Crusaders Colts maintained their highly impressive start to the season with another high scoring win on Merseyside to remain unbeaten.

After a dominant second quarter from the visitors, the result never seemed in doubt but Liverpool emerged with great credit for their rousing finish.

Celtic's greater experience particularly in the shape of Aled James and Phillipe Gardent gave them the edge but there is also a hunger about them which sees them eager for the ball and to keep it moving.

After 46 minutes they led 46-6 but the expected avalanche after that failed to materialise thereafter was a credit to the Buccaneers pack, marshalled by Alex Williams, which never gave in.

Celtic opened the scoring in the second minute capitalizing on a home mistake for David Evans to cross out wide.

Alex Williams' drive regained position for Liverpool and when they moved the ball wide, Richard Bryant forced his way over in the corner, Jamie Hammond landing a fine goal from touch.

Celtic bombed a further opportunity when Evans knocked on with the line beckoning but the visitors then took charge.

Gardent strode through two tackles on an unstoppable 10 metre charge, Lloyd White landing the first of his nine conversions.

Lewis Fox's break set up the next score, impressive full back Elliot Kear backing up for the first of his hat trick.

On 26 minutes, the Crusaders again went in from long range, James the scorer and six minutes later, great passing to the right uncovered Greg Callow, White landing an excellent touchline conversion.

Kear claimed his second after the referee waved play on when Liverpool thought there had been crossing and it could have been worse for the Bucc's in the lead up to half time, Kev Cunningham coming up with a
sensational try saving tackle on his own line to deny Lee Williams.

Two minutes into the second period, Barrie Phillips rampaged through two tacklers from 30 metres to go over by the posts.

Alex Williams was hauled down just short in reply but Kear broke clear from his

own half to take the visitors 40 points clear.

Liverpool responded as the heavens opened, full back Matt Garner linking well to go over in the corner.

Tom Burnell set up the next Crusaders score with a fine inside ball, Callow reaching behind him to take it well and head for the posts to bring up the half century.

Buccaneers then enjoyed their best spell, Ian Stanley crossing on the back of a double penalty award.

Celtic's best try was their last, Callow gathering behind his own line and the ball sweeping through five pairs of hands ending with Gary Williams crossing.

Liverpool's reward for their effort came in the final minute, Keiran Lacey slipping through and Hammond converting.

BUCCANEERS
Matt Garner
Jamie Hammond
Darren Forshaw
Ian Stanley
Richard Bryant
Mike Forber
Ryan Cunningham
Steve Alcock
Cairan Cunningham
Alex Williams
Kev Cunningam
Kieran Lacey
Jon Chamberlain
Subs (all used)
Gerry O'Reilly
Ste Williams
Joel Parker
Matt Williams
Tries: A. Williams (7), Garner (50), Stanley (61), Lacey (79)
Goals: Hammond 2

CRUSADERS
Elliot Kear,
David Evans,
Gary Williams,
Lee Williams,
Greg Callow,
Lloyd White,
Aled James,
Phil Gardent,
Tom Burnell,
Geraint Davies,
Lewis Fox,
Mark Wool,
Chris Vitalini,
Subs (all used)
Gareth Moore,
Gil Dudson,
Barrie Phillips,
Ashley Griffiths
Tries: Evans (2), Gardent (19), Kear (23, 35, 46), James (26), Callow
(32, 54), Phillips (42), G. Williams (66)
Goals: White 9

Men of the match:
BUCCANNERS Alex Williams
CRUSADERS Elliot Kear
Half time: 6-34
Referee: Cliff Tamou

by Phil Caplan
11 May 2008