Tuesday 31 March 2009

Fall Bay 4 Mumbles Crusaders 2

Against the backdrop to the dulcet tones of the signature tune from the film "Deliverance", the Crusaders Chagga Nagga Choo - Choo and its Swing Time Band Ensemble steamed its way majestically through the Trans-Gower Heartlands for our first Summertime Spectacular against the fearsome Fall Bay Bandits.

With the matrix formulae impervious to the virulent discrimination that pervades the royal rights of succession and operating in a manner of integrity that is more transparent than the Home Secretary's expenses allowance claim form , the role call of 15 good men and true for today's game of honour was - Lloyd, Ben M, Tom G, Tom L, Tom P, Jack P, Nathan, Alex, Aled, Cameron, Dom, Max, Keiran and Cian. Prince Regent elect and captain for the day was Harry.

Having won the ceremonial game of pass the parcel to determine who kicks off, and in ideal rugby conditions, the Crusaders elected to play down the slope. In an enthralling first period, possession and territory were equally shared as both sides attempted to gain an advantage both physically and tactically. After some rousing play from both teams, eventually the Crusaders broke the deadlock with a fine try finally scored from Tom G after some sterling work from all the team. Fall Bay then responded in positive fashion which eventually resulted in a deserved try. The first period continued at a frenetic pace with both sides eager to spread the ball and commit themselves to the breakdown and enter the physicality of the game with the Crusaders finishing the half appearing to have the better of their opponents.

The second period however saw a slight reversal of the Crusaders fortunes. With the bigger Fall Bay outfit taking full advantage of the slope, the magnificent efforts and level of intensity from all the Crusaders during the first period began to take its toll on our players and our opponents began to take the ascendancy in most facets of the game. Tackles and passes that were made during the first half were now not being fully completed and Fall Bay quickly ran in a further three tries. However in true style, the gallant Crusaders refused to bow down and be beaten and threw everything they had in the final two minutes and after several big tackles Dom eventually scored the final try of the game.

Our thanks go to the well drilled Fall Bay players and Coaching team who were deserved winners on the day and who provided us with one of the toughest, most physical and healthily competitive matches we are likely to experience in our domestic league.

A big well done to all the players on show today and to our committed bunch of supporters who continue to uphold the values of the Crusaders and whose belief in the squad ethos and support for one another on and off the field is without equal . Even though we were quietly disheartened by today's result, the one positive to come out of the glorious first day of Summer was the fact we were spared the ominous sight of Dan in his newly acquired Jean Paul Gaultier Spring / Summer Collection of Parisian fashion short Rugby shorts.

Training Wednesday 4.30

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