Crusaders were made to fight hard for a win against newly promoted Harwich which maintained their fine start to the season.

The home side faced a strong wind in the first half but Crusaders' superior scrummaging negated this advantage. The deadlock was finally broken when Sam Mael struck a sweet penalty from 40 metres to give the visitors the lead.

Crusaders pressed hard to get back on terms but a wayward pass was intercepted by winger Andy Dolby who had an unopposed run in to increase the visitors' lead.

Crusaders applied the pressure early in the second half and were rewarded with a Paul Robinson penalty. A slick three quarter move then opened up Harwich's defence and gave winger Theo Elliot the space to drive over in the corner, Robinson put his side in front with the conversion.

Crusaders' lead did not last long as the Harwich forwards drove over near the posts but the easy conversion was missed. Crusaders regained the lead when their forwards drove to the line and scrum-half Robinson was on hand to touch down. With the game finely balanced Jordon Long sealed victory with a sweetly struck drop goal.