A HECTIC 24 hours for the North Wales Crusaders deserved an epic match at its conclusion.

That’s exactly what occurred as Carl Forster’s charges pushed title-chasing Oldham all the way in a pulsating encounter at Colwyn Bay’s Stadiwm CSM.

Cru, who were leading for the majority of the match, were pipped 25-24, with Oldham making sure of victory via a last minute drop goal.

Just hours earlier, the club announced it had reached an agreement with Elkale LLC of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for the group to acquire a majority shareholding of Crusaders, subject to the approval of the Rugby Football League.

On the field of play, Crusaders made their mark early on against ambitious Oldham, with the North Wales side 12-8 ahead at the interval.

Ben Evans capitalised on great work from man of the match Dan Coates for Cru’s 10th minute try, which was converted by Ben Lane.

Things got even better for the hosts seven minutes later as Pat Ah Van made the most of an error for the next try, which was again converted.

Oldham cut the gap with tries from Jack Johnson and Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e prior to the interval, however Crusaders then came storming out of the blocks for the second half.

Just two minutes after the restart, Kieran Taylor’s try was converted by Lane, who also added the extras to Ollie Davies’ 51st minute score.

The hosts were 24-8 ahead at this stage, but Oldham turned things around with 17 unanswered points.

Logan Astley, Bailey Aldridge and Danny Craven grabbed the tries, with Craven kicking the match-winning drop goal in the last minute.