Crusaders secure a convincing victory in their second away game of the RFL Championship season.

REPORT

• Crusaders continue their undefeated streak in the Championship West
• Wyatt Jones captains the Crusaders in what could be his final game of the 2025 campaign
• The Crusaders put on a kicking masterclass as both Martin and Matthew Turner came away with a 100% record from the tee

Both teams traded sets in the early minutes as the Crusaders were able to turn the ball over on half way before turning ball back over deep in the Vikings half.

The Crusaders did break the deadlock after 5 and a half minutes as Matthew Turner raced away for his first of the day.

After a quick change of shirts for Matthew Turner as his came apart at the seam and some strong defensive work, the Crusaders were back on the attack.

A brief stoppage in play was called as both teams were met with a pitch invader, a local cat electing to escape the sun and join the teams on court.

A disallowed try and a couple of sets later the Crusaders were once again in, this time Matthew Turner becoming the provider as a no-look offload saw Fionn McCabe cross for his first.

The Crusaders were in for a quick-fire second as a break down the field followed by a quick tag, saw Matthew Turner cross for his second. The successful conversion giving the Crusaders an 18-0 lead after 15 minutes.

After exchanging sets for the next few minutes, a kick and chase effort by the Vikings saw the referee usher in a drinks break for both teams. This enabled both team to take on some valuable fluids and make changes to help combat the heat.

A strong defensive set by the Crusaders following a knock-on kept the Vikings at bay. The Crusaders were then gifted an easy 2-points as Fionn McCabe was pulled back whilst attempting to score and Matthew Turner knocked over the penalty to extend the Crusaders lead.

The Crusaders were in once again in the very next set, some excellent ball play say Matthew Turner cross once more.

After a big break in play due to a player injury. The Crusaders were in again, once again Matthew Turner managed to tower over the defence and score.

Next came one of the longest periods without a score, but once again it was the Crusaders who managed to score.

This time, Wyatt Jones broke through the line to cross for his first of the afternoon.

This was the final bit of scoring for the half as the Crusaders took a 38-0 lead into the break.

The Crusaders thought they were in their very first attack of the half but Martin Turner was forced into touch whilst attempting to ground the ball.

After another strong set for the Crusaders, they were able to capitalise from this and score. Harry Jones getting his first of the afternoon.

Jones was in for his second in the very next set, breaking through the line and racing away for his second.

The successful conversion giving the Crusaders a 50-point lead after just 50 minutes.

The Vikings did force an error from the Crusaders as a failed regather gave the kick-off, gifting the home side some well needed field position.

This was all in vein though as a no-tag at the controlled restart, gave the Crusaders the ball back which saw them kick for touch and gaining their own excellent field position.

This worked strongly for the Crusaders as just two phases later, Martin Turner crossed to extend the Crusaders lead even further.

Widnes started to pile on the pressure, managing back-to-back sets in the Crusaders half but some monumental defence by Fionn McCabe saw the Crusadets hold the Vikings out.

Next came possibly the best attacking set of the day as three offloads, including a reversing Harry Jones pass saw Wyatt Jones cross once more.

A short kick-off regather by Matthew Turner and some slick tagging saw Fionn McCabe once again score in the next set, managing to squeeze his way through the defensive line.

Fionn McCabe thought he was in again but Matthew Turners Tom Brady esc offload saw a turnover that ushered in the final quarterly water break of the day.

The Vikings were once again knocking at the Crusaders door but once again, Fionn McCabe was able to force the attacking player into touch.

The resulting turnover once again led to a Crusaders try as Matthew Turner weaved through the line to score from close range.

The Vikings were final able to cross the whitewash, Will McClymont crashed his way over in the corner.

The Crusaders pushed through and looked to get the final score but a turnover deep in the Widnes half saw the Crusaders back on the defence.

A flamboyant offload by Fionn McCabe saw Matthew Turner cross for his fifth and final try of the day.

The successful conversion saw the Crusaders take home the victory.

NORTH WALES CRUSADERS:  Wyatt,  Jones, Jess Booth, Martin Turner, Fionn McCabe, Matthew Turner

INTERCHANGES: Harry Jones

Tries: Mat. Turner (5, 15, 26, 64, 75), McCabe (12, 30, 58), W. Jones (38, 55), H. Jones (44, 46), Mar. Turner (49)

Goals: Mar. Turner 5/5, Mat. Turner 9/9

Widnes Vikings: Alex Howe, Dixie McClymont, Kieran Lacey, Stephen Roberts, Will McClymont

INTERCHANGES: Alistair Cadel, Anthony Johnson, Chris Dignall, Chris Haycock

Tries: D. McClymont (72)

Goals: Howe 0/1

North Wales Crusaders Player of the Match: Matthew Turner

Widnes Vikings Player of the Match: Kieran Lacey

Half-time Score: 38-00

Full-time Score: 80-04

Referees: Dave Abel, Steve Hogan