Crusaders claim fourth successive victory

DINGS Crusaders made it four wins in a row in National Two South, thanks to a 24-17 victory over Leicester Lions at Shaftesbury Park.

The home side looked to be in control for the majority of the game and really stepped up their defensive effort, but credit to the visitors who were always in the game and had the final say when outstanding full-back Alex Wilcockson dived over in the 80th minute.

Dings’ 19-year-old replacement scrumhalf Archie Stapleton was thrown in the deep end on his league debut after starting nine Tom Knight was helped off the pitch after receiving a bang to the head on seven minutes. Stapleton, however, came through with flying colours and received the player of the match award.

Dings opened the scoring on five minutes when fly-half Tom Price finished off a flowing move to dot down under the posts and then added the extras.

Lions hit back with a penalty from flyhalf Ben Young before Crusaders’ No 8 Chris Rovery stole possession at the breakdown and then powered through some would-be tacklers to score. Price again converted. Lions’ tighthead prop Isaac Thompson hit a wonderful line to go in for a try, and Young converted to cut the gap, but Price knocked over a penalty to make it 17-10 to Dings at the turnaround.

Dings struck first in the second half with centre Luke Arscott crossing for Dings’ 100th try of the season - Price converted. But, despite having the lions share of possession for the remainder of the contest, Crusaders were unable to add to their scoreboard tally.

This report first appeared on www.pitchero.com/clubs/dingscrusadersrfc.