Photo credit: Ben Challis
North Wales Crusaders will make the short journey over the boarder to Greater Manchester this weekend as Car Forster’s league leaders look to make it six from six in Betfred League One when they take on Swinton Lions.
On the back of an impressive showing last weekend, North Wales will be hoping to cement their place at the top of League One this Sunday, however, Swinton will prove to be no push overs as they look to continue their own good start to the season.
With several key players having switched the Lions for Crusaders in the off-season, there’s sure to be plenty of passion on show come kick-off at Heywood Road this weekend.
🗒️ Formbook:
Swinton come into the weekend sat 7th in the League One table, however, don’t be fooled by their position as they’re one of six teams separated by just one point.
Following relegation from the Championship last season, the Lions embarked on a club re-set both on and off the field, and Paul Wood’s side is largely built around young players recruited from Super League academy systems, blended with experienced heads like George Roby and Kenny Baker.
Having enjoyed 16-10 and 48-6 victories over Whitehaven and Newcastle respectively to start their league campaign, the Lions’ first defeat came in round three when there were beaten 26-10 by Dewsbury Rams.
Whilst back-to-back victories over Goole Vikings and Keighley Cougars followed, Swinton enter Sunday’s game on a run of two defeats, the first of which an agonising 7-8 defeat to bitter rivals Rochdale followed by a 32-12 defeat away to Workington town last weekend.
The Lions will however be bolstered this weekend by the addition of several dual-reg players, adding to the quality available for selection by Paul Wood.
đź‘ĄÂ One To Watch:
Gav Rodden is a name familiar with North Wales Crusaders fans, and is one to keep an eye on for the Lions this Sunday!
Having left Crusaders for Championship rugby with Swinton, Rodden showed no signs of struggling with the step up and continued to shine in the second tier in spite of Swinton’s relegation in 2024.
🗣️ Foz’s Thoughts:
Speaking to the media ahead of the game, North Wales Crusaders head coach Carl Foster said: “Swinton are a young, hungry side and they’ll see this as an opportunity to put a marker down themselves.
“They’ve had a complete re-build this year after being relegated last season, and they’ve taken a different path in how they’ve recruited, but a lot of the lads in their squad have come out of Super League academy systems so come with good pedigree and a point to prove, and that’s a dangerous combination.”
You can read his full thoughts by clicking HERE
🏟️ Supporter Information:
Swinton Lions play their home games at Heywood Road, the home of Sale RFC, Greater Manchester M33 3WB.
The stadium is situated 6 miles from central Manchester, and 11 miles from Swinton town centre. There is a public bar on the ground.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the Lions by clicking HERE.