After a big effort the Crusaders managed to get a squad of 22 to travel to Houghton le Spring over the river, they were followed by big crowd of supporters. The sun was out and the Crusaders played up the hill first half.

Houghton struck first with a try 5-0, but Shields super star Dail Sear on one of his powerful runs leveled the score and Stephen Wood added the conversion to put Shields in lead 5-7. Not too long afterwards Will Evans powered over for a try and Stephen Wood's magic boots added the extras 5-14, Houghton scored two further tries and converted one to close out the first half 17-14.

Houghton started the second half with a converted try to extend their lead to 24-14.
Shields did not give up Jamie Caress led the way back with a try and magic boot of Stephen Wood added the points 24-21, with Shields still trailing Jamie Humble was having none of that and scores a try to put us in lead 24-26. Carl Owens who had a fantastic game decided to get in on the act with a try, Stephen Wood's boot strikes again 24-33. Houghton retaliated with converted try 31-33 before Stephen Wood slotted a great penalty to extend the visitors lead to 31-36.

With Houghton braking through in dieing minutes to score a converted try they took the lead 38-36 with one minute to go Houghton thought they won it with the home crowd celebrating But this is North Shields who all game had fought hard, they worked their way down the pitch and Will Evans crashed over for the winning try 38-41, Shields then put up a defence wall until the final whistle with the Shields crowd going mental.

Thank you to all the ground staff, Lynne Jackson once more doing her magic, and all the supporters who travelled over the river, nice to see Oli Randle back in the blue and white shirt. No man of the match as whole team deserved it.

Next week the Crusaders face Ponteland at home 3.00pm kick off.

Report by Ian Richardson.