Thrills 'n' spills

Kevin Ellis: Eagerly anticipating clash with former club

The first team has had some really creditable wins with the victory at Bradford and the win over Wigan. They haven't been great in number but the quality of what we have had gives us great hope and aspirations for the future.

John Dixon
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After a rollercoaster of a debut Super League season there was no more fitting place for Boots 'n' All to catch up with the Celtic Crusaders than Oakwood theme park in south Wales.

After being awarded a three-year Super League license in July of last year the Bridgend boys faced a tough baptism of fire against Europe's elite and lost their first 11 league games.

But with their season threatening to career out of control the Crusaders have clung on for dear life and produced breathtaking wins against Super League powerhouses Bradford Bulls and Wigan Warriors.

In a bid to boost their profile as a family club the Crusaders have set up a partnership with Oakwood theme park and Boots 'n' All met up with the Celtic squad as they enjoyed a day with their families at the park.

Crusaders skipper Jace van Dijk was grateful for a welcome break from a gruelling Super League schedule.

"It is a bit of a change from regular training so all the boys have enjoyed it and a few have brought their families along and jumped on the rides and it's been a pretty good day," said the Australian halfback.

Optimism

Coach John Dixon joined his players for the day out and said that despite their demoralising start to the season he believed there was every reason for his squad to be optimistic about the future.

"The first team has had some really creditable wins with the victory at Bradford and the win over Wigan. They haven't been great in number but the quality of what we have had gives us great hope and aspirations for the future."

Next up for Dixon's men is in-form Warrington and after a narrow 27-22 loss to the Wolves earlier in the season the Crusaders will be hopeful they can add to their tally of Super League victories.

One man who will be particularly keen to get one over on his old club is former Great Britain star and current Crusaders assistant coach Kevin Ellis.

"It will be a massive occasion for me personally," said Ellis, who spent six years as a Wire between 1989 and 1995.

"I signed for Warrington from Bridgend in 1990 and both are really special places for me. I'm really excited for Warrington to be coming to my hometown."

Still finding their feet amongst Europe's elite the rollercoaster ride is set to continue for the Crusaders but it is a challenge that Dixon and his men are relishing as they look to establish themselves as a Super League force.