EASTERN COUNTIES 1: Ipswich YM 18 Norwich Crusaders 29

CRUSADERS opted to play up the slope in the first half which put the initial advantage in the hands of the YM.

Both sides attacked with vigour and with each sides’ defences stepping up to the plate it took some time until a score was registered.

The deadlock was broken when the Crusaders’ fly half slipped a tackle and off-loaded to the centre for a simple touch down.

The YM responded well and attacked down into the Crusaders’ 22 but were denied a try by good defensive work and only achieved a penalty, slotted home by Elliston.

The half ebbed and flowed and saw Crusaders kick two penalties of their own.

Travis Kenny was a constant threat from full back and made a number of impressive darts down the blindside. It was Kenny who eventually managed to dance over the try line and finish a move for a well-earned try.

Unfortunately the conversion was missed and the YM met half time trailing 11-8.

The second half was always going to be tough with the YM having to battle the uphill slope.

Crusaders’ old heads cleverly chipped away at the YM pack slowing ball at the breakdown with great effect which foiled any hope of the YM creating flowing phases of play. Penalties were exchanged between kickers to extend both scores.

The YM’S challenge was then increased as hooker Gladwell received ten minutes in the sin bin for hands in the ruck.

The YM did well to defend and not concede for this period but the extra effort seemed to take its toll and they conceded soon after.

Charlie Dower then really took the attack to the Crusaders and managed to score an impressive try to bring the YM back to within a converted try.

The attacks continued and the YM looked a constant threat but unforced errors and turnovers continued to be the theme of the day.

Eventually the momentum swung back the way of the Crusaders and the YM conceded a sloppy try to hand the visitors a well-earned victory.