Sunday 12th August
Referee Tudor 

Elwyyn(Ranieri)Jones has taken the task of coaching the 18s this season and has proven to be a good decision with large numbers turning out for pre-season. The 18s played their 1st pre-season match on Sunday the 12th of august against an experienced Rogerstone team who had already played in 5 pre season matches and were looking strong.

It started well for the cru’s with both strikers, Daniel `donkey` James and morgey dominating the oppositions defence but not finding the net. The 18`s continued to control the match but were left with no luck against a rogey team that looked dodgy all over the field. Rogerstone finally found the breakthrough after 30 mins through an unlikely source. The opposition were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box which was deflected into the net by crusaders centre back Ben `the leg-end` walker.

The 18s fought on only to be caught out by a sneaky through ball by Rogerstone that was brilliantly struck into the top corner from outside the box that left the keeper stranded.

After the break the cru’s came out fighting and were rewarded with a handball in the box and were given a penalty. Ben Walker stepped up to take and put it away to the keepers right only to be taken back by Tudor the ref annoyed and confused by this decision Ben Walker stepped up to take a second after finding out that Aaron Bonthron had ran into the box while the pen was being taken. With anger Ben snapped at it only to find that his effort hit the cross bar with force.
The cru’s were this time saved by the man in the middle as big bad Tudor pointed to the spot again for another retake. Ben converted in style with a low driven strike to the back of the net but there was more commotions as Tudor yet again pointed back to the spot for yet another retake. The keeper and Ben Walker at this point were frustrated but seen the funny side as they both shared a drink before returning to their positions. Ben slid the ball yet again past the keeper and this time it stood. 2-1 to rogie with half an hour left.

The strike force of the second half came in the form of Sam Rose and Aaron Bonthron who like the 1st half strikers tormented the oppositions defence. Elwyyn ran in the changes in the second half and experimented with players that he was yet to see play. Rhys Fletcher was removed some time through the second half with a nagging thigh injury and Captain Luke Morton along with Ben Walker were also removed with slight injuries. rogie pressed on and through the aid of yet another free kick they took the lead further with a fantastic strike at goal which found its way through the crowd of players and into the bottom corner. The ref blew up and both teams shook hands with the final score 3-1 to Rogerstone. Elwyyn team looked sharp in the game and should be pleased with the run out there are a lot of positives to take into the next match. Bring on the 3rds!