North Wales Crusaders will put their 100% start to the 2025 Betfred League One season on the line this weekend with a trip to face early league leaders Midlands Hurricanes.
Following the withdrawal of Cornwall from League One, Carl Forster’s Crusaders side have been left three weeks without competitive action, with their last outing seeing them stage an impressive comeback in Cumbria to beat Workington Town 18-16 at the Fibrus Community Stadium.
Saturday shall see North Wales hit the road on a fourth consecutive occasion in League One as they travel to face Mark Dunning’s Hurricanes side who go into the game in equally good form.
We take a look at all you need to know ahead of the eagerly anticipated Easter weekend clash;
🗒️ Formbook:
Both sides go into Saturday’s clash unbeaten in league action so far this season, setting up what promises to be an entertaining affair at the Alexander Stadium.
Midlands currently sit top of the Betfred League One table, with nine points from a possible ten.
Two point victories over Goole and Keighley sandwiched a 16 a piece draw away to Workington Town, however, the Hurricanes have shown no signs of stopping in recent weeks, inflicting heavy defeats on Newcastle and most recently Dewsbury.
Carl Forster’s Crusaders travel to the Midlands with a 100% record in League One to date.
Taking six points from three games, victories over Dewsbury, Goole and Workington have been made all the more impressive with all three fixtures having taken place away from home.
With a round four clash against Cornwall falling foul to the Choughs withdrawal from League One, Crusaders have had three long weeks to focus on what promises to be a nail-biting Easter encounter this weekend.
👥 One To Watch:
22-year-old Welsh international Luis Roberts was snapped up by the Hurricanes in the off-season as part of an impressive recruitment drive from Saturday’s hosts.
Arriving from Betfred Super League outfit Leeds Rhinos, Roberts has experience well beyond his years with over 60 appearances for club and country and will be one to keep an eye on should he start this weekend.
🗣️ Foz’s Thoughts:
Speaking to the media ahead of the game, North Wales Crusaders head coach Carl Foster said: “Mark Dunning has them playing some really nice rugby, they’re a big side, good on the ball and their wingers have the ability to cause any team problems.
“They’re flying at the moment, sit top of the league as we speak now, and they’ll hold their own aspirations of promotion.
“That sets us a challenge as a group, if we want to be fighting out at the top of the table then we need to go there and give a really strong account of ourselves. Midlands play this week as well, so I’ll be watching that closely.”
🏟️ Supporter Information:
Located just outside of Birmingham, The Alexander Stadium was home to the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Now home of the Hurricanes, there are several bus routes which serve the stadium in addition the ample parking on site.
The nearest train station to the stadium is Perry Barr Station, located a 20-25 minuted walk away.
Kick-off is at 2pm Saturday with tickets prices as follows (card only on the day);
Adult
£15 (Advanced) / £17 (On the gate)
Concession (U21 and O65)
£12 (Advanced) / £14 (On the gate)
Student/NUS
£7 (Advanced) / £9 (On the gate)
Under 16s
£1 (Advanced) / £2 (On the gate)
