Plenty to consider

By Chris O'Brien
August 2 2009

The Celtic Crusaders were well beaten 34-0 in France on Saturday evening as the Catalans Dragons kept their play-off dreams alive with a comprehensive victory. John Dixon’s injury-hit men looked out of their depth as the home side ran over seven tries in front of 6,874 supporters at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.

The odds were always stacked against the Saders as Dixon led his men to France with a host of injury problems.

The Dragons cruised to a comfortable victory with the result rarely in doubt after Dimitri Pelo broke the deadlock just before the ten minute mark.

After Pelo's opener, the Catalans seized control of the game with Casey McGuire, Clint Greenshields, Greg Bird and Kane Bentley all running over before the interval. Some of the first-half defending was horribly sloppy and those loyal fans that made the trip deserved better.

The Saders showed some fight after the break; but the Dragons were still able to extend their lead through Jason Croker before Steven Bell's late effort completed the rout.

The result means the Celtic Crusaders are now almost certain to end up with this year's Super League wooden spoon; whilst the French outfit kept their play-off hopes alive as they sit just two points outside of the top eight.

There are only four games left of the season now - away to Wakefield next, then the Newport clash against the Leeds Rhinos, followed by the emotional farewell to the Brewery against Huddersfield and then the trip to Yorkshire against the Cas Tigers.

Full Time - Catalans Dragons 34-0 Celtic Crusaders
Attendance - 6,874

Crusaders thumped in France following poor defensive display

Discussion started by CruXIII (IP Logged), 02/08/2009 13:03

CruXIII
02/08/2009 13:03

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