Calne Crusaders (2XV) travelled to Oakmedians for this cup match in good spirits and looking forward to another good cup run after reaching the final last season. With twenty players confirming their availability it was very disappointing to start the game with only two subs and only one of these subs actually fit to play.

With a much changed team, Calne started well and had some good possession but within a few minutes man mountain Simon Durston took a blow to the head and had to be helped off the field suffering from concussion. The visitors brought on Alan Henley who immediately made an impact by tormenting the Oakmedians defence with some great running.

The forward battle was very even with Calne having the upper hand in the scrums. However, the loosehead of Oakmedians who stood over 6.5 feet tall managed to cause problems in the lineout.

However, it was Calne who opened the scoring with great running rugby which resulting in Adam Welch touching down to make it 5-0 to the Crusaders. The conversion (also taken my Adam Welch) was pushed wide of the uprights.

The home side then showed good spirit by pushing hard for a score and were rewarded with a try of their own but failed with the conversion attempt. Tom Morten (Captain) urged his team to push forward and show the heart and determination that they had showed in pervious weeks. With the man of the match contenders Mike Cyster, Vince Treen and James Morten putting in some fantastic tackles and running with the ball well, the Crusaders looked like they were going to score before the break, but another penalty was given against Calne and the half time whistle blew with the score 5-5.

The disruption to the team continued as the influential James Morten (No.8) had to leave the field with a head injury and replaced with (Vice Captain) Chris Austin who slotted into tight-head.

The match continued to be even but after yet another injury, the Calne pack was once again disrupted and a determined Oakmedians team pushed for the win. A penalty was awarded to Oakmedians and they took the lead 8-5. This is where the game took a turn for the worse for the Crusaders. After seeing a couple of there own penalty attempts sail wide of the posts, frustration started to creep in. With the light fading and the touchline filling up with home fans, Oakmedians sealed the win with a try from their giant loosehead after another penalty was given away by the frustrated Crusaders. This was converted to give a delighted Oakmedians team a 15-5 win.

The Crusaders travel to Sutton Benger on Saturday and look to put this defeat behind them and concentrate on the league campaign.