Cats run wild in Bridgend

Wakefield piled on the misery for Super League's bottom club Celtic Crusaders by running up a half century in Wales.

The game was initially scheduled for March 22, but was postponed when Wakefield reserve man Leon Walker died in a match against the Crusaders reserves prior to the main event.

And, as a result, both teams and the Brewery Field crowd paid their respects to the 21-year-old by standing for a minute's silence before kick-off.

On the field, Wakefield needed to get back on track after a hammering at Belle Vue last week when Huddersfield Giants thrashed them 54-6.

This was also a match that the Crusaders were targeting to get their second Super League victory of the season after the shock win at Bradford Bulls a fortnight ago.

Yet, by half-time, it was as good as over as Wakefield walloped a totally outclassed Welsh outfit to lead 30-0.

In fact, the Crusaders had just two attacks throughout the period, the best of which saw second row Chris Beasley just held up on the line by Wakefield backs Matt Peterson and Tony Martin.

Apart from that, it was all Wakefield.

Centre Ryan Atkins scored the first of five first-half tries as he took a long pass in the home 25 and went passed full-back Damien Quinn to score.

Replacement Michael Korkidas added a second from 10 metres before a kick into the Crusaders' left corner saw wing Scott Grix and centre Martin combine for Grix to ground the ball.

Inspired

Inspired Wakefield scrum-half Danny Brough had booted all three conversions and added a fourth when he got a try of his own with an intercepted 80-metre dash to the line.

And, right on the half-time hooter, Brad Drew was sent over after Tevita Leo-Latu and Brough had produced a neat move from a kick up field.

The thrashing continued after the break as twice half-back Jamie Rooney finished off excellent moves from halfway as the Crusaders wilted.

It was getting easy for Wakefield and, after a lull in proceedings, Steve Snitch added another try before Drew's second and a seventh conversion from Brough brought up the 50-point mark.

Crusaders had a couple of chances after the break but were ruled out by the video referee. Eventually the hosts did get a try through David Tangata-Toa, much to the evident disappointment of the Wildcats, who had clearly set their sights on a clean sheet.