Rugby League: Skolars play a smart game

Mar 3 2008 by Richard Clifford, South Wales Echo

IN horrendous conditions in Bridgend on Saturday night, London Skolars ruined Celtic Crusaders’ St David’s Day celebrations by beating them for the first time in 10 attempts thanks to a late Jermaine Coleman try.

It was the Londoners’ second win in as many weeks away from home against National League One opposition following their 50-32 victory at Sheffield Eagles.

Just an Ian Webster conversion separated the sides with two minutes to go and Crusaders thought that they had done enough for a narrow win.

However, they didn’t account for the Skolars’ determination.

The dreadful conditions certainly played their part in the scoreline.

But to the Skolars’ credit, their handling game was better than the Crusaders, they made fewer errors and thoroughly deserved their win.

Crusaders’ coach John Dixon gave the visitors credit.

“They’ve two wins in a row so they’re doing really well right now,” admitted Dixon.

“It’s good to see developing teams play well, it’s just not good to see them play well against us.

“I give Skolars credit today, they put a lot of hard work in.

“We were never in control of that game. We started really well and we maintained our lead until two minutes before the end.

“But we didn’t have enough quality in our ball control to maintain field position and it came unstuck for us today.

“I always felt we’d win the game but we weren’t good enough in the last two minutes.”

Crusaders now have an intriguing Challenge Cup tie next Sunday when they take on Russian champions Lokomotiv Moscow at the Brewery Field.

“We don’t know anything about Moscow,” Dixon admitted. “So it’ll be a chance to concentrate and work on ourselves.

“Following today’s performance, there are a few areas we need to work on so that’ll keep us busy for sure.”