North Wales Crusaders will go in search of a perfect end to their 2025 campaign this weekend as the Betfred League One champions travel to Cumbria where they’ll face Whitehaven.
Carl Forster is no stranger to the Ortus Rec’ having enjoyed a player / coach role at Haven on his journey to North Wales.
In the opposing dugout is a face familiar to Crusaders supporters as former head coach Anthony Murray shall be looking to end his first season with Whitehaven on good footing with a victory over the champions.
Formbook:
Following relegation from the Championship last season, Whitehaven sought to re-build, and with the appointment of Antony Murray as head coach in the off-season, the Cumbrian outfit have turned largely to young, local talent.
The moved has proven wise, as the young side have gelled during the season showing great promise for the years to come.
Haven have proved a formidable force at home this year with notable victories over Swinton, Keighley, Goole and Midlands paving the way for what promises to be a hotly contested final game of the 2025 season for both sides come Saturday afternoon.
👀 One To Watch:
A leader within the Whitehaven squad is that of Jordan Burns.
Appointed captain by head coach Anthony Murray for the 2025 campaign, the 30-year-old full back has enjoyed a successful career up in Cumbria switching his playing career between both Whitehaven and Workington Town.
Foz’s Thoughts:
Speaking to the media ahead of the game, Crusaders head coach Carl Forster said: “I’m looking forward to this weekend to be honest, its probably the first time in weeks that we can into a fixture ready to just enjoy our rugby without pressure on the result.
“That being said, we’re a group of winners, and none of us will want to end the season with a defeat, we’ve also got some players who will be playing their final games for the club, and they’ll want to see out the season on a high.
“Whitehaven will be in the same position, they want to end the year strong, they’re two from two in their last games and have been a difficult side to beat at home.
“It’s not just a case of showing up this weekend because the title is already done, we’ve got a job to do.”
Matchday Information:
Saturday’s Betfred League One clash shall take place at the Ortus Rec’ Stadium with a 3pm kick-off.
The stadium features ample facilities for visiting supporters as well as a club bar open to both home and away fans.
Crusaders supporters can purchase their tickets in advance by clicking HERE
Your matchday preview is presented by MH Travel North Wales