NW Crusaders Preview

Sunday, August 14

North Wales Crusaders v Coventry Bears 2.30pm, Chester RFC

North Wales Crusaders lost 30-14 at Newcastle Thunder and arriving late for the game didn’t help according to coach Anthony Murray said: “To be honest, in the first half I thought we were still on the coach. We arrived late and they had to postpone the kick-off. But take nothing away from Newcastle, they seem to have a habit of starting games really fast and punish you early. That’s what they did, it was a bad day at the office but they were the better team on the day.

“Coventry will be seeing this week’s game as an opportunity to claw some points back. The incentive for us is that if we beat Coventry then we’re in the Shield final, it’s as simple as that. It’s a semi-final if you like and I’m hoping we can raise our game.”

Wing Andy Oakden is struggling with a back injury but forward Alex Thompson and hooker Lee Hudson return.

Coventry Bears lost 18-14 at home to South Wales Scorpions which was bitterly disappointing for coach Tom Tsang said: “The South Wales half-backs gave us a lesson in game management,” he said. “Having said that, we created at least double the opportunities that they had but they happened to take theirs.

“We got a draw against North Wales last time out but we felt we could have got the win. We’ll be going up there with pretty much the same team but with a bit of fire in the belly so hopefully we’ll be able to turn it around.”

BEARS SQUAD FROM:

Alex Beddows

Andy Unsworth

Charlie Omara

Chris Barratt

Eddie Medforth

Graham Rowlinson

Grant Beecham

Jack Morrison

Jamahl Hunte

James Geurtjens

Jason Bass

Jay Lobwein

Joe Batchelor

Joel James

John Aldred

Jono Miliszewski

Matt Reid

Richie Hughes

Trae OSullivan

Liam Thompson