North Wales Crusaders maintained a 100% start to their League One campaign as they came back from 12-0 down to league leaders Midlands Hurricanes in Birmingham.
Facing their fourth consecutive game on the road, Carl Forster’s North Wales side gave their travelling supporters something to cheer as they battled their way from behind to secure another two points on the road.
The start to the game was littered with errors from both sides as driving winds and heavy rain played a part in the early proceedings.
It was the home side who applied most of the early pressure, and as North Wales gained momentum with ten minutes on the clock they were met with strong defence from the hosts.
With 20 minutes gone, the scoring was opened as Midlands’ Ross Coates squirmed his way through the defensive line before managing to ground the ball.
As the Hurricanes looked to increase their lead, Crusaders were dealt a further blow as Lloyd Roby was sent to the sin-bin having kicked the ball away following a successful 40/20 kick by the home side.
Making use of their extra man, Midlands doubled their advantage as Matty Chrimes received a looping pass out wide to score in the corner.
As the half-time hooter neared, Crusaders ensured they remained in the fight as Matt Reid intercepted a pass before racing to the line to score.
Out for the second-half, Crusaders looked a different side as they put Midlands to the sword.
A try just four minutes on from the restart courtesy of Jordy Gibson saw the gap closed to four points before minutes later veteran Pat Ah Van crossed the whitewash to give his side the lead for the first time.
Gibson continued to dictate play, sending a smart grubber kick in behind the Midlands defence earning a drop-out which subsequently lead to another Crusaders try as Sam Wile became the latest name on the scoresheet.
Following a period in which their defensive skills were called upon, Forster’s Crusaders continued their impressive comeback as Gibson pounced on a grubber kick to take the lead to 24-12.
However, the home side weren’t done yet as Jordan-Roberts caught Crusaders off guard from close range bringing their lead down to just one score with ten minutes remaining.
Nerves were slightly settled with five to go as Gibson capped an impressive individual performance with a drop-goal from 30 meters out.
As the hooter sounded, Crusaders wrapped up victory via Ant Walker, with the Welsh international scoring his first try for the club to secure a 31-18 victory at the Alexander Stadium!