Crusaders 21, Old brodleians 3 - Crusaders' spring revival continued with a well-earned victory over old rivals Brodleians who earlier in the season had inflicted on them a defeat by 20 points to 8 at Hipperholme.

It was never plan sailing for the Home side in spite of the scoreline. They took advantage of their few scoring chances to establish a clear winning margin early in the second half and then defended with grim determination as the Visitors struggled to press home their late dominance.

A try by wingman Warren Knowles after 5 minutes play was just the tonic the side needed. The fast improving No. 8 Morgan Bailey picked up from a scrum 20 metres out, fed centre Nigel Curr who was held on the line before the forwards arrived in strength to lay back the ball to Knowles who plunged over amongst a melee of defenders.

Brods soon struck back with a penalty goal by wingman David Stoyles, but Crusaders lead was quickly extended by a similar effort by Johnny Harrison.

The tenacious Crusaders were well on top throughout most of the first period, with play confined for long spells to the Visitor's half. Full back Matt Gaffney and wingman Kevin Young each tested the defence with their powerful running and it was no surprise when the lead was further increased.

The pack served quick possession from a ruck on Brod's 22 metre line, Young made the initial thrust across field before shipping an inside pass to 2nd row man Peter Southgate who strode majestically through a ragged defence to touch down under the posts with Harrison converting.

The score finally prompted Brods into action. They began to deny Crusaders the regular possession they had enjoyed for most of the first half, enabling their speedy backs to display their skills. Only a brave covering tackle from Nigel Curr kept out wingman Andrew Standeven before Crusaders regrouped and forced play into the Visitor's half, from where Harrison calmed things down with a fine drop goal. Two missed penalty goal chances by Stoyles before the break added to Brodleians frustration which was further compounded early in the second half when Harrison successfully teed up a cheeky close range drop goal.

Thereafter Crusaders were mainly under the cosh, as Brods increasingly gained control. They could not, however, break the spirit of the tiring defenders.

A solid tackle by Young prevented a try by prop McLouchlin and a darting break by stand off Pentelow was halted by a crunching tackle by Gaffney. The stubborn Keighley pack soaked up the relentless pressure, securing vital possession that enabled halfbacks Johnny Harrison and Martin Uren to clear the danger.

There was predictably mixed emotions of relief and jubilation in the Keighley camp when the final whistle came. Several times this season they have allowed an early lead to be snatched away in the later stages of the game. The side is now playing with more discipline, spirit and maturity so that such lapses are now hopefully things of the past.