Bitter-sweet for Crusaders

Lloyd White: two tries for Crusaders

The Crusaders players responded to the shock news of losing their Super League status with an emphatic win at Wakefield.

Five days after Crusaders handed Wakefield an unexpected reprieve in the elite division by withdrawing from next season, their players overpowered the Wildcats at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium.

The damage was done in a 14-minute spell either side of half-time as Lincoln Withers broke the deadlock after 34 scoreless minutes, Lloyd White grabbed two and Stuart Reardon also raced over.

The Wildcats belatedly responded through Josh Veivers but Vince Mellars, Jordan James and Elliot Kear finished the job for the rampant visitors.

The Wildcats, who were unbackable favourites to lose their Engage Super League licence, now have ground to make up as they look to build a competitive team for next season.

There was little entertainment in the first half but Crusaders were the more industrious as they ground out a 6-0 lead.

Even though they made little headway, the Welshmen had the greater possession and spent plenty of time in Wakefield territory.

An early opening was missed when Elliot Kear stepped into touch and another chance was squandered when, after recovering a poor pass, Tony Martin threw one of his own to Reardon.

Reardon showed his defensive abilities with a try-saving tackle on Jeremy Smith and Wakefield also had Frankie Mariano stopped short.

Chris Dean went close to touching down a kick from Smith but Wakefield's attacks in the first period were rare.

Breakthrough

Crusaders continued to see more of the ball and finally made the breakthrough six minutes before the break when an Elliot Kear pass bounced kindly for Withers to run under the posts.

Clinton Schifcofske kicked the goal and Crusaders were further rewarded for their endeavour two minutes into the second half when White went over for his first from a Michael Witt pass.

White was in the right place again six minutes later after Crusaders chose to run a penalty and Withers broke the line to set up the Wales international.

The Welsh side began to run their hosts ragged as Tony Martin broke through a series of tackles to release Reardon on a try-scoring run down the right wing.

With Schifcofske adding two more goals to his tally, the visitors almost had the game wrapped up at 22-0.

The Wildcats at last produced a response just before the hour as Smith claimed his own clever kick and put over the supporting Veivers, who added the extras himself from in front of the posts.

But Crusaders moved up another gear to send Mellars over from close range.

James then crashed over and Elliot Kear showed good pace to touch down on the left.

Witt converted two and Martin another as Wakefield, who started the game in party mood and proudly boasted about their Super League status, were left with plenty to ponder.