OXFORD RL’s poor run of form continued as they slipped to a fifth successive defeat when losing 52-20 at to North Wales Crusaders.
Their cause was not helped by the kick-off being delayed by two hours after the visitors’ coach broke down on the way to Abingdon’s Tilsley Park.
It did not seem to affect Crusaders, though, as they led 24-6 at half-time in the Kingstone Press League One clash.
They then adding a further 28 points after the break, including four tries in the last ten minutes.
Crusaders made a fast start with Simon Atherton crossing for a converted try on two minutes.
It was soon 18-0 as Jack Houghton and Ryan Smith dived over.
Tommy Johnson, who converted the first, added the extras on both occasions.
He was then on target again to make it 24-0 after Andy Moulsdale ran through a gap to score.
Oxford finally got off the mark at the end of the half when Callum Windley darted over and Harvey Burnett converted.
But Crusaders’ dominance continued in the second half when Joe Bate crashed over.
However the hosts did respond through Bradley Moules to make it 30-10.
The arrears then stood at 14 points as Casey Canterbury crossed and Burnett converted, before Crusaders’ Callum Mullein was sin-binned and Oxford took advantage.
Harrison Brough grounded for an unconverted try to make it 30-20.
The visitors re-established their dominance in the last ten minutes, though, as Jonny Walker, Mullkeen, Kenny Baker and Smith crossed.
Crusaders’ Johnson converted four of the five second-half tries.
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