By Barry Andrews

History was made on Saturday when Wales wheelchair international Harry Jones played in his testimonial match, the first ever to be given to a Wheelchair Rugby League player.

There were two matches played in the day, North Wales Crusaders A v South Wales Barbarians (a combination of Torfaen Tigers and Cardiff Blue Dragons players) and then Crusaders firsts took on Hereford Harriers.

Although not playing in the first fixture of the day, Jones played a big part in both as an official in the first and assisted in the main event.

As second referee in command for Crusaders A vs South Wales Barbarians, Jones oversaw an end to end game as Crusaders came out on top in a 46-40 victory. A late fight back from the Baa Baas wasn’t enough as the Cru As manged to see out the clock.

The main event also did not disappoint as North Wales Crusaders beat Hereford Harriers in a high scoring contest, the final score being 64-59 to Crusaders.

Jones played a more defensive role than he would have liked on his day as the winger had plenty of goal line defence to cover but in his team’s victory Jones assisted one as Stuart Williams went over.

Both sides went in level at the break after a last second Stephen Halsey penalty made the score 34 all.

A big second half from Cru saw them scored another 30 points and seeing out the game to come out victorious to ensure Jones’s testimonial went to plan.

After the day Jones said: “Credit to both teams in the first game they both put on a absolute barnstormer of a game to open up the day, followed by a tough encounter with Hereford.

“I’m devastated I didn’t score but a high scoring game like that I couldn’t ask for a better game to advertise Wales rugby league”