Crusaders Enjoy Scotland Games

On Sunday, Crusaders were widely represented at U16’s and U18’s, with players representing the very successful Thunder Lions - Lions Development Program.

Game 1 was an U16’s game made up of players from Gateshead Storm, Wallsend Centurions and Yarm Wolves. Representing Crusaders was man in the middle, Darren Cunnington.

On the playing front Crusaders were first represented in Game 2, which was a great tussle at U18’s. Crusaders juniors. Elijiah Delaidriti, Owen-Tyler Cole, Jack Buttitta, Jake Lerigo and Oliver Rhodes lined up for the Thunder Lions whilst Alisdair McKechnie and Seth Clapham lined up for Scotland. Again, Crusaders were represented in the middle by Masters player, Paul Clarke.

Thunder Lions U18’s

A fast paced, big impact game thrilled the large crowd, with some superb rugby league on display.

Game 3 was a much later kick off and followed the League 1 match between Newcastle Thunder and Dewsbury Rams. The game saw U16’s players come together from Crusaders, Cramlington Rockets and Consett Eagles. The Thunder Lions took a while to settle but once they started to focus on getting the small things right, things really came together for them. Isaiah Delaidriti ran the game very well from scrum half and asked telling questions of the defence whenever he went to the line.

Zach Stanley, gracefully made a start from the bench and went on as an outside back, however with only backs as replacements he found himself with a big change in position later on. Zach thrived on being plonked in the middles with some barn storming runs and excellent defence. Also standing out in the middles was Riley Manuel who played some of his best Rugby League of the season. With a lack of a recognised dummy half, Toby George Clarke often got himself at the breakdown and was a handful from the scoot. Both Mackenzie Clarke and Leighton Smith stamped reliability statements all over their game. Ensuring they did all the small parts of the game well to maximise possession and effectiveness in defence.

At U16’s and U18’s the Crusaders showed great work rates, great sportsmanship and high levels of Coachability. Taking advice and time on the bench, so others got game time, with good grace. Well done the players and Match Officials representing the club.

Finally, not to be outdone Crusaders Masters supported the game from afar by agreeing to sponsor the post match pizzas for all the teams.