halifax 66 Keighley Crusaders 0 - A depleted Crusaders side suffered its worst ever league defeat at Halifax.

Lacking seven or eight first choice players, they were no match for the league leaders who ran in four tries in the first quarter of an hour, thereby spoiling the game as a realistic contest.

Right winger Aaron Canning was the principal tormentor. His exceptional pace and elusive running earned him three early tries, with second row forward Martin Smith adding another.

Whilst Crusaders were unable to match Halifax in height, weight and speed, they had the edge in raw courage and spirit. They raised their game to take play to the home side, and for much of the rest of the half held territorial advantage. Their lightweight pack contested well in the lines where makeshift second row men Duncan Walsh and Andrew Bennett won a good supply of ball. Flanker Mark Lister and No 8 Darren Ideson deserved particular praise in a pack which showed stubborn defiance against Halifax's expensively assembled set.

Several times Crusaders came close to tries as they harassed the home defence. Their backs made the best of their limited opportunities, often showing skill and creativity. But sadly their refreshing inventiveness proved to be their downfall when an inside pass by full back Gary Davey was intercepted by stand off Nick O'Connor, and the deceptive pace of a man not obviously built for speed allowed him to run in unopposed from the half way line.

Trailing at the break by 31 points, there was no way back for a gallant Crusaders side. In spite of the brave efforts of their pack and the courage of half backs Lawrence Marklew and Danny McGee and centres Margus Part and Simon Shiner, tries were conceded at regular intervals. Flanker Chris Lord crossed from a tapped penalty, and with the Crusaders pack in severe distress at a scrum close to its line Halifax were awarded a penalty try. Stand off O'Connor crossed for his second try before Canning's mazy run through a tired defence brought him his fourth try, which, with eight conversions, gave him a total of 36 points. A late pushover try credited to No 8 Phil Horton completed the scoring.

It would be easy to be critical of Keighley's performance, but such criticism would be unfair both to the players and to the coaches. Even at full strength the side does not have the capacity to compete effectively against those clubs whose recruitment policy is centred around their cheque books.

The young side has been hit cruelly by injuries and other unavoidable circumstances which have combined to prevent the strongest team being available on all but rare occasions. Most clubs, however, go through bad patches, and as has happened at Keighley before, they will recover as their talented youngsters mature.

In the meantime what would coach Martin Whitcombe give for one or two big strong men? Is there anyone out there reading?

n Having faced league leaders Halifax last Saturday, Crusaders must travel tomorrow to second placed Darlington, the side with the best scoring record in the league and averaging over 40 points per match.

Full back Gary Davey is unavailable, with Matt Gaffney moving from the wing to cover for him.

Simon Shiner and Margus Part are retained at centre with Nick Wright returning to the wing.

In the pack there is a welcome return of Peter Southgate, and prop John Duffy faces a late fitness check.

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