The future is bright for Wales
RFL Chief Operating Officer Ralph Rimmer praised the two Wales clubs following the opening weekend of the Championship season.
More than 1,500 fans turned out to see North Wales Crusaders lose out 26-24 at home to Barrow, while South Wales Scorpions opened up with a win at Gateshead.
Rimmer said: “The opening weekend of Championships Rugby League provided us with drama and excitement across the board and I’m delighted to see the competition begin in such positive fashion.
“To see North Wales Crusaders come out of the blocks in such style has been a boost to everyone in the game and for over 1,500 fans to witness that match clearly shows that there is a massive appetite for the game in Wales.
“With South Wales winning as well and the prospect of the first ever Welsh-derby to come later in the season, the future of the game in Wales looks very promising.”
North Wales Crusaders were born from the ashes of the failed Super League franchise, and recently revealed they have sold more season tickets than the other club did in the top flight last season. Crusaders last featured in the third tier back in 2007, when they won the then National League 2 at a canter.
The Scorpions are now in their third season of existance, having formed following the decision to relocate the Crusaders club to north Wales. Based at The Gnoll in Neath, South Wales won their first ever game over Workington in February 2010, with Lloyd White, who helped Widnes beat Wigan in Super League at the weekend, kicking the decisive penalty.
Rimmer went on: “Added to that, we saw bumper crowds at Halifax, Keighley and Sheffield over the weekend and with clubs like Gateshead and London Skolars putting in stand-out performances in recent weeks to highlight their improvement in the off-season, I’m looking forward to watching all the action unfold in the weeks and months ahead.”
Last week also saw the first Championship game broadcast by Premier Sports, which proved very popular with fans. Their second game sees Featherstone take on Leigh this Thursday (March 15).
