THINGS are looking bright for the North Wales Crusaders as 2023 draws to a close.

Despite a difficult season off the pitch which saw the club have to find alternate venues for the majority of home games, Cru came within 80 minutes of promotion from League One.

In an open letter, the club’s board of directors said: “On the field, the year has seen us make huge progress, and we want to place on record our thanks to Carl (Forster), the coaching staff and players for giving everything for the club and taking us to the play-off final.

“Our thanks and congratulations must also extend to our women’s team, who, under the guidance of Becki Davies, went unbeaten in their inaugural season and also our ever successful wheelchair team and community foundation. We also want to place on record our thanks to all our volunteers, partners and supporters for your amazing support.”