NORTH WALES CRUSADERS brought the curtain down on their home Rugby League Championship campaign with a defeat.
It’s been a tough year for Crusaders and there were doubts in the spring that the club would be able to reach this point of the season.
However, with a carnival atmosphere on the club’s community day, visitors Keighley Cougars recorded a 90-6 success at Colwyn Bay’s Stadiwm Eirias.
Ahead of the match, a club statement said: “This is one afternoon every Crusaders supporter will want to be part of.
“There is so much more than two points to play for. This fixture is a chance for the Cru family to come together, fill the stands with noise and show exactly what rugby league in North Wales means.
“Every cheer, every tackle and every moment of encouragement from the terraces can give the players the energy to finish their home season with real purpose.
“The occasion will carry the atmosphere of a genuine community celebration.
“For the Crusaders, this is an opportunity to put their pride, commitment and attacking spirit on full display in front of their home supporters. Keighley will provide a tough Championship test, but home afternoons are built for big efforts, brave rugby and the moments that bring a crowd to its feet.
“This is our home. This is our club. Let’s make it a day to remember.”
Keighley came storming out of the blocks and they were able to get their noses in front with Alfie Dean’s try, which was converted by Matty Beharrell (pictured right).
Mac Walsh grabbed the next try and this was followed by scores from Izaac Farrell, Oliver Whitford, Brad Holroyd, Dean, Lucas Green and Emmanuel Waine.
With Beharrell kicking an additional six conversions, Cougars were 46-0 to the good at the midway point.
Keighley continued on the front foot when play restarted, with further tries going the way of Connor Sayner (2), George Flanagan, Dee Foggin-Johnston, Holroyd and Josh Jordan-Roberts.
Crusaders kept battling away and they were rewarded for their efforts with a converted score.
However, Keighley had the final word with tries by Farrell and Sayner.
Other results: Goole 32 Swinton 28; Newcastle 56 Midlands 20; Barrow 42 Whitehaven 20; Dewsbury 26 Batley 48; Doncaster 24 Sheffield 18; Hunslet 28 Rochdale 18; London 58 Halifax 12; Oldham 36 Salford 28; Widnes 40 Workington 12.
Leeds regained the leadership of the Super League with yesterday’s thumping 66-16 win at York.
Wigan temporarily went top on Friday night with a record 12th straight win after seeing off Wakefield 26-12.
Leigh continued their charge for the play-offs with a 62-10 thumping of Bradford Bulls.
Other results: St Helens 36 Castleford 12; Hull KR 12 Toulouse 32; Catalans Dragons 26 Hull 27; Warrington 34 Huddersfield 24.
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