Rugby League: Crusaders take Vikings' scalp

Apr 28 2008 Western Mail

Widnes Vikings 14-16 Celtic Crusaders

CELTIC CRUSADERS took their gutsy Challenge Cup performance against mighty Leeds Rhinos last week into National League One to notch up the scalp of title favourites Widnes Vikings 16-14 at the Halton Stadium.

Crusaders and Widnes face each other at the Brewery Field on May 24 in the Northern Rail Cup, and if this game is anything to go by, it’s destined to be another exciting encounter between two well matched sides.

Neither side risked a lot of expansive play due to the conditions but the Crusaders attacked and defended well and their ball handling was far superior to their opponents.

Mark Dalle Cort, Gareth Dean and Anthony Blackwood went over for the Crusaders tries.

“We were strong,” said Crusaders coach John Dixon.

“We were very good in attack in the first half and excellent in defence as well. In the second half against a strong penalty count, we defended really well.”