The Crusaders welcomed Midsummer Norton to the Rec looking to open their D&W3 league campaign with a win. Calne’s new look team were boosted by debutants Rich Lamb, Mark Tait, Chris Sampson, Toby Powney, Phil Redman and Craig Harkess. And, Bruce Harper was dragged onto the pitch to play even though he only came to watch! The 1XV travelled to Cricklade with no subs to help the 2XV which was greatly appreciated.

As the match kicked off it was the inexperience that let the home side down as they allowed Norton to score an early try. With so many new faces, it was always going to take a while for Calne to settle but it didn’t take long before the hosts put meaningful attacks together to fluster the visitors.

In the scrums it was a dominant display by Captain Pete Brownlie at Loosehead, Simon Fry (Hooker) and Chris Austin (Tighthead) and Norton’s pack were unable to withstand the force of Calne scrums. However, the lineout’s were evenly matched which made it a tense game for both sides. The home team had numerous chances to score but it was Norton who, against the run of play got further ahead after a good move released their winger to cross the line.

Calne new boy Rich Lamb opened Calne’s account with a fine try and hooker Simon Fry dived over the line and seemed to have lost the ball forward only for the referee to give the try. After a stuttering start, it looked like the home side were going to grab a win but it wasn’t to be. Norton attacked the Calne wings as they were simply having no joy through the powerful forwards. In the second half and after many changes to the Norton scrum, they asked the referee for uncontested scrums which meant one of the home sides biggest advantages was neutralised. The game slowed and Norton managed to run in a couple of good tries but Calne’s spirit was one again evident as scrum half Adam Baker scored his first try for the club and Toby Powney scored a fantastic individual try from inside the Calne half to the delight of the supporters

This was certainly a score that flattered Midsummer Norton but the Crusaders left the field in great spirits as it was one of the best (first game of the season) performances played by the 2XV. Craig Harkess had an impressive debut and is expected to be with the 1XV very soon and Captain Pete Brownlie was pleased with his team’s performance and looks forward to facing Supermarine 2XV in their next game.