ANTHONY MURRAY was delighted North Wales Crusaders were able to ‘win ugly’ at Gloucestershire All Golds.

The Crusaders head coach witnessed his side produce a fine performance to win 30-18, despite making life hard for themselves in the second-half but grinding out another two points.

 It was Crusaders’ fifth League One win of the campaign and drags Murray’s men up to ninth spot in the table.

“We were made to work very hard and we made hard work of it second-half ourselves, you could say we produced an ugly win,” he said.

“Gloucestershire are an improving side though who are very hard to beat at home, they’ve only lost by the odd-goal to some of the big teams in the division, so if you’d offered me two points before the game I’d have snatched your hand off!

“I thought we were superb in that first-half, we took hold of the game and didn’t give them a moment of peace. 

“We stuck to our game plan, to our lines, and we dominated possession.

“Second-half quite a few errors crept into our game, which has happened a few times this season. 

“But what it did show is how well we can defend our own line when we’re under pressure and I thought we defended very well second-half.

“Look, it’s another good two-point haul and it gets us back in the mix for a top eight position.”

Scott Turner grabbed two tries in an impressive first-half display in Gloucester.

Murray was pleased with the performance of his winger, who could have added to his brace. 

“Scott took his tries well and he could and should have had a couple more in all probability,” he explained. “He’s playing very well at the moment and our back three of Tommy Johnson, Rob Massam and Scott, really are as good as you can get outside of Super League. 

“We’re lucky to have them and they’re a fantastic trio to call on.”

Billy Brickhill, signed after taking part in recent trials held by Crusaders, also crossed the whitewash, much to the pleasure of Murray.

“Billy took his try well and his all-round game has been good since he joined us,” added the head coach. 

“I promised him at the trial that I’d give him his opportunity in the first-team and hopefully he feels he’s had those chances in recent weeks.”