RFL MATCH PREVIEW: North Wales Crusaders vs Widnes Vikings
North Wales Crusaders make the trip over to Cheshire to take on the newly re-branded Widnes Vikings in the Championship West season opener.
Widnes Vikings | North Wales Crusaders |
Alex Howe | Stephen Halsey Sponsored by: James Lacey Photography |
Andrew Holland | Mason Baker Sponsored by: Allington Hughes Law |
Chris Haycock | Martin Turner Sponsored by: Intersol Global |
Dom Richards | Harry Jones Sponsored by: Lot 11 Café |
Ian Cunningham | Jakub Wasieczko Sponsored by: Howdens |
Jack Woods | Fionn McCabe Sponsored by: Valley View Imports |
Paul Craig | Matthew Turner Sponsored by: P&L Accountancy |
Stephen Roberts | Ethan Neilson Sponsored by: Howdens |
Wayne Ty | |
Head Coaches: Alex How & Dom Richards | Head Coach: Harry Jones |
Match Officials:
Andy Marsh, Grant Jackson
North Wales Crusaders are set to get their 2024 Championship West campaign underway this Saturday by travelling to Kingsway Sports Centre to take on Widnes Vikings in which promises to be an entertaining affair.
This last meeting between the two sides saw North Wales defeat the Vikings 28-4 in the group stages of this years Challenge Trophy over in Manchester.
The Vikings (formerly Mersey Storm & St. Helens) and Crusaders have not met in a full 80-minute encounter since 2022, where the Crusaders claimed a 78-42 victory – marking the first time that the Crusaders had ever defeated the then named Mersey Storm (footage found here) – though, they had defeated a previous incarnation of Mersey Storm as they were previously St. Helens.
The Vikings who through their various incarnations are one of the sports most experienced teams in the sport and have been an ever presence in the sport of Wheelchair Rugby League since 2009.
The Vikings will be looking to utilise the experience of a number of their former international players, Paul Craig – former England and Wales international, Alex Howe – former Scotland international and Dom Richards – former Ireland international.
Venue:
Kingsway Leisure Centre, Widnes, WA8 7QH
Pre-Match:
Supporters of both teams will be able to access the venue from 1pm ahead of the scheduled 2pm kick-off.
Match Squads:
