All Golds v NW Crusaders L1Cup 2017 Final

BACKS
The midfield trio of Tommy Johnson, Jack
Hansen and Ryan Smith are North Wales’
biggest threat. All three are good ballplayers
and are constantly looking to provide
opportunities for the men out wide. These
include Earl Hurst and former All Gold Callum
Mulkeen in the centres, and ex-Rochdale
wingers Corey Lee and Dale Bloomfield. Back
Rower Alex Thompson can also put in a shift in
the centres if needed, making just as much of
an impact as he does in the forwards.
FORWARDS
The North Wales forward pack can certainly
make and impact, giving the side plenty of
size and power. Alex Davidson is yet another
familiar face to All Golds fans, after spending
two years at the Prince of Wales. He and
Jonny Walker form a formidable front row
pairing, while Lee Hudson and James Dandy
interchange at dummy half. Ex-Widnes second
rower Jack Houghton has made a huge impact
since arriving at the club in November, scoring
three tries in eight appearances, and earning a
consistent starting spot.
KEY MAN
goal kickers in the competition. He put in an
inspired performance in the club’s last win over
Newcastle, and a repeat of that could cause
some problems for the All Golds in today’s
game.
ONE TO WATCH
Left centre Earl Hurst is a real athlete out
wide, boasting size and speed that make him
a real handful for defenders. He is almost like
a forward in the way he is built, with a strong
upper body that allows him to drive forward
and make yards in all areas of the field, while
his burst of pace makes him a great threat. He
caused problems for the All Golds defence
when the two teams last met in the Challenge
Cup in February, even crossing for a try. And
with proven try scorer Dale Bloomfield on his
outside, Crusaders’ left flank pose a real threat
in attack.
13
F o r m e r
St Helens
Academy
fullback Tommy
Johnson has
become part of
the furniture at
the Racecourse
Ground, after
joining in their
inaugural
League 1 season in 2012. In just four years he
has set the club record for appearances, and
is just short of reaching 1,000 points for the
Crusaders. As far as reliable fullbacks go, you
can’t look too far past Johnson in League 1,
additionally he is undoubtedly one of the best
STATS
HIGHEST SCORE:
82-6 v West Hull, 6/4/2013
HIGHEST SCORE AGAINST:
4-98 v Wigan, 15/4/2012
MOST APPEARANCES:
127 – Tommy Johnson 2012-present
HIGHEST POINT SCORER:
978 – Tommy Johnson 2012-present
HIGHEST TRY SCORER:
Rob Massam 2012-2016
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