Crusaders conquering new frontiers

[Total Rugby League]

Gareth Walker looks into North Wales’ home move to Colwyn Bay with Andy Mousdale Amid all the surprises and successes in Betfred League 1 this...

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[fearnowt]

We have a fantastic group of people at this club, who are determined to not only keep rugby league alive in this part of the world, but to grow it into something special, and the fans are really buying into it. Andy Moulsdale has been the inspiration behind this and should be given the freedom of North Wales for what he has achieved. 

We have often been told that we have the lowest budget in the league, and yet here we are in third place at the business end of the season. The players aren't here for the money, they are here because they enjoy it, because they want to bring the game they love to a new audience. Just look at the photo on the club's twitter, where the man of the match appears to have been presented with ....a can of beer!

There is a spirit here that no amount of central funding can buy.

 

[fearnowt]

9 minutes ago, ShropshireBull said:

What was your crowd this week? Game needs a successful side in Wales and hope you can hit the ST´s and commercial next year. 

727.

Our biggest crowd since Bradford visited Queensway three years ago (that was 886, and 600 of those were Bulls fans),  and was our highest crowd at Queensway. Our average for the last full season, 2019, was 340. Average so far this year (three games with fans) is 591, so a 74% improvement.

I believe we have about 200 ST holders, which is double what we had at Queensway.

With Rochdale Hornets finding a bit of form, we have to be hopeful of a bumper crowd for their visit on the Saturday of the bank holiday weekend. Should be a great game.

[gogledd]

1 minute ago, ShropshireBull said:

This is fantastic. If you can push through that 1000 barrier next season it would be amazing. Huge well done to you lot. 

Its doable...

The Rugby Union team, RGC, who use the same stadium average about 1500. I can see us trying some double headers especially if we play West Wales at home. Once COVID restrictions are removed and we have more changing room space we can have double heasers with the  community teams or a Masters warm up game. 

The potential for sponsors is bigger in Colwyn Bay as were not constantly being overshadowed by Wrexham FC and their celebrity owners.

[meast]

Good luck to them, always had a really good natter and friendly banter with Crusaders fans at Wrexham, Bridgend and in Huddersfield.

[theswanmcr]

1 hour ago, fearnowt said:Just look at the photo on the club's twitter, where the man of the match appears to have been presented with ....a can of beer!

There is a spirit here that no amount of central funding can buy.

 

Brilliant. The sponsors could have at least stretched to a four-pack though!

[gogledd]

7 minutes ago, ShropshireBull said:

Didn´t think there was much wrong with Wrexham as a location but the stadium was not good enough. 

Queensway ans Zip World are light years apart. From a players perspective, there are professional changing rooms, a wrestle area, a gymnasium. The match officials have decent changing facilities. From afans perspective we are closer to the game, we are closer to each other so the atmosphere is more intense. Theres opportunity to host sponsors and decent hospitality....plus we have incredible support from the Stadium staff and stewards. Unless we get a sweetheart deal with the new management at the Racecourse I can't see us returning to Wrexham....

Perhaps we'll get to play games in both Stadia...I'm told the Racecourse pitch is being extended to host rugby (not specified if any particular code is being considered). It'll be great if we could have two great places to play our games.

[Scubby]

What a great story. Crusaders fans deserve this feelgood period after a very challenging few years! Promotion push!

[tonyvikinggee]

Honestly atm, i feel like its the league 1 clubs that look to be the positive side of the game right now. Barrow, Workington and now North Wales all look like they are doing the right things and making the right noises.

A strong club in North wales can only be good for the game.

[Davo5]

A welcome good news story for the sport & a great example of how important League 1 is.