A MOMENTOUS few days for North Wales Crusaders concluded with an away day defeat in the Championship.
There were plenty of familiar faces on show as Crusaders made the trip to Swinton Lions in their penultimate away game of the campaign.
In the starting line-up for the home side were former North Wales favourites Pat Ah Van, Gav Rodden, Josh Eaves and Reece Briers, who helped Swinton to record a 60-10 triumph.
Just a couple of days ahead of the match-up, Crusaders announced they had officially agreed a deal that will see the iconic Electric Brewery Field Stadium, in Bridgend, becoming their permanent home.
This move secures the Crusaders their own dedicated home ground for the very first time in the club’s history, cementing their long-term future and commitment to the region.
The agreement is subject to final approval of the Rugby Football League (RFL) licence, which will trigger the formal completion of the contract.
Turning back to Sunday’s action and it didn’t take long for Swinton to get their noses in front.
Aaron Lynch finished off a fine team move with his second minute try in the corner and Jack Stevens duly added the conversion points.
Lions got over the Crusaders’ line once more in the sixth minute, but determined defence held them up.
Crusaders were defending well, but Briers managed to make his way over the whitewash for the second try in the 21st minute.
Stevens converted this try and he also added the extras to Charlie McCurrie’s 24th minute score.
Ah Van was involved in the move that ended with Ellis Anderson’s unconverted try extending Lions’ advantage shortly before half time.
A minute before the break, Aaron Lynch grabbed the next try to make it 26-0 at the interval.
Crusaders opened their account 13 minutes into the second half as Connor Terrill crossed for the try and Ben Fisher added the conversion.
Second half tries for Swinton were claimed by Harry Higham, Stevens, Eaves and Adam Jones, while Crusaders ended the contest with their second try.
Other results: Batley 22 Keighley 18; Doncaster 44 Midlands 16; Halifax 10 Widnes 11; Oldham 34 London Broncos 24; Sheffield 28 Hunslet 26; Whitehaven 34 Dewsbury 12.
Innes Senior scored twice as Leigh inflicted a first home defeat of the season on Super League leaders Leeds by winning 20-16 at Headingley.
Wigan moved level with the front-runners after a 34-6 win over Bradford.
Sam Halsall’s first-half double helped Huddersfield to a fourth straight success as they won 26-10 in Toulouse to climb off the foot of the table.
Other results: Warrington 30 York 0; Hull KR 28 Catalans Dragons 10; Hull 14 Castleford 18; Wakefield 16 St Helens 46.
Super League have confirmed an investment offer has been made by the Australian Rugby League Commission.
Rugby League commercial said Super League’s 14 clubs had been informed of the formal interest but that details “remain confidential”.
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