This Saturday, the stage is set for an exciting clash in National Rugby League Division 1 as Dings Crusaders take on the Leicester Lions in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams are gearing up for a crucial match that could have significant implications for their standing at the end of the season, and fans can expect a fiery battle between two teams with plenty of pride on the line.

Our Crusaders come into this game on the back of some mixed performances.
With a blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience, they’ve been a tough team to predict this season. The pack can deliver from 5 meters, and the backs have been capable of clinical finishes when given the chance. If they can maintain their discipline and control the tempo of the game, they’ll be in a strong position to take the win.

On the other hand, the Lions are a side known for their resilient, no-nonsense approach. They have a reputation for making life difficult for any opposition, and this match will be no different. With a talented squad full of dynamic players, the Lions will look to bring their physicality and aggressive play to the pitch. Their halfbacks are key to unlocking the opposition defense, and they’ll need to find ways to break through the Crusaders’ solid defensive line.

By the numbers
2 seasons ago, Dings were the only team to defeat Lions in Nat 2 all season.
So far this season it's Leicester who have the bragging rights in a fixture with atrocious weather conditions ending in a mud bath.
2 teams to go down, Leicester are currently 13th with Doncaster condemned to relegation.
3 games to go and 15 points available
Dings in 11th 14 points ahead, it's all to play for.

Ones to watch
Jake Sterland, top try scorer for Lions came from Market Harborough for the 2024 season.
Former Tigers academy and England U18, this former sprinter and powerful winger needs stopping before he gets up a head of steam

Team sheets to follow.

15 Tom Foot - Waylon Projects
14 Deago Bailey - Thatchers
13 Joe Jenkins - All Plumbing and Heating Solutions
12 Harry Tarling - Ginger Construction
11 Max Rivers
10 George Boulton (C) - Release Pilates 50th Cap
9 Matt Jones
1 Tom Sims
2 Tomas Gwilliam - Thatchers
3 Brian Ncube - Stealth Media
4 Will Thompson - Buro Happold
5 Alex Ashton
6 Matt Bennett - Discovery Campers
7 Kofi Cripps - Thatchers
8 Aaron Tull - Thatchers
16 Tommy Gollop - Bostik
17 Nick English
18 Matt Lane - Dave Baker
19 Tom Knight - FBW
20 Jamie Elswood - The Old Firm

LEICESTER LIONS TEAM SHEET