Gale blows away Crusaders

Luke Dorn crossed twice and Luke Gale added a third try plus eight points with the boot as Harlequins defeated Crusaders 20-18 on Sunday.

Gale's penalty on the stroke of half-time was all that separated the two sides with Jarrod Sammut scoring two tries and Ben Flower a third on the hour mark to bring the Crusaders within striking distance.

But they were unable to break through in a scoreless final quarter as Quins supplemented last week's 11-4 victory over Catalans Dragons in Cardiff.

Persistent rain made life difficult for the players but they provided entertaining fare in a match that was in the balance right until the final hooter.

Having soaked up the bulk of the early pressure, the visitors took the lead after 12 minutes with Sammut squirming out of a tackle to touch down.

The hosts continued to push, and despite more excellent defence from the Welsh side, Quins finally broke through midway through the half, Gale twisting and turning to score after Chris Bailey had made good ground.

The Londoners moved into the lead soon after, Dorn scrambling over the line after being released by Gale's neat grubber.

Respite

It was the home side who were in the ascendency but both teams were showing last weekend's opening victories were no fluke.

Crusaders were improving as the half wore on, and only great defensive work from Jamie O'Callaghan stopped Rhys Williams getting over in the corner.

But that effort was to prove mere respite, as Sammut crossed for his second score after 35 minutes, ghosting over after the Welsh side stretched the home defence.

It was proving a real nip and tuck affair, with the hosts nudging ahead again right on half-time as Gale kicked a close-range penalty.

The cagey opening first period was soon forgotten at the start of the second half as Quins opened an eight-point lead with a move of real quality.

David Howell released winger Chris Melling and after he streaked down the wing and Dorn was on hand to race under the posts.

Despite the conditions worsening there was no let up in the effort from either side, although the muddy pitch was certainly having an effect on the attacking impetus, with Howell spilling the ball as Quins created an overlap ten minutes into the half.

The hosts certainly seemed to be taking control, but when Oliver Wilkes coughed up the ball close to his own line the Crusaders were gifted a way back into the game, Ben Flower driving over to cut the deficit.

Things were back in the balance, and suddenly it was Harlequins on the back foot as Sammut continued to probe.

Crusaders came desperately close to snatching it at the death when Ryan O'Hara broke clear, but his pass went to ground and the chance was gone.