Impressive win for Crusaders

Crusaders' Super League cause continues to gather momentum thanks to an impressive 20-10 victory against Wakefield Wildcats at the Hearwell Stadium.

The victory was the second achieved away from home by Brian Noble's side this season and it was his highest-profile signing who got things underway in the sixth minute.

Having established camp deep in opposing territory following a penalty, Crusaders played the ball along the line before former Welsh rugby union star Gareth Thomas crashed over on the right wing for his first try since switching codes.

Although scrum-half Michael Witt failed with the conversion, Wakefield found it hard at first to get back in the game but they nevertheless took the lead after 15 minutes.

Another penalty allowed the home side a rare opportunity to leave their own half and having made inroads, the ball was eventually fed out wide for winger Damien Blanch to race over.

Paul Cooke kicked the extras but Wakefield's lead lasted just three minutes - Cooke's grubber kick ricocheted into the hands of Witt, who outpaced the hosts to touch down and add the extras.

However, Cooke made a more positive contribution on 26 minutes when his penalty set up good field position before Luke George crossed from 25 metres out.

Cooke converted and once more the scores were level, although an error-strewn period of play either side of half time ensured that the scoreboard stayed static.

Unnecessary

Wakefield squandered two good opportunities at the start of the second half by trying to force unnecessary passes and another helped Crusaders regain the lead 14 minutes in.

With the Wildcats 20 metres from the line, a loose kick on the fifth tackle was picked up by Nick Youngquest and he sprinted the length of the field to score. Witt then converted to give the visitors a 16-10 lead.

The visitors sealed their win courtesy of another Wakefield error 13 minutes from the end, the home side losing possession before a strong set concluded with a try for Vince Mellars.

Witt missed the conversion and although Wakefield subsequently tried to respond - Blanch going close after latching onto Tevita Leo-Latu's grubber kick with five minutes remaining - the visitors held on.