North Wales Crusaders cemented their place at the top of Betfred League One with a 14-4 victory over second placed Midlands Hurricanes at Stadiwm CSM.
Carl Forster’s side opened up a three point gap over fellow title challengers Midlands with eight games remaining as they grounded out a professional victory on the North Wales coast, securing a league double over the Hurricanes.
Following an almost perfect start to the game from both sides, it was the visitors who opened the scoring for the afternoon.
With 15 minutes on the clock Mark Dunning’s side were awarded a penalty for a late challenge on the kicker, using the field position to their advantage, Jon-Luke Kirby ran onto a short pass and powered through the Crusaders’ line to score.
The hosts hit back as they pressured the Hurricanes’ line before Joe Baldwin collected from marker and buried his way over the whitewash to give his side a 6-4 lead.
A physical encounter ensued as the league’s top two sides tested each other’s defensive capabilities finding little joy.
Following the break, Forster’s side doubled their lead as a Jordy Gibson kick caused the Hurricanes problems allowing Lloyd Roby to sweep in and score.
As the visitors looked to chase the game, mistakes followed.
With their opponents reduced to 12 men for ten minutes following a yellow card shown for a high-tackle, Crusaders looked to use their advantage as three chances in quick succession followed.
Pat Ah Van was first to get the home crowd off their seats as he looked to have grounded a Gibson grubber kick only for the referee to award a drop-out to Midlands.
Moments later Chris Barratt had an effort ruled out for an apparent forward pass in the build up.
As Midlands returned to their full compliment, Crusaders saw another chance go begging as Gibson’s looping pass out wide proved to be a little too far for Ollie Brookes to reach out and score.
However, their efforts were rewarded with little over ten minutes remaining as Jamie Dallimore converted a penalty in front of the posts to secure a 14-4 victory for Carl Forster’s side.