Widnes and Barrow, who both provided a thrilling Northern Rail Cup Final last year have been drawn to face each other in the pick of the Northern Rail Cup ties pulled out of the hat in this evenings Quarter Final draw.
Hunslet have been rewarded with a home tie against Leigh Centurions following their surprise 42-36 win over Halifax last weekend.
Here is the official RL Press Release.
Northern Rail Cup quarter final draw
The draw for the 2010 Northern Rail Cup quarter finals has been concluded and the ties are as follows:
Keighley Cougars v York City Knights
Widnes Vikings v Barrow Raiders
Batley Bulldogs v Sheffield Eagles
Hunslet Hawks v Leigh Centurions
The quarter final ties will be played on the weekend of June 5 and 6 with one game brought forward to Thursday June 3 to be screened live on Sky Sports.
Showing posts with label Northern Rail Cup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Northern Rail Cup. Show all posts
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Saturday, 20 March 2010
RL Comment - My praise for Batley Bulldogs record breaking win
Congratulations to Batley Bulldogs on their club record victory of 100-4 gainst Gateshead. Yes you did read that right. A fantastic effort by Baltey. To score 17 tries in any game is no mean feat. There is only once that I've ever seen 100 points scored in the flesh and that was a Challenge Cup tie involving Rochdle Hornets and amateurs Illingworth when Hornets won 120-4.
Leading the points on the historic night was young halfback Gareth Moore. He bagged two tries and 16 goals for a magnificent 40 points.
Moore began the rout after 3 minutes and was quickly followed by Chris Buttery and Aaron Wood (2), before his second came after 27 minutes. David Tootill and Jason Walton kept the scoreboard ticking until half-time with Michael Brown scoring the only Gateshead points.
Ten further tries followed in the second half through Tootill, Mark Barlow, the prolific Jonny Campbell (3), while Sean Hesketh, Ian Preece and Craig Potter also got in on the act with Walton scoring a second try and Preece also finishing with a brace at the end.
Once again congratulations to Batley, the victory was even more noteworthy as it came at Gateshead's Thunderdome home.
I wonder if the assembled media had enough paper to keep track of the scores?
The Bulldogs sit out of league action this weekend but return to work next week (25th) with a televised clash against the Keighley Cougars.
Once again well done to Batley. I think they will test most teams this season.
Leading the points on the historic night was young halfback Gareth Moore. He bagged two tries and 16 goals for a magnificent 40 points.
Moore began the rout after 3 minutes and was quickly followed by Chris Buttery and Aaron Wood (2), before his second came after 27 minutes. David Tootill and Jason Walton kept the scoreboard ticking until half-time with Michael Brown scoring the only Gateshead points.
Ten further tries followed in the second half through Tootill, Mark Barlow, the prolific Jonny Campbell (3), while Sean Hesketh, Ian Preece and Craig Potter also got in on the act with Walton scoring a second try and Preece also finishing with a brace at the end.
Once again congratulations to Batley, the victory was even more noteworthy as it came at Gateshead's Thunderdome home.
I wonder if the assembled media had enough paper to keep track of the scores?
The Bulldogs sit out of league action this weekend but return to work next week (25th) with a televised clash against the Keighley Cougars.
Once again well done to Batley. I think they will test most teams this season.
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
NORTHERN RAIL CUP ROUND-UP
Two games took place tonight in the Northern Rail Cup.
First Keighley took an early evening trip to Barrow and were caned 62-18 with Jamie Rooney scoring 22 personal points.
Barrow ran into a half-time 40-6 lead with a whirlwind start. Liam Harrison got the Raiders moving after four minutes and further tries soon followed from Michael Knowles, Rob Roberts and Andy Ballard before Harrison went over again. Chris Larkin continued the rout with two tries either side of the half hour mark while Rooney kicked six goals. Jon Presley scored the Cougars only try of the first half and that was goaled by Danny Jones.
Rooney scored a try he converted before Nathan Mossop slipped through the defence and Harrison completed his hat-trick after 53 minutes. Jones pulled a try back for Keighley and George Rayner also touched down for the Cougars nd Jones added his third goal but the Raiders had the final say when Brett McDermott touched down and Rooney kicked his 9th goal.
