Saints sink brave Crusaders

Gareth Thomas was in the stands as Crusaders produced a storming second-half performance to give St Helens a fright before ultimately succumbing to a 37-30 defeat.

Rugby union convert Thomas - who should make his debut in next Friday's home clash against Catalans - watched on as his new team-mates battled back from 36-12 down to end the match out-scored by just six tries to five.

At one point it seemed that the Welsh outfit would be on the end of a humbling scoreline, but they never dropped their heads and Saints were grateful in the end to a Kyle Eastmond drop-goal four minutes from time that took them out of range.

The contest did not initially seem like being that close with Saints looking a class above the visitors for much of the opening period.

They hit the front in the fifth minute when some slick handling in midfield culminated in Jon Wilkin sending James Roby clear 10 metres out to touch down.

The second try came just six minutes later when Roby and Leon Pryce combined well to find the outstanding Eastmond, the England scrum-half demonstrating dancing footwork to leave Mark Bryant standing and cross the line.

Eastmond - deputising for the injured Paul Wellens at full-back - converted both scores and, at 12-0 down, Crusaders seemed set for a punishing night.

But they found a way back into the match on 19 minutes when centre Vince Mellars grounded a high kick from impressive scrum-half Witt, who then converted the try.

Saints responded seven minutes later as Pryce found rookie centre Gary Wheeler who raced down the left flank before sending Francis Meli in at the corner.

In control

Having conceded a number of penalties in quick succession, Crusaders fell further behind shortly before the break when Eastmond's delightful kick was grounded by Chris Dean, Eastmond maintaining his perfect kicking record to send the hosts in at the interval in control.

But the visitors continued to push forward and were rewarded in the 46th minute when Withers' slick pass found Jamie Thackray who crashed over from close range.

Again Saints hit back instantly and were gifted their fifth try when a defensive lapse allowed Paul Clough to collect possession and cruise over the whitewash.

A sixth was not long in coming, Pryce registering the try his work-rate deserved as he side-stepped past a tackler on his way to the line.

But, 24 points clear, the hosts took their foot off the accelerator and Gareth Raynor raced 40 metres to touch down before Withers went over 13 minutes from time to add more than a touch of respectability to the scoreline.

Remarkably, Crusaders crossed for a fifth time with six minutes remaining to draw within six points as winger Anthony Blackwood went over in the left corner with Witt kicking his fifth successful conversion.

With more than a few nerves unexpectedly gripping the GPW Recruitment Stadium, it was left to the immaculate Eastmond to slot his drop-goal to ensure victory.