North Wales Crusaders travel to Whitehaven tomorrow (January 25) as preparations for the 2020 campaign continue.
Below is all the information you need to know ahead of the clash.
UP FRONT
Crusaders and Haven will both conclude their pre-season schedules at the Recreation Ground.
Although North Wales have lost both of their friendlies to date, they put in solid displays at Barrow Raiders and Widnes Vikings, losing 24-16 and 34-16 respectively.
Anthony Murray’s men came up against a full-strength Widnes side last time out, but they matched them for large periods of the match.
Whitehaven, meanwhile, have won one and lost another so far in pre-season.
In their last outing, they come out on top 24-18 against local rivals Workington Town, but they lost their opener at Newcastle Thunder 40-16.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
North Wales and Haven have met competitively on nine occasions, with both sides winning four games apiece.
When Crusaders visited Cumbria in 2019, Karl Ashall crossed for a last-minute try to secure the Wrexham side a 24-22 victory.
Anthony Murray’s side were the only ones to beat title-winning Whitehaven on their own turf last season.
THE SQUAD
Crusaders boss Murray has named an 18-man squad for the trip to Whitehaven.
Karl Ashall (hernia) and Joe Ryan (peck) both miss out through injury, while Earl Hurst, Warren Thompson, Chris Barratt and Kieran Sherratt are all unavailable.
However, a number of North Wales’ off-season recruits will once again be in action and get further game time under their belts.
FAN INFORMATION
Entry to the Recreation Ground is priced at £17 for adults (£13 before 12pm), £13 for concessions and £5 for U16s accompanied by an adult.
