Gateshead Storm v Crusaders Colts preview

Saturday 5th July Co-operative Conference National Gateshead Storm v Celtic Crusaders (14:30)

Crusaders Colts face a gruelling 700-mile round trip on Saturday when they travel to Gateshead Storm in their longest away trip of the season (14:30BST).

The Colts won their match against the Storm 50-16 at the Brewery Field earlier this season with an excellent second half performance but that was after their opponents pushed them all the way in the first period. The Colts, unlike the Storm in April, will have to overcome the seven hour journey and play well to maintain their position at the top of the Conference National.

While Crusaders Colts are on excellent form with nine wins in 11 outings, the Storm are nothing if not unpredictable with five wins, two draws and four defeats so far this season and despite a 62-10 loss at Bramley last week, they remain in fourth place but quite a way behind the top three.