IT’S all about showing an improvement in the remaining games this season as far as North Wales Crusaders are concerned.
This season has been a testing one for the North Wales faithful, but with six games left to play, the Colwyn Bay-based club will continue their action through until the conclusion of the Championship campaign.
It’s mainly about the tricky fixtures at present for Crusaders, who are preparing for Sunday’s match-up at home to high-flying Newcastle Thunder. Mike Grady’s charges go into the encounter on the back of a heavy 116-6 reverse at the hands of Widnes Vikings last time out.
A club spokesperson said: “Results aren’t everything - but improvement is.
“A couple of months ago, supporters understood the reality of the situation. Results were never going to define our year. The most important victory had already been achieved before a ball was kicked: the club survived.
“For that reason, wins and losses are not the sole measure of progress. However, improvement absolutely is.
“At this stage of the season, supporters should be seeing signs of development. We should be finding ways to score points more consistently and becoming harder to break down defensively.”
The one bright spot against Widnes came late in the encounter, with Joe Bradley claiming a converted score to get Crusaders on the scoreboard.
However, Widnes, who are looking to make sure of their place in the play-offs, were too strong on the day as they achieved a club record margin of victory in the Colwyn Bay sun.
Things don’t get any easier for Crusaders on Sunday and it’s a case of job done for Newcastle Thunder, who have made sure of their place in the end-of-season play-offs.
Newcastle, who are second in the standings, are guaranteed a play-off berth following their 30-6 triumph versus Barrow Raiders last time out.
“The challenge does not get any easier from here... Newcastle Thunder lie ahead,” added the club.
“Nobody is expecting miracles and most supporters are realistic enough to know that defeats will still come.
“What people do expect is to see the gap narrowing, performances becoming more competitive, and evidence that lessons are being learned.”
Widnes are at home against fellow top-five outfit Barrow Raiders tomorrow.
On Sunday, leaders London Broncos will look to make it 18 wins out of 18 as they head to Salford, while third-placed Oldham are off to Hunslet.
Home clashes are lined up for Sheffield Eagles, Whitehaven and Midlands Hurricanes, versus Workington Town, Goole Vikings and Rochdale Hornets respectively, while Dewsbury Rams entertain Halifax Panthers. In further action, Doncaster make the trip to Swinton Lions.
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