Roundhegians 13, Crusaders 12 - Crusaders produced another frustrating display of under achievement, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory in the NPI Cup first round tie at Roundheigians.

They began in confident mood with the pack gaining the early initiative. They were solid in the scrummage and dominant in the line outs where Pete Southgate and Michael Feather in particular impressed with their well timed jumping.

Stand Off Gary Davey was wide with a long range penalty goal attempt after 10 minutes play, but it was the Home side which took the lead a few minutes later when No. 8 Darren Precious burst away from the tail of a line out to cross under the posts with Brendan Smith adding the conversion.

Crusaders responded with some spirited play by their backs, prompted by Davey,s fine touch kicking. Wingman Nick Wright caught the eye with his elusive running, but unforced errors spoiled several attacking chances, allowing Roundheigians to counter attack strongly.

Centre Tony Fella was a regular threat to the home defence, his powerful running several times carrying him through attempted tackles. It was from his break down the middle that Crusaders created their best scoring chance when centre Peter Lee-Gannon,s supporting run was held almost on the line with unmarked winger Kevin Young unable to hang on to his delayed and erratic pass.

Continued pressure was however, rewarded with a try by No. 8 Andy Bennett who tool full advantage of a Home side bungle at a line out to follow up a loose ball for a try to which Davey added an excellent conversion.

The game at that point seemed to be with in Crusader,s grasp but a penalty goal for Roundheigians by Smith on the stroke of half time was a cruel blow.

Davey was unlucky to see his long range penalty goal attempt early in the second half rebound off a post, but Roundheigians were unable to clear their line. The scoring chance appeared to have been wasted by an ill conceived and quickly taken tapped penalty, but Crusaders continued to press forward and Fella,s strength and commitment was enough to allow him to force his way over for a well deserved first try for his new club.

Crusaders were ahead for the first time and looked generally more likely to increase their lead then to concede defeat. Full back Warren Knowles was causing problems to the Home side with his weaving attacking forays and the pack continued to control the lines and set pieces. The Home forwards were, however, quicker to the break downs and more determined in the rucks and mauls, several times turning over Keighley possession.

Stoppages for a spate of injuries disrupted play as full time approached. Crusaders seemed to have secured a deserved victory until in the 5th minute of injury time a long kick ahead took play to their 22 meter area. Indecision and confusion reigned in defence and from a scrummage in front of the posts stand-off Graham Precious, drop goal attempt scraped over the bar to secure the win for his side by the closest of margins.

It was a bitter blow for a game Crusaders side, the pick of which were backs Davey, Knowles and Fella and forwards Riley and Lister.