| Dings Crusaders 32 Newbridge 12 |
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Saturday 22nd August Dings Crusaders vs. Newbridge Dings Crusaders produced a much-improved display to overcome a spirited Newbridge side at Landseer Avenue. Both sides played with adventure and tried to play with width at every opportunity. Dings new Head Coach James Farndon paid tribute to his new charges and is looking forward to the next stage in the per-season schedule when Dings play host to Western Counties out-fit Thornbury on Thursday night. “I was particularly pleased with the way we are beginning to gel as a group, I thought the new signings all played well. We know there are lots of things to work on but we are moving in the right direction,” he said. Dings struck as early as the 4thminute when from a penalty, which was kicked into the corner, the Dings pack drove to the line. When the ball was re-cycled back to the blindside, hooker Dave Wheeler drew the last defender to put fellow front rower Chas Meddick clear to score in the corner. Flyhalf Adam Westall converted from the touch line. Newbridge hit back 12 minutes later when winger Leon Perkins scampered in at the corner to score. Fly half Mike Jefferies converted to bring the teams level. Back came the home side a try by Tim Brockett who was packing down at loose head prop today after playing most of his rugby on the other side at tight head. Westall added a penalty on 36 minutes before hooker Dave Wheeler barged over on the stroke of half time to make it 20-7 to Dings. Both teams rang the changes at the interval as both coaches gave everyone a chance to impress. Orlando Stott was the next to cross the visitors line after he had been put into space by a superb pass from young fly halt Tom Lukjaniec to score out wide on the left. Another new signing, hooker Rich Thomas, crossed for Crusaders 9 minutes later with Lukjaniec adding the extras to make it 32-7. Newbridge continued to try to play their way out of trouble and got their just reward in the 67 minute when wing Gary Peters raced in to give the visitors a consolation score. Dings Crusaders, Tries; Meddick, Brockett, Wheeler, Stott, Thomas Pens; Westall Cons; Westall, Lakjaniec Newbridge Tries; Perkins, Peters. Cons Jefferies Match Report by John White |
