NEW Thatto Heath Crusaders head coach Dave Walsh put the players through their paces in his first night at training.

Walsh joined the BARLA Cup winners from Wigan St Judes and takes over from Steve Peters, who the club praised for his efforts over the past 12 months.

Walsh, a former Wigan centre, joins the Crusaders at a pivotal point in the club's history, which sees them competing in the First Division of the National Conference League and hoping to retain the National Cup. He will lead a team of coaches, including Carl McCabe, Darren Kenny, Martin Ford and Maguire.

Any open age players interested in joing the Crusaders for this coming season should report for training at West Park rugby club any Wednesday at 6.45pm.