Crusaders 18, Cantabrigians 27: Crusaders lifted themselves out of the doldrums with a spirited display.

Leaders Cantabs took an early lead through prop John Perks. A quickly taken penalty produced a further try, scored and again converted by McCormick.

Crusaders' heads never dropped and they hit back with two fine tries of their own when Cullum and Cooke finished off good moves. Both conversions were missed but a Tristan Smith penalty took the hosts to within one point at half-time.

Cantabs' strong forward pressure was rewarded with two penalties, both converted by their fullback. Crusaders came close to scoring in the corner but it was Cantabs' James who crossed for their third try of the game, McCormick completed his 100pc kicking record with the conversion. Smith scored Crusaders third try but the conversion was missed.