Gareth Thomas watched a thrilling encounter as Crusaders RL gave St Helens a huge fright before leaving the GPW Recruitment Stadium with their pride intact and their reputation enhanced.



Thomas, who should make his debut for Crusaders in next Friday's home clash against Catalans Dragons, watched on from St Helens' main stand and saw his new team outscored by six tries to five.



Yet Brian Noble's men played some delightful stuff at times and never let their spirits sag, giving Saints several anxious moments with four second-half tries and leaving Thomas with much cause for optimism as he embarks on his new career.



Michael Witt was a prominent figure throughout for Crusaders at scrum-half, but Saints looked a class above the visitors for much of the opening period.



They led in the fifth minute when some slick handling in midfield culminated in Jon Wilkin sending James Roby scampering clear from 10 metres out.



Try number two arrived six minutes later when Roby and Leon Pryce combined effectively to find the outstanding Kyle Eastmond. The England scrum-half showed brilliant footwork to glide past Mark Bryant and cross the line.



Eastmond – deputising for the injured Paul Wellens at full-back – converted both scores and, 12-0 down, Crusaders seemed destined for a long night.



Yet the Welshmen, backed by a small but vociferous following, refused to lie down. They were right back in the match in the 19th minute when centre Vince Mellars grounded a high kick from Witt, who converted the try.



Crusaders continued to probe but St Helens underlined their greater cutting edge again in the 26th minute when Pryce found rookie centre Gary Wheeler and he raced down the left flank before sending Francis Meli in at the corner.



As Crusaders conceded a number of penalties in quick succession, St Helens continued to build up a head of steam and their fourth try arrived in the 36th minute when Eastmond's delightful kick was grounded by Chris Dean.



Eastmond added the conversion to maintain his 100% record with the boot and put Saints firmly in control at the break.



Crusaders took the game to St Helens in the second half and were rewarded in the 46th minute when Withers' rapier-like pass sent the onrushing Jamie Thackray over from close range.



Witt added the extras but Saints hit back immediately and claimed their fifth score when a horrendous defensive lapse allowed Paul Clough to collect possession and saunter over for the simplest of scores.



In the 55th minute Pryce got the try his work-rate deserved as a neat sidestep sent him clear and Eastmond added the extras.



Yet two minutes later Gareth Raynor raced 40 metres to touch down and 10 minutes later Witt went over for their fourth score.



Remarkably, Crusaders crossed for a fifth time with six minutes remaining when Luke Dyer touched down in the left corner.



Witt converted all of his side's tries and only a late drop-goal from Eastmond eased home nerves as the points went to St Helens but the plaudits to Crusaders.