Darlington 107 Keighley Crusaders 8 - Just when they hoped things could not get any worse Crusaders stumbled to a record defeat at Darlington. Injuries, holiday and work commitments again robbed the side of eight first choice players and the resulting mix of first, second and third team players was simply no match for a fitter, faster and more skilful Darlington side, containing seven Durham county players, including three who had represented the North of England.

Crusaders were soon under pressure but held out for 10 minutes before full back David Glendenning crossed for the first try. Tries followed at regular intervals with Crusaders' only first half response being a penalty goal by Danny McGee.

A well taken try by centre Simon Shiner briefly encouraged Crusaders at the start of the second half but Darlington quickly responded. Backs and forwards began to attack from all parts of the field, and whilst Crusaders generally tackled firmly and bravely Darlington's superior pace and fitness took its inevitable toll.

Stand off Craig Lee, flanker Phil Mott and winger Tim Foster each grabbed a hat trick of tries and with Glendenning adding the conversions the side increased at an alarming rate.

The pick of the struggling Crusaders side were stand off Danny McGee, centre Margus Part and Simon Shiner in the backs and flanker Mark Lister in a well beaten pack. For the rest it was a day best forgotten.

n In a break from league action on Saturday Crusaders have a home match against Bradford Salem (KO 3pm).

Warren Knowles is preferred on the wing to John Hinchliffe and Thomas Kubran continues at scrum half in the absence of Lawrence Marklew.

Veteran Steve Hargreaves is tried at prop, Simon Atkin plays the first senior game of the season in the second row and Andrew Bennett replaces the unavailable Tyrone Adam at flanker.

Skipper Kevin Young is named as a replacement alongside the experienced John Duffy and Gary Davey.

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