Salford City Reds 28-16 Celtic Crusaders


Salford edge out Celtic
By Chris O'Brien
February 23 2009

The Celtic Crusaders were again made to pay for a slow start - but staged an excellent fightback which ensured it wasn't a St.Valentines' Night Massacre at the Willows. Celtic looked hapless in the early exchanges as the hosts surged into a twenty-point lead, though an impressive second-half display will have given the small band of travelling supporters a sense of optimism.

Salford City RedsCeltic Crusaders
2816
Attendance: 4,026
Saturday 14th February, The Willows

Salford are familiar opponents for the Crusaders - but John Dixon's men looked strangers to the Willows surroundings at kick-off as Salford stormed ahead.

The hosts were 20-0 up after only 21 minutes thanks to tries from Craig Stapleton, Richie Miller and Mark Henry. To make matters worse, John Wilshire was in fine early form with the boot.

However, the Crusaders battled back and Peter Lupton ran over with Tony Duggan scoring a brace as the deficit was reduced to as low as four points during the second-half.

The City Reds, sadly, held their nerve in the latter stages of the game and Ian Sib bit's try plus two nervy penalties from Wilshire ensured the points went to the newly-promoted North West club.

Once again, a second-half Celtic display shows that the team can be competitive in the Super League. There was also cause to celebrate for Duggan as the full-back, who has been with the Crusaders since the beginning, ran over his 100th try in English rugby league. Attentions now turn to the Brewery Field and the eagerly anticipated visit of Hull FC.

Salford City Reds: Fitzpatrick, Wilshire, Littler, Talau, Henry, Smith, Miler, Cashmere, Alker, Stapleton, Adamson, Parker, Swain. Replacements: Leuluai, Paul, Sibbit, Nash.

Celtic Crusaders: Duggan, Dyer, Hanna, Dalle Cort, Blackwood, Quinn, Van Disk, O'Hara, Smith, Bryant, Peek, Map, Lupton. Replacements: Budworth, Tangata-Toa, Chan, Beasley.

Salford City Reds 28-16 Celtic Crusaders
Posted by: Celtic Crusaders (IP Logged)
Date: 23/02/2009 16:24

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