Dings had only a couple of changes from their game at Rams last week, and 3rd placed Titans had travelled with a full strength team and great support as they came to Shaftesbury Park for the first time in their clubs history.

The task ahead of the game for the Crusaders was a big one and an early run from Matt Lane was stopped in its tracks by the heavy forwards.
However, there was a ray of hope as in the sixth minute Dings Tom Foot puts in a darting run to shred the Titans defense, Jamie Elswood converting, but it was the Titans pack that was to be the headline.

The visitors created a maul from outside the home 22 which overwhelmed the Crusaders giving Charles Capps space to dot down.
But, moments later, an inspired take from George Boulton who spots another gap in the defensive line stretching his legs to add 7 in between the sticks.

Sadly, the celebrations were short lived as a mistake in midfield left the door wide open for Richard Hayes to jog in from deep and convert levelling once more.

Ever present Tommy Gollop secured another 5 as Dings maul, expertly bolstered by the backs adding their weight to the move, drove over, but it was Titans who were really starting to dominate.

The catalyst as Gollop was sent to the bin, the floodgates opened with Trys for Callum Bustin and Tomasi Tanumi sealing the half 19-26.
Crusaders started the half as they finished the last, quiet, in disarray and lacking polish, as Luke Cole walked in for the visitors within a minute.

Tension was rising and tempers flared as Dings Boulton and Titans Hayes were sent to the bin, shortly followed by Sol Taufa for a well made tackle on Rotherhams substantial scrum half, but adjudged illegal by referee Jamie Parr.

Lacking numbers, unanswered scores from Zak Poole and another from Bustin, the home side rallied in the last minute and against the grain, Sam Morton-Smith crossed the paint from 50 yards salvaging the losing bonus point.

The boys have a week off now before heading to Richmond in 2 weeks
Player of the Match - Richard Hayes - Titans
Photos Harry Phillips www.dingscrusaders.com