June Co-operative Championship 1 Team of the Month

by NRL

North Wales Crusaders are delighted that both Tommy Johnson and Leon Brennan have been named in June's Co-operative Championship 1 Team of the Month.

The club had just two games in a June, a hard fought 30-28 win over Oldham Roughyeds and a 40-24 defeat at Barrow Raiders in an encounter that many thought they should have won, and both players excelled in each of the matches.

Brennan, playing at centre, scored a hat-trick of tries against Oldham and one at Barrow while Johnson has been outstanding at full-back and kicking some excellent goals.

Brennan said: "I'm really pleased as it's the second time for me this season especially as I don't think June has been my best month. It's a big thanks to my team-mates really. We're one big team here at North Wales Crusaders and we always help each other out.

"It's been an exciting year for me. Just last Christmas I was playing amateur rugby and I'm pleased to be where I am now.

"I'm glad Tommy's got in too. He's been amazing this month standing in for Danny Hulme. It's great news."

Johnson said: "It's a bit of a shock really. I don't think about that sort of stuff. I just want to get out there and do my best in each game. But it's great that people have noticed that I'm doing alright and I'm pleased.

"I'm now looking forward to Sunday's game against Gateshead Thunder. It should be a good game. They'll be there looking for a win but we desperately need one too. We've played well last couple of games but haven't managed to win so we'll be going for it on Sunday."

The Team of the Month for June was virtually dominated by Cumbrians who made up 10 out of the 13, five alone from Workington Town. Workington's Graeme Mattinson was named as Player of the Month.

For more information and to buy tickets for this Sunday's match - North Wales Crusaders v Gateshead Thunder, please go to www.crusadersrfl.com or you can buy tickets in person at the Glyndwr University Sports Centre reception.

TEAM: Tommy Johnson (North Wales Crusaders), Craig Calvert (Whitehaven), Jason Mossop (Workington Town), Leon Brennan (North Wales Crusaders), Elliot Miller (Workington Town), Scott Kaighan (Barrow Raiders), Liam Campbell (Barrow Raiders), Paul Cullnean (Whitehaven), Graeme Mattinson (Workington Town), Mark Castle (Doncaster), Liam Harrison (Barrow Raiders), Brett Phillips (Workington Town), Dave Peterson (Workington Town).

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