Harlequins were comprehensively beaten 28-6 by Nation League One side Celtic Crusaders in a pre-season friendly at the Brewery Field.
Crusaders cruise to pre-season win
Harlequins' preparations for the 2008 Super League campaign took a turn for the worse as they were comprehensively beaten 28-6 by Nation League One side Celtic Crusaders.
The friendly at the Brewery Field was an ideal opportunity for the Crusaders to face a full-strength Super League outfit, and see just how big the difference in quality is.
The scoreline suggests that it isn't that significant - and with the Welsh side fielding seven of their new signings plus trialist Rod Peake, they have high hopes of landing a place in Super League in 2009.
Crusaders coach John Dixon believes the result was perfect preparation for the start of the National League One season.
"It's important to play against quality opposition pre-season, which is what we did," he said.
Wonderful
"We've played against a Super League side and not only won and scored some wonderful tries but only conceded one try."
Quins took the lead with a try from stand-off Scott Hill but Crusaders quickly levelled through Welsh international Anthony Blackwood and Jace Van Dijk kicked the first of three goals.
Paul Ballard sprinted the length of the field to score and take the Crusaders into a 12-6 half-time lead.
Further tries after the break from Blackwood, Chris Vitalini and Damien Quinn sealed the win, but despite their defeat Quins coach Brian McDermott put a brave face on the result, saying: "It wasn't a disappointing defeat at all.
"This was a friendly, a trial and we trialled a few plays.
"I've actually gone in there and told a few of the players that some of the stuff they did out there was very good."
