THERE’S home comforts for North Wales Crusaders to look forward to once more as they open their seven-game stretch to conclude the season.
Mike Grady’s side will be looking to make their mark as they host a Widnes Vikings outfit destined for the end-of-season play-offs.
The teams met in Crusaders’ opening game of the Championship campaign, with Widnes running out 28-14 victors on that occasion, but so much has happened since then.
Widnes have been in the upper reaches of the standings for much of the season, while major troubles followed North Wales around until they came under new ownership.
Things have been somewhat mixed of late for Widnes, but head coach Allan Coleman doesn’t see that as too much of a negative.
In last week’s battle of the Vikings, Widnes defeated Goole, but this came just days after a 26-6 defeat at home to Doncaster. Widnes have also lost 28-10 versus Oldham over recent weeks.
Coleman told the club’s YouTube channel: “Losing those two games won’t do us any harm whatsoever, you know, and I know fans don’t want to hear that.
“But, it won’t. We know how we performed in them games. Is there more from us?
“Certainly, certainly more from us. Can we be better in them games? Yeah.
“Are we doing what we can’t do previously and blow lower teams away, because in previous years we’ve not done that? Yeah, we’re doing that.
“So, that side of it’s okay.”
With the business end of the season fast approaching, Widnes Vikings are well established in the play-off spots and they find themselves in fifth place after their 17 matches.
“I think we’re in a good position. We’re alright at the minute,” added Coleman.
Sunday will mark the first of two festivals of rugby being hosted by North Wales Crusaders this summer.
This will bring together junior teams from local rugby union clubs alongside the rugby league community ahead of the senior match.
“The festivals represent an important collaboration between both codes of rugby,” said a club statement. “Rugby league and rugby union share the same passion for developing young players, supporting local clubs and creating opportunities for children to enjoy the sport.
“By working together, we can strengthen rugby across North Wales and build relationships that benefit the entire rugby community.”
This Sunday, junior teams from Llandudno, Denbigh, Llangefni, Nant Conwy, Rhyl and Wrexham will be taking part.
Salford, who defeated Crusaders 64-4 last weekend, will look for another win when they host Sheffield Eagles on Sunday.
Midlands Hurricanes and Dewsbury Rams head to Batley Bulldogs and Keighley Cougars respectively, while Oldham host Halifax Panthers and Whitehaven entertain Swinton Lions.
Tomorrow, leaders London Broncos are at home to Doncaster, while second-placed Newcastle Thunder go to Barrow Raiders.
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