As North Wales Crusaders host Newcastle Thunder at Queensway Stadium on Sunday, we take a look at some of the most memorable clashes between the two sides over the years.
Newcastle 10-60 Crusaders – July 2012 – League 1
In the first meeting, Newcastle were then in their Gateshead guise and Crusaders ran out 60-10 winners in South Shields.
North Wales led 30-10 by half-time and it turned out to be the biggest victory during the club’s debut season.
Andy Moulsdale and Billy Sheen both crossed for hat-tricks, while Toby Adamson, Leon Brennan, Jonny Walker and Liam Hulme all grabbed one try apiece.
Newcastle 20-24 Crusaders – August 2013 – League 1
Dave McConnell crossed for a try at the death to secure a dramatic 24-20 success at Newcastle, who were then still under their Gateshead branding.
Crusaders held a slender 12-8 lead at the break, but Newcastle hit back in the second-half and Ricky Hough’s try in the final quarter put the hosts ahead.
However, there was still time for another twist as North Wales snuck the win late on.
Newcastle 20-24 Crusaders – July 2018 – League 1
In the last meeting between the sides, Crusaders left it late as Kenny Baker’s try on 78 minutes clinched a 24-20 victory at Newcastle.
Thunder took an early 12-0 lead, but North Wales hit back and two tries shortly before half-time took the score to 12-12 at the break.
The advantage changed hands again early in the second-half and it was all level at 18-18 as the game went into the final ten minutes.
Although a penalty goal for Newcastle gave them the lead late on, Baker came up with the all-important play to secure the two points.
Tickets for Crusaders’ clash with Newcastle at Queensway Stadium on Sunday are priced at £12 for adults, £10 for concessions and £2 for U16s.
