Skolars 4-48 Crusaders

Celtic Crusaders gained their fourth win in a row, and their fourth victory over London Skolars this season, with their victory at the New River Stadium.

It was a victory that cemented their position at second in the LHF Healthplan National League Two table, keeping up the pressure on Dewsbury who beat Hunslet to stay three points in front of the Crusaders.

The win sets them up for a top-of-the-table clash against Swinton Lions at the Brewery Field next Sunday.

The win in London was a solid performance from the Crusaders who were made to fight hard for the points against the league's bottom club, but victory was secured in the first half as the Bridgend-based side scored five tries without reply.

Jace Van Dijk had the first chance for the Crusaders but knocked on as he was tackled less than five metres from the line.

At the other end, Paul Marsden laid a nice ball off to Austen Aggrey who dived for the line, but pressure from the Crusaders' back line caused him to hit the flag as he grounded.

The Crusaders took the lead in the 12th minute following good work from Luke Young and Van Dijk.

Neil Dixon, replacing the injured Tony Duggan and making only his second appearance of the season, charged over, Damien Quinn converting.

Shaun Ata had a chance to get one back but was pushed into touch by a number of Crusaders players.

Paul Morgan increased the Crusaders' lead after finishing off a fine move in the corner in the 20th minute. Quinn once again kicked the tricky conversion.

Morgan added another in similar fashion four minutes later to put the score on to 16-0, while Quinn got the Crusaders' fourth try on the half-hour after being beautifully set up by Young.

Gareth Dean barged through the middle, off-loading to Van Dijk who scored under the sticks. Quinn kicked the extras to put the half-time score on 26-0.

The Skolars deservedly got on the scoresheet six minutes into the second half after Austen Aggrey charged over the line.

They were lifted by this and kept up the pressure but were constantly kept out by the Crusaders' back line.

Crusaders restored the balance in the 56th minute after Dixon set up Young to score.

Man-of-the-match Dixon scored another try of his own four minutes later, Quinn converting both to put the score on 38-4.

Following good work from Dean Fitzgerald and a pin-point kick from Van Dijk, Carl de Chenu knocked the ball down into the hands of Quinn who easily ran the ball over the line for his second try of the day.

Michael Ryan added another on 72 minutes as he ran virtually unchallenged from the behind the half-way line and easily sprinted past the tiring London defence to score in the corner.

Quinn kicked the extras again to make the final score 48-4.

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London Skolars: Darryl Fisher, Dean Martin, Shaun Ata, Paul Marsden, Austen Aggrey, Jermaine Coleman, Kurt Pittman, Alan Barker, Gareth Honor, Powhiri Bidois, Mike Castle, Ben Joyce, Chris Sheari. Subs: Frank Reid, Dave Elton, Matt Pitman, Dave Brown.

Tries: Aggrey (46)

Celtic Crusaders: Neil Dixon, Carl de Chenu, Aled James, Damien Quinn, Paul Morgan, Luke Young, Jace Van Dijk, Hywel Davies, Michael Ryan, Shawn Van Rensburg, Ryan Barton, Matt Jobson, Dean Fitzgerald. Subs: Gareth Dean, Geraint Davies, Phil Cushion, Scott O?Kelly.

Tries: Dixon (12, 60), Morgan (20, 24), Quinn (30, 64), Van Dijk (36), Young (56), Ryan (72)

Goals: Quinn 6/9

Referee: Craig Halloran (Batley)

Half-time: 0-26

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Wales Conference East (24-06-06):

Blackwood Bulldogs 36-24 Cardiff Demons (Glan-yr-Afon Park)
Torfaen Tigers 20-70 Newport Titans (Pontypool United RFC)

Wales Conference West (24-06-06):

Bridgend Blue Bulls 60-28 Swansea Valley Miners (Porthcawl RFC)
Aberavon Fighting Irish 52-16 West Wales Sharks (Aberavon Green Stars RFC)