North Wales Crusaders will be playing their 250thgame as a club this Sunday when they host Doncaster at Stadiwm CSM in Colwyn Bay (kick-off 2.30 pm).
This is a play-off match, meaning that if the Crusaders win, they’ll be one step further to promotion to the Betfred Championship, a level they’ve not played in since 2014.
Since North Wales Crusaders were formed for the 2012 season, out of the ashes of the old Super League side that was wound up in late 2011, they’ve performed well, winning 130 out of their 249 games played so far, including winning the League 1 title in 2013, along with divisional cup wins in 2013 and 2015.
They’re already the longest-running professional rugby league club in Welsh history. Two of their players hold individual records – in Tommy Johnson, they have a player who’s turned out in 207 games since making his pro debut in the club’s first-ever game in 2012 (his 736 goals and 1,788 points is also a Welsh club record), plus Rob Massam has scored 163 tries for the club, giving him a career total of 197 as he aims to become just the 19th Welshman to have scored 200 professional rugby league career tries.
Nick Settle, North Wales Crusaders director, says: “It’s great to have home advantage on our 250th game as a club. Head coach Andy Murray, the staff and players have done an excellent job this season.
“We want to see as many fans on Sunday to support and cheer on the team, whether you’ve never been a game before or a long-servicing supporter. The club needs the North Wales community to come out in force and get behind our team.
“If you’ve never witnessed live rugby league and live in North Wales, please come down to Colwyn Bay on Sunday - you won’t be disappointed. The game is fast-flowing and hard-hitting,
with very skilful players. It’s a great day out for families and under 16s have free admission.”
Brian Juliff, chairman of Wales Rugby League, says: “This has been another excellent progressive year for North Wales Crusaders.
“The infrastructure at the club is very solid, with a core of committed people driving the business side of the club, and the coaching and playing staff delivering to their potential and matching all comers this season.
“This weekend, Doncaster visit Colwyn Bay for North Wales Crusaders’ 250th game, with the play-off final in the sights of both clubs.
“A big and vocal crowd is anticipated, and the voices of the Crusaders faithful will undoubtedly be loud and passionate. It’s going to be a great occasion, and all of us involved at Wales Rugby League will be willing the team to success.”
For further more info and to buy tickets (under 16’s are free), please visit northwalescrusadersrlfc.co.uk/event-details/doncaster-play-offs-1
The North Wales Crusaders’ social media account addresses are below:
TOP FIVE WELSH CLUBS IN WRL HISTORY
1. 249 by North Wales Crusaders (2012-22)
2. 182 by (Celtic) Crusaders (2006-11)
3. 178 by South Wales Scorpions (2010-
4. 155 by Ebbw Vale (1907-12)
5. 136 by Cardiff City (later Bridgend) Blue Dragons (1981-85)
Credit to -
Ian Golden
Communications and Profile Manager
Wales Rugby League
Comments