PLAY-OFF chasing Crusaders have smashed their attendance records this season despite having three more home games remaining.
The 2010 Super League attendances for Crusaders, whose switch from South Wales to Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground has been a massive success, have already attracted 48,374 – 687 more than the whole of last season.
And with bumper crowds expected against St Helens and Hull KR, the club are aiming to break the 60,000 barrier.
Crusaders, who moved into eighth place after Friday’s victory over Harlequins at The Gnoll, have averaged 5,209 fans at The Racecourse this season, a 1,541 improvement on last year’s home figure of 3,668.
The Crusaders reached the top eight for the first time in their history on Friday and head coach Brian Noble praised the resolve of his players as they climbed into the play-off places.
“We have won four on the bounce now and that kind of habit is good,” said Noble. “I don’t think I can cope with the amount of stress we placed on ourselves tonight but I’m absolutely thrilled for the players.
“It is a measure of how hard they have worked and it is a success story when you look at where we started in January.”
Mike Turner, the Crusaders’ commercial director is delighted at how well rugby league has taken off in North Wales.
He said: “We had a feeling that bringing Super League to Wrexham would prove popular, but we’re thrilled with the response and support we have received this season.
“We have attracted new fans to the sport and it has been amazing seeing people from throughout North Wales wearing Crusaders shirts.
“We also have some very loyal fans from South Wales who follow the team both at home and away. Everyone at the club has been amazed by the support and we
would like to thank the Welsh public for getting behind Crusaders.”