North Wales Crusaders maintained their 100% start to the 2025 Betfred League One season as they came from behind to beat Workington Town in Cumbria.
Facing their third game on the road in as many weeks, Car Forster’s North Wales side started brightly, opening the scoring with just two minutes played.
A ball out wide found Cole Oakley who made no mistake in finding the line to open the the visitors’ account.
A period of pressure followed from Crusaders who forced two goal-line-drop-outs in addition to gaining penalties as Workington looked to regain possession, however, the home side stood strong in defence keeping the score to 0-4.
The hosts were rewarded for their efforts with little over 30 minutes gone as they capitalised on Crusaders’ ill discipline to score as Jake Carter dummied his way over the whitewash.
Just minutes later Workington extended their advantage as Jack Stephenson found the line to double his side’s tally for the afternoon.
With half-time looming, Workington edged further ahead as they converted a penalty awarded for a high-tackle to give them a 14-4 lead going into the break.
Knowing there was work to be done, Crusaders came out fighting, testing the Workington defence on several occasions before Ollie Brookes became the recipient of a pass to the wing following a ball steal, reducing the home side’s lead to just four points.
An edgy affair ensued as both side’s looked to keep each other at bay, however, it was Crusaders who secured the two points in the final five minutes as Jordy Gibson weaved his way over the line to level the scores before Jamie Dallimore nailed the conversion to send Crusaders back to North Wales with a 16-14 victory and their 100% record still in tact.
North Wales Crusaders will look to maintain their perfect start next weekend when welcome Cornwall RLFC to Hare Lane, Chester. You can secure your seat to support the boys today by clicking HERE.
