Match Preview

Important Notice- the Merit Table game against Cleckheaton 3rd XV is cancelled due to the opposition not being able to raise a team. This is replaced by a friendly against local rivals Old Otliensians in an early KO.

This week the Aireborough Crusaders make the short trip up to Otley for a replacement fixture against Ensians 2nd XV. They field a strong squad, containing the spine of the team that has been successful so far in 2019 (with 4 wins from 5) supported by some of the young guns who have progressed through the Colts to play senior rugby.

This exciting side sees muscle up front, with the likes of in form prop Tom Helliwell and Big Ed Brewer, called up to the 1s last weekend. This is matched by pace in the backline, with the likes of the returning Dave Krushell and speedster Jamie Sykes. It also fields an exciting centre pairing, as the 'Wooden Warrior' Iain Craven partners the Welsh Wizard Rob Baker in a show of Anglo-Welsh relations not likely to be seen later that day.

This is an EARLY KICK OFF of 13:15 to allow players time to get back to Nunroyd Park for Wales vs England in the Six Nations. With this early start we will have plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed drink with the opposition post-game and still make the start of the International.

Meet at Nunroyd Park 11:50 to leave by 12:00, meet at 12:15 if going direct. Aim to start warm-up at 12:30, with KO at 13:15.

Line-up subject to change depending on injuries and arrival times:

1 Thomas Helliwell
2 Granville Sellers (I mean, in all honesty, this will be Ed Brewer- he'll never arrive on time)
3 Ed Brewer (could be Martyn Booth, see note above)
4 Philip Shields
5 Freddie Armstrong
6 James Underwood (C)
7 Richard Holmes
8 Michael Dolan

9 Thomas Holdsworth
10 Matthew Jones
11 Jaime Sykes
12 Iain Craven
13 Robert Baker
14 Dan Cleary
15 David Krushell

16 Martyn Booth
17 James Young
18 Si Wilson
19 Jonathon Mackey
20 Christopher Chapman
21 Adam Bishop