Crusaders Looking To Steel A Victory At Sheffield

After a week off, both of Coventry Crusaders Wheelchair teams will back in action on Sunday when they travel up the M1 to Sheffield. 

Crusaders 1 will be taking on Sheffield Steelers 2. 

They will be looking to make up for the 2 point defeat they suffered at the hands of the Steelers at the play off finals weekend at Stoke Mandeville at the end of last season. 

This will be the first match for Steelers 2 this season and Crusaders will be looking to take advantage having already played twice. 

With the return of Keith Barry from holiday, Crusaders 1 will be in a stronger position than they were against Vikings two weeks ago.

Barry, who was awarded MVP in his first game against West of Scotland at the Coventry Sports Centre, is a natural points maker and has brought a wealth of experience with him to Crusaders. 

Neill Gardner will step up this weekend to take the place of Crusader stalwart Carl Leeth who is not available for Sheffield.

Last season’s rookie, Gardner conducted himself well and deserves this opportunity in the opening line up. 

Prior to the First Team game, Crusaders 2 will be taking on last season’s Division 4 Champions, Steelers 3.  Steelers 3 have already made a good impression, since being promoted to Division 3 having won their opening two fixtures. 

Their previous outing was disappointing for Crusaders 2, who managed just 20 points against Vikings.

However, given the fact that Crusaders had just a five man team in their first ever fixture it is not a good bench mark by which to judge. 

Training has been intense this week for both teams ahead of their trip to Sheffield.

Paul Claridge was upbeat and confident that his sides are ready for this fixture and was delighted to see the return of Adam Crinage who has been unable to train because of a bout of flu.

Crinage excelled in both fixtures against Vikings notching up 18 points over the two games.

He is expected to compete once again for both teams at Sheffield. 

Tip off at Northern General Hospital is on Sunday:  

Crusaders 2 Vs Steelers 3, 12 noon

Crusaders 1 Vs Steelers 2, 2:00pm