Jan 13, 133 days ago

Match Report: York City Knights 16-38 North Wales Crusaders

North Wales Crusaders gave a domineering display away from home, as they defeated a youthful York City Knights side 16-38, in their second pre-season friendly of their 2013 campaign.

Right from the kick off the Welsh side pressured their hosts as they capitalised on an immediate knock on, putting together a decent set of six and were held up just short of the line.

The two sides traded territory and possession until Andy Gorski broke the line in his own half before giving a deft off-load to young Welshman Lewys Weaver, who showed great skill and pace to beat two covering defenders and scored under the posts, before taking the conversion himself to give Crusaders a 6-0 lead.

York City Knights hit back almost immediately after taking advantage of some sloppy defending on the line, to bring the scores back level.

But for the rest of the half it was all North Wales, despite the referee dishing out 8 penalties against, which ulitmately saw trialist half-back Craig White sent to the bin after the team had been put on a warning for repeated offences around the tackle area.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the visitors went into the break 6-12 up after Jono Smith crashed over from close range.

North Wales struck quickly and clinically after the break, centre Leon Brennan finishing off an excellent move which saw the ball moved wide left before he cut back in on the switch to score under the posts.

Rob Massam showed great strength to go over for Crusaders fourth before York snatched one back, by getting a lucky rebound from a kick through on the last tackle on one of their few periods of second half pressure.

The game was already beyond York City Knights before half-backs Andy Moulsdale and Jamie Durbin both snatched a try a piece and despite Jonny Presley getting one back for the home side in the dying minutes, the match was capped off with Crusaders seventh try for debutant trialist Matt Reid.

Coach Clive Griffiths was delighted with the run out and the opportunity to test a large number of the squad against opposition from a higher division and confidence will undoubtedly be growing as they continue their build up for the new season.

Discussion of who took Man of the Match was rife amongst the strong travelling support – with Captain Andy Mosedale and Lewys Weaver highlighted, but the Welsh winger was ultimately picked out for his excellent performance and fine kicking display.

Attendance : 312

Photo Courtesy of Charles Peart