Cru failed to build on win as Catalans romp home

The Celtic Crusaders failed to build on last weekend's superb win at Odsal as they crashed to a hugely disappointing 30-18 defeat to the Catalans Dragons. John Dixon’s men were very poor in defence as the French outfit bossed proceedings for long periods and left the Brewery Field with maximum points; leaving their South Walian counterparts seven points adrift at the foot of the table.

Crusaders wore red for this home fixture - perhaps hoping the jersey brought good luck after last Sunday's stunning win away to the Bradford Bulls.

However, Cru fell to a bitterly disappointing defeat at the hands of the Dragons with a series of sloppy defensive errors proving costly to Dixon's side.

The win in Yorkshire ad provided Cru's support with plenty of hope and a decent atmosphere greeted the XIII as proceedings got underway on Saturday evening in front of the live Sky television cameras.

Cru's vocal support were left hoping for another win as Josh Hannay took advantage of a French mix-up in defence to cross-over the line before sending an excellent conversion between the posts.

However, the home side's optimism was short lived as the Catalans restored parity almost immediately. Cru were slack when Catalans kick-off bobbled into touch and the visitors took full advantage with Greg Bird eventually crossing with Thomas Bosc firing over the extras.

The momentum swung in the French side's direction, Clint Greenshields had a try ruled out for a knock-on before Olivier Elima, Adam Mogg and Josh Perry put the visitors into a commanding lead going into the interval. Cru trailed 22-6 at the break.

Coming out for the second-half, Cru knew they needed a quick response and delivered as Jason Chan battled his way over the line before Hannay reduced the arrears to ten points.

The hosts continued to battle away and the home fans were lifted when Jordan James took advantage of a fine kick from Jace Van Dijk to touch down. Hannay converted and suddenly the deficit was a mere four points.

Cru, however, couldn't take advantage and when Matty Smith left the field of play with a dislocated elbow the hosts flopped. Tries from Steve Bull and Stacul sealed a deserved win for the Dragons, dealing a huge morale blow to the Crusaders.

The Crusaders must surely now look to beat Wakefield - another game live on the box - or the pressure will be piled back onto Dixon.

Full Time - Celtic Crusaders 18-30 Catalans Dragons
Attendance - 2,927