As North Wales Crusaders host Whitehaven at Queensway Stadium on Sunday, we take a look at some of the most memorable clashes between the two sides over the years.
Crusaders and Haven have come head-to-head on seven occasions since North Wales formed back in 2012.
Whitehaven 0-34 North Wales Crusaders – April 2014 – Championship
Clive Griffiths’ Crusaders stunned Whitehaven as they won 34-0 in Cumbria, picking up their second win of the Championship season.
Rob Massam’s hat-trick paved the way for the victory, while Stuart Reardon, Jamie Durbin and Adam Clay also got themselves on the scoresheet.
It was the zero points conceded that was arguably more impressive than the 34 points North Wales had put on Haven.
North Wales Crusaders 22-21 Whitehaven – June 2014 – Championship
Crusaders completed the double over Whitehaven in the Championship, edging a narrow contest 22-21.
In Griffiths’ final game in charge of North Wales before Anthony Murray took over the reigns, Gary Middlehurst grabbed the winning try three minutes from time.
The drama wasn’t finished there, though, as Jessie Joe Pay crossed in the corner on the full-time hooter, only for Tom Carr to miss what would’ve been the match-winning conversion.
North Wales Crusaders 12-12 Whitehaven – July 2017 – League 1
The two sides played out an entertaining 12-12 draw at Queensway Stadium, with the majority of the action coming in the second-half.
After Haven had led 8-0 at half-time thanks to two tries from Jordan Burns, Crusaders scored twice in nine minutes through Joe Bate and Taylor Prell to go 10-8 ahead.
But the visitors soon responded and nudged themselves in front again as Dion Aiye crossed.
When Crusaders were given a penalty in the closing stages, however, they opted to kick for goal and Tommy Johnson earned the hosts a point.
Whitehaven 22-25 North Wales Crusaders – May 2018 – League 1
Crusaders held off a late Whitehaven comeback to secure an important victory at the Recreation Ground.
The visitors went into the final eight minutes 25-12 ahead, but Haven pushed them all the way as Dave Thompson and Dan Abram crossed late on.
It made it three wins out of four for Crusaders since Anthony Murray had returned to the club for his second spell.
Get behind Crusaders this Sunday as they take on Whitehaven in League 1. Tickets are priced at £12 for adults, £10 for concessions and £2 for U16s. Look out for flyers around town with some special offers for the match.
