Match: Crusaders Reserves V PILCS
Venue: Fields Park
Referee: Clinton
Date: 25/08/2007
Conditions: Long Grass and boiling

Crusaders returned back to Fields Park for their 1st home game of the season. With Budgie suspended, Louty on holidays, and Manager David Thomas on a family outing, which included Andrew Simpkins, Ian Gilchrist had to choose the side as the pack was shuffled once again.

PILCS came flying out of the blocks and within a minute they were awarded a penalty, as Borat brought down 1 of their players. The penalty was converted, so Crus were up against it from the start. 1-0.

Daniel Morris was brought down, but no penalty for the Crus, but unfortunately the Crus couldn't force any more pressure. PILCS were by far the better side. They were much fitter, wanted it more, 1st to the ball, and they were causing all kinds of problems to the Crus defence with their pace and trickery going forward. Keeper Scott Gilk was called upon for a couple of 1 on 1 saves, to keep the scored down, but he failed to save another 1 of these 5 minutes before the break, which made it 2-0 to PILCS.

Mostyn had a chance just before half time, but the keeper saved well for PILCS.

Ian Gilchrist tried to change things for the better at half time. He brought off the injured Dan Howls and the pissed duo of Dan Morgan and Nicky Thomas. A disappointing end to Nicky Thomas Gwent County career before he signs for the 1st team. On came youngsters Slasher, Liam Davies and Ashley Reid.

Both teams started from where they left off on the 1st half and this meant 1 way traffic. It was 3-0 after 50 minutes as PILCS slotted home another. Keown could have been quicker to clear off the line though.

A scramble in the box from a corner made it 4-0, before a 20 yard deflected effort made it 5-0.

With 20 minutes to go, the PILCS left back scored a scorcher from out wide and a difficult anger, which led to the whole crowd clapping in appreciation, 6-0.

A massive rout was on the cards, but Crus started trying to get some pride back. In the last 10 minutes Mostyns trickery earned the home side a penalty, and John Smith buried the Ghost from Caldicot 18 months ago, to make it 6-1.

Man of The Match: Scott Gilk, didn't do much wrong and even showed some flare with a cheeky back heel.

Dummy of the Match: Ashley Reid. A bit harsh as it could have been anyone, but young Ashley adopted Niblos slice and kept trying to take out the home crowd in the process.