London Skolars reportedly took the train to York but like a fortnight earlier it was a familiar story as they lost 34-12 despite a spirited show.
Jonathan Schofield opened the scoring for York after eleven minutes and Skolars frustrated their opponents with some good defence restricting the City Knights to just two further tries. Australian Casey Bromilow scored the first after 26 minutes before Mark Applegarth went over three minutes before the break. With former BARLA man Lee Waterman continuing his impressive point scoring with three conversions, York led 18-0 at the break.
Matty Duckworth got York's first try of the second half after 43 minutes to establish a match-winning advantage but Rob Montgomery scored for the Skolars just before the hour mark.
Bromilow claimed his second after 62 minutes before the prolific Waterman added a customary try to his five goals. There was still enough time for London to score a second try through Stephen Ball and Jamie Boston kicked two goals for Skolars but it wasn't enough to give the Southerners victory.
First Keighley took an early evening trip to Barrow and were caned 62-18 with Jamie Rooney scoring 22 personal points.
Barrow ran into a half-time 40-6 lead with a whirlwind start. Liam Harrison got the Raiders moving after four minutes and further tries soon followed from Michael Knowles, Rob Roberts and Andy Ballard before Harrison went over again. Chris Larkin continued the rout with two tries either side of the half hour mark while Rooney kicked six goals. Jon Presley scored the Cougars only try of the first half and that was goaled by Danny Jones.
Rooney scored a try he converted before Nathan Mossop slipped through the defence and Harrison completed his hat-trick after 53 minutes. Jones pulled a try back for Keighley and George Rayner also touched down for the Cougars nd Jones added his third goal but the Raiders had the final say when Brett McDermott touched down and Rooney kicked his 9th goal.
London Skolars reportedly took the train to York but like a fortnight earlier it was a familiar story as they lost 34-12 despite a spirited show.
Jonathan Schofield opened the scoring for York after eleven minutes and Skolars frustrated their opponents with some good defence restricting the City Knights to just two further tries. Australian Casey Bromilow scored the first after 26 minutes before Mark Applegarth went over three minutes before the break. With former BARLA man Lee Waterman continuing his impressive point scoring with three conversions, York led 18-0 at the break.
Matty Duckworth got York's first try of the second half after 43 minutes to establish a match-winning advantage but Rob Montgomery scored for the Skolars just before the hour mark.
Bromilow claimed his second after 62 minutes before the prolific Waterman added a customary try to his five goals. There was still enough time for London to score a second try through Stephen Ball and Jamie Boston kicked two goals for Skolars but it wasn't enough to give the Southerners victory.
Thursday, 4 March 2010
Northern Rail Cup Round-up
HUNSLET HAWKS v FEATHERSTONE ROVERS
Hunslet were no match for Featherstone Rovers in a much delayed Northern Rail Cup Group game at the South Leeds Stadium tonight. After building an 18-0 half-time lead, Rovers ran riot in the second half to finish 68-0 victors.
Jessie Joe Parker scored the first try for Featherstone after six minutes with Aaron Dobek adding the first of ten goals. A changed Hunslet team, with many of their first choice stars rested ahead of Saturday's Challenge Cup tie with Leigh East, competed well and it wasn't until the 30th minute that a second try came the visitors way through Danny Allen. Zak Hardacre registered the first of an eventual hat-trick and with the boot of Dobek finding the mark it was 18-0 although Rovers lost Gareth Williamson to the sinbin after 36 minutes.
Featherstone started the second half as they meant to go on with Dobek scoring the first of nine second half tries within 60 seconds of the restart.
Tries followed at regular intervals through Tommy Saxton, Ross Divorty, Williamson, Hardacre (2), Larsen Marade and Jack Lee before Parker completed the rout in the last minute with his second. Dobek finished with 24 points to his name.
Hunslet were no match for Featherstone Rovers in a much delayed Northern Rail Cup Group game at the South Leeds Stadium tonight. After building an 18-0 half-time lead, Rovers ran riot in the second half to finish 68-0 victors.
Jessie Joe Parker scored the first try for Featherstone after six minutes with Aaron Dobek adding the first of ten goals. A changed Hunslet team, with many of their first choice stars rested ahead of Saturday's Challenge Cup tie with Leigh East, competed