Crusaders defeated in battle

In their second Merit game of the day, Colchester took on Crusaders for the first time in recent memory. A closely fought game in which Crusaders had their fair share of field position was settled in the home sides favour due to more effective use of the ball when in possession. Centre Pemberton was the first to cross after receiving the ball from a 5m scrum (converted by full back Jack Mills) before second row Nathan Gardner scored from close range. After the game lost its structure and became more fractious towards time, Mills had the final word, touching down in the corner after shaking off a couple of tackles.