Griffiths proud of Crusaders Bowl Final success

North Wales head coach Clive Griffiths said that Crusaders’ victory in the Northern Rail Bowl final is one of the greatest achievements in his coaching career to date.

That is a big statement for a man who has coached at the highest level with Wales and Great Britain – and it also puts into perspective just how far the club has come in such a short space of time since its formation in 2011.

Griffiths said: “I’m so proud. I’ve had some very proud moments with Wales and Great Britain in rugby league, but that’s got to be up there putting it into context.

“There was no club 18 months ago. We got together and put a few names together, and 90-per-cent of the team from then have stook together.

“We’ve no dual-registration with anybody and it’s been about real team work. Togetherness has brought us through and we’ve worked hard at it. These boys have been at it since November 2012.

“I just can’t express how delighted I am today as coach of North Wales Crusaders.

“The journey of the last 18 months or so has been up and down, and it’s been a rocky one.

“We took a few hammerings last year – we knew we could – but it’s great to come out the other end [with some success].”