CARL FORSTER has spoken of the importance of North Wales Crusaders producing good performances between now and the end of the season.

Crusaders’ promising three-match winning run in League One came to an end with their 32-18 home loss against Midlands Hurricanes.

Despite this loss, Crusaders are still well in the mix for a spot in the end-of-season play offs and ahead of yesterday’s kick-off, head coach Forster said: “A lot of people have spoken to me about ‘the four games’ which ends with Midlands this weekend, but for me that’s not the case.

“We need to be at our best standard from now until the end.”

Crusaders found themselves 16-6 adrift at the interval.

As with a number of their matches so far this season, Crusaders were the first side to get points on the board.

After some good pressure, Chris Barratt crossed for the opening try of the afternoon on 25 minutes and Ben Lane was on the money with the conversion points.

However, things swung in Midlands’ favour after Dan Coates was sent to the sin-bin in the 33rd minute.

Hurricanes would take full advantage by claiming 16 points in the space of just four minutes.

Tries went the way of Matty Welham, Todd Horner and Ryan Johnson, two of which were converted by Dave Hewitt.

To make North Wales’ task even tougher, Kieran Taylor received a red card for a late tackle during the build-up to the third try.

However, to their credit, Crusaders remained competitive in the second period.

Horner’s second try three minutes after the restart was converted by Hewitt, while Crusaders hit back with Paul Nash’s try on the hour, converted by Lane.

Matty Chrimes’ length-of-the-field effort saw Midlands extend their lead, but Crusaders reduced their deficit to eight points with Adam Carr’s converted try.

Midlands put the game to bed with their final try five minutes from time.

Workington Town eased to a 44-0 win at Newcastle, while title-chasing Keighley Cougars and Rochdale Hornets drew 20-20.