Crusaders come from behind to claim a victory in the Championship West opener

REPORT

• Crusaders score 57 second half points to claim a victory in the season opener.

• North Wales Crusaders claim a victory after being 28-16 down at the break.

• Stephen Halsey captains the Crusaders and becomes just the third Crusaders player to reach 50 appearances for the club.

Crusaders started off the half strong with Martin Turner being on the end of a Harry Jones kick to give the Crusaders the lead with less than a minute on the clock.

However, Widnes were able to take control of the half as they went back-to-back to take a he lead.

The crusaders clawed one back as Jakub Wasieczko was able to cross in the corner with the conversion taking it to 12-10 in favour of the home team.

But, once again Widnes were able to go back-to-back as they extended their lead and control of the game.

With the crusaders mainly on the back foot, they had glimpses of why they’re one of the favourites for the league title as they crossed once more. This time through Harry Jones as he was able to weave through from close range.

Widnes were able to have the final word of the half by crossing under the sticks after chasing a kick.

The conversion taking the score to 28-16 in favour of the home team at the break.

A stern team talk by coach, Harry Jones and captain, Stephen Halsey seemed to do the job as the crusaders came out completely vitalised.

In what seemed to be a copy of last seasons Grand Final against Wigan Warriors Reserves.

The home side couldn’t seem to handle to young members of the crusaders side as well as the sheer power and kicking ability of the team.

Matthew Turner was the first to cross as he was on the end of a great passing move by the crusaders.

This was soon followed by Martin Turner, fresh off his wales debut barged his way over and Mason Baker crossing over in the corner.

This period gave the crusaders the lead for the first time of the game, however, Widnes were next to score as they tried to get back in the game.

Next up came quite a controversial moment, as the Crusaders were awarded a penalty try as Stephen Halsey broke through and as he was about to ground the ball, was pulled back by his shirt.

This started a complete domination by the crusaders as Stephen Halsey was able to cross for a further five tries and drop-goal to take his side to victory.

The first of these tries seemed to be the pick of the bunch as we was able to shake off all five of the Widnes defenders, with his four teammates all running dummy lines and drawing the defenders out of the tackle led to him crossing next to the posts.

The next try saw Harry Jones put a swirling cross field kick in, which was fielded by Halsey to cross.

Widnes got the final bit of scoring as first they scored a drop-goal before chasing down an inch perfect kick-off to score the games final try.

NORTH WALES CRUSADERS: Stephen Halsey, Mason Baker, Martin Turner, Harry Jones, Matthew Turner

INTERCHANGES: Jakub Wasieczko, Fionn McCabe

Tries: Halsey x6, Baker, Mar. Turner x2, Jones, Mat. Turner, Wasieczko

Goals: Halsey 12/13

Drop-Goals: Halsey

WIDNES VIKINGS: Dom Richards, Alex Howe, Jack Woods, Andrew Holland, Paul Craig

INTERCHANGES: Ian Cunningham, Stephen Roberts, Wayne Ty, Chris Haycock

Tries: Richards x5, Howe x2

Goals: Craig 4/7

Drop-Goals: Richards

North Wales Crusaders Player of the Match: Fionn McCabe

Widnes Vikings Player of the Match: Alex Howe

Referees: Andy Marsh, Grant Jackson