Rugby League: Crusaders look to build on clash with the Rhinos

Apr 26 2008 by Our Correspondent, South Wales Echo

CELTIC Crusaders go into their tough away trip to Widnes Vikings tomorrow (3pm) on the back of a confident display at world champions Leeds Rhinos last week.

The Welsh side lost 38-16 to the Super League giants in the Challenge Cup but became the first team to score three tries against them in their own backyard in 2008.

Crusaders’ coach John Dixon believes his side will benefit from having faced Leeds last week saying: “We did a pretty good job and as a team we probably learned a lot more because of the quality of the opposition.

“That’s important because I think Widnes are the form team in this competition.

“I’ve watched them play over a couple of weeks and they’ve been particularly good.

“Beswick and Smith are elite players and they’re very cool under pressure.”

Crusaders’ Jordan James will be missing as he serves a one-match suspension after being put on report at Whitehaven two weeks ago.

Luke Dyer and Terry Martin are still missing through injury, but star full-back Tony Duggan is in the Crusaders’ squad after missing the Leeds’ clash last week through injury.

Dixon’s 19-man squad also includes Ben Flower and Philippe Gardent after impressing for the Colts in recent weeks.

Widnes coach Steve McCormack could hand a debut to Richard Fletcher after the Scottish international completed his switch from Whitehaven this week.

The second-rower didn’t take part in Whitehaven’s match against the Crusaders two weeks ago due to injury.

Jason Crookes could also feature after agreeing a loan deal from Bradford Bulls for the remainder of the season.

McCormack said: “Celtic Crusaders are a very strong team and we will have our work cut out to get the win.”

Celtic Crusaders (from): Tony Duggan, Paul Ballard, Josh Hannay, Mark Dalle Cort, Mark Lennon, Anthony Blackwood, Ian Webster, Jace Van Dijk, David Tangata-Toa, Neil Budworth, Chris Beasley, Darren Mapp, Damien Quinn, Neale Wyatt, Aaron Summers, Jamie I’Anson, Gareth Dean, Ben Flower, Philippe Gardent.