Sam Nash double helps London Skolars overcome North Wales Crusaders with a 31-24 win, the club’s first ever at Glyndwr University Racecourse Stadium.
The hard running winger barged over the line twice at crucial times throughout the game and played a key role in delivering the win.
“We started really well and had the upper hand early so it was good to convert our chances. When we’re at our best, we can match it the best. We just need to make sure we’re doing that for eighty minutes,’’ he said.
Both Nash’s tries were off the back of a back line movement but the winger, still with plenty to do to cross the line, showed his finishing skills.
After racing to a 16-0 lead thanks to tries to Dave Williams, Alex Walker and Ryan Chester, Skolars then had to ward off a Crusaders fight back through tries to Alex Thompson and Ryan Smith.
Five minutes before half-time, Nash crossed for his first of the match taking the score to 20-12. The lead was then reduced with a try to Crusaders Scott Turner and a penalty goal from Tommy Johnson.
A try on debut for former PNG Hunters star, Israle Eliab in the second half provided some breathing space for Skolars.
But it was Nash’s second try of the match that ensured a winning margin. A shift wide through the back line and a deft offload from back rower Will Lovell, saw Nash with the ball twenty metres from the line. Beating his man on the outside, Nash powered over the full back and stretched out fully to score the try.
“It was a great ball from Will Lovell but I got caught short and remember thinking I just had to try and put the ball down. I was just doing what I do,’’ said Nash.
“There’s a great feel amongst the group at the moment. Everyone’s buying into what we’re doing but we’re not getting too carried away. We’ve got a tough game at home this weekend against Coventry and our focus is already on that (game),’’ he said.
Jymel Coleman was a handful in his first game back and showed glimpses of brilliance, having a hand in most of the Skolars points. A field goal conversion 9 minutes from full time put the game out of reach.
Full time score Skolars 31 – North Wales Crusaders 24.
Next home game is Sat 23 3pm KO against Conventry Bears at New River Stdium. Tickets available online.
