Learning on Friday evening that Crusaders 1st XV game away had been cancelled, we knew Crusaders would bolster their 2s team for this fixture. Despite that the Lions took their strongest team possible following a number of injuries to the Norwich 1st XV. The Lions squad included one of our senior Colts Harry Elderkin who was making his debut in senior rugby.

 

 

 

Crus’ kicked off and after a few minutes of play and a number of crunching tackles from both sides Crus’ were awarded a penalty. They opted to kick and took 3 points. With their tails up Crus’ kept the pressure on and the Lions penalty count crept up too.

 

 

 

Another penalty saw Crus’ take another 3 points (6 – 0). More pressure from Crus’ saw a monumental defensive display from the Lions as the kept Crus’ out. When they did manage to go over the line the Lions were able to hold the ball up, No try.

 

 

 

Olli Whipp was given a yellow card for the high penalty count from the Lions. Late in the first half, with some great play from the Lions the ball was shipped out to the right wing where debutant Harry received it and showed his pace, with a Harry trademark Goose-step passed the Crus’ defence and scored under the posts.

 

 

The try was converted by Tom R (6 – 7). Harry’s debut try was swiftly follow by his second try. The Lions went in at halftime with the lead.

 

 

Halftime Crus’ 6 – 12 Lions.

 

 

As expected, Crus made a few changes at half time and brought on a number of their 1st XV players. With that Crus’ managed to score a number of tries and they received a yellow card too. Stuart S pulled one back scoring under the posts to make the score Crus’ 39 – 19 Lions.

 

 

 

With 3 minutes remaining in the game, Steele received the ball out on the right wing, he offloaded to Alfie who went over to score, as Alfie scored a scuffle occurred that resulted in Steele and the Crus’ player both receiving a straight red each. Despite being down to 13 players for the last couple of minutes of the game Crus’ managed to score again.

 

 

Final score Crusaders 2s 46 – 24 Norwich Lions.

 

 

A special mention for Harry Elderkin, whilst still being a Colt and being a part of the Norwich Rugby Academy, on making his men’s senior debut, Harry’s two first half tries saw him given Man of the Match.

 

 

Next week is a week off before the Lions then take on Wymondham 3s in the rescheduled Norfolk Bowl game on 31st January.