides.”

Featherstone Rovers: Nathan Larvin, Brian Sutton, Wayne McHugh, Dale Cardoza, Matty Wray, Richard Blakeway, Jamie Benn, Chris Birchall, Paul Hughes, James Houston, Steve Dooler, Danny Kirmond, Carl Hughes. Subs: Craig Fawcett, Gavin Swinson, Wayne Sutcliffe, Jamie L’Anson.

Tries: Hughes (35)

Goals: Benn 3/3

Field goal: Benn

Celtic Crusaders: Tony Duggan, Grant Epton, Matt Hill, Damien Quinn, Paul Morgan, Luke Young, Jace Van Dijk, Hywel Davies, Michael Ryan, Gareth Price, Ryan Barton, Chris Beasley, Neil Wyatt. Subs: Dean Fitzgerald, Geraint Davies, Gareth Dean, Anthony Seibold.

Tries: Morgan (15), Ryan (56)

Goals Van Dijk: 1/3

Attendance: 831

Half-time: 8-6

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