Catalans travel to Bridgend for SL's first "international"


Catalans
By Chris O'Brien
May 23 2009

The Celtic Crusaders will hope to build on Sunday's historic victory at Odsal as the Catalans Dragons visit South Wales on Saturday evening. John Dixon has targetted a win and his side, with new-found confidence, will be desperate to secure maximum Super League points at the Brewery Field for the first time.

It's amazing what eighty minutes can do. The win at Odsal has changed plenty. Crusaders have enjoyed loads of media coverage over the past six days and confidence seems to be brimming in the camp.

If the Crusaders can pull of a victory on Saturday against Catalans then the 12-game losing streak that ended in Yorkshire last weekend will suddenly seem a distant memory.

The game is being billed as Super League's first "international" - with two non-English clubs going head-to-head for the first time in the competition;s history.

Catalans Dragons currently sit just one place above the rock-bottom Saders with eight points from thirteen games. If Cru can win, we'll suddenly only be four points adrift with a game-in-hand over the French outfit and struggling Bradford.

Dixon has included Darren Mapp and Aled James in his match-day squad as the club's injury problems continue to ease. James has been sidelined with a shoulder problem; whilst Mapp has been out with a back injury.

This is a massive test for the Crusaders. Firstly, the crowd will be very interesting. Away support will be minimal - so the attendance figure will provide an excellent indication of the size of the club's home support. Secondly, Cru know this is a huge test on the pitch. Catalans are beatable and, on the back of the Odsal win, the Saders must do all they can to build on their opening SUper League success.

Come on you mighty Saders!!

Catalans travel to Bridgend for SL's first "international"
Posted by: CruXIII (IP Logged)
Date: 23/05/2009 16:55

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Re: Catalans travel to Bridgend for SL's first "international"
Posted by: Rogero (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2009 00:09

Wearing the away shirt was surely a mistake as was most of the defending esp in the first half.

Last weeks win seems a million miles away.

Less tha 3,000 there but a reasonable atmosphere and things can only get better!

Thanks to the Mancunian frenchies for adding some humour too !

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