Ten years ago and three years ago today

[fearnowt]

A bit late in the day posting this, but just home from work.

Ten years ago to this day, North Wales Crusaders were accepted into League 1.

Considering the adversity we have faced in that time, including financial difficulties and league restructures, as well as the challenge of trying to be accepted in Wrexham, I think three trophies and one promotion is quite a respectable return for all the effort.

The move to Colwyn Bay has given the club a new lease of life, and we can look forward to the future with some optimism, despite the drastic cut in central funding. It has been a huge effort from the directors, players and supporters to keep the club alive in Wrexham, but now hopefully the club can start to grow in it's new home.

https://northwalescrusaders.com/2021/11/11/crusaders-celebrate-ten-year-anniversary/

Three years ago to this day, Wales defeated Ireland at the Racecourse by 40 points to 8, in front of 1,257 fans, to qualify for the 2021 RLWC. Unfortunately, this was also the last time that the Wales men's team actually played.

https://rugbyleague.wales/rl-match-report?atkn=QkU3RUVDRjAtMzYzNi00Q0M3LTk0Q0EtMEE4MUI2QkJGMjM4&mid=MjQ3MDg3&tid=MTA1MzU3&optid=MTA1MzYw

[Eddie]

Do you think Colwyn Bay is your home for good now @fearnowt? Wasn’t it originally announced as a temporary measure? 

[fearnowt]

19 minutes ago, Eddie said:

Do you think Colwyn Bay is your home for good now @fearnowt? Wasn’t it originally announced as a temporary measure? 

Yes, we are staying.

I was talking to one of the directors a couple of weeks ago and he said that he is taking the dugouts from Queensway, (which his company made to comply with RFL rules), and taking them to Colwyn Bay. He has also moved the "Wrexham Lager Stand" sign from the main stand at Queensway to the hospitality stand at Eirias Park, where Wrexham Lager will be extending their sponsorship of Crusaders, as well as also sponsoring the union club for their new season.

He said that Conwy Council are very keen to have us there and that sponsorship opportunities are so much better than in Wrexham. The club also held the end of season awards in Colwyn Bay.

Add to this the recent Wales Women, U16s & U17s games played at Eirias Park, and it looks like rugby league has found a new North Wales home.

[Gerrumonside ref]

It’s been an interesting journey for the Crusaders from an outsider looking in.

I remember going to the first Magic Weekend in Cardiff and we were sitting in front of some Welsh union fans who were clearly enjoying a taste of live rugby league.

I remember then feeling hopeful about the future of the Crusaders and subsequently disappointed with the ups and downs of the following years for them (such is life I guess).

But last year was a positive and I’m glad to hear of plans to make a good fist of where they are now location-wise.

[glossop saint]

Crusaders were the team that got me into rugby league. My first 4 games were at Wrexham, either Cru or Wales. I wish Cru all the luck in the world and will definitely get a Colwyn Bay trip in combined with a climbing or mountain biking North Wales trip. 

On a sadder note, very sad that the last Welsh International game was 3 years ago. I was supposed to be watching them against PNG (I think) this week if the World Cup had gone ahead. The more I think about the missed opportunity with the world cup this year the more annoyed I get. Or even the International game in general.

[Big Picture]

17 hours ago, fearnowt said:

Three years ago to this day, Wales defeated Ireland at the Racecourse by 40 points to 8, in front of 1,257 fans, to qualify for the 2021 RLWC. Unfortunately, this was also the last time that the Wales men's team actually played.

https://rugbyleague.wales/rl-match-report?atkn=QkU3RUVDRjAtMzYzNi00Q0M3LTk0Q0EtMEE4MUI2QkJGMjM4&mid=MjQ3MDg3&tid=MTA1MzU3&optid=MTA1MzYw

The full match is on Youtube for anyone who's interested in more International RL.

 

[fearnowt]

The club have just announced a deal with Conwy County Borough Council which will see us stay at Eirias Park until at least the end of the 2023 season.

Fantastic news!

https://northwalescrusaders.com/2021/11/13/crusaders-to-play-in-colwyn-bay-until-at-least-the-end-of-2023/

[Yorks Tim]

I assume that two years is a sensible period to allow everyone to get comfortable with the arrangement and be sure you all get along. All things being equal, I would then assume this will be extended long term.

 

[FearNothing]

On 12/11/2021 at 14:03, Big Picture said:

The full match is on Youtube for anyone who's interested in more International RL.

 

Thanks for finding that!!! I was there and it was a cracking Wales performance, will be good to watch it back (several times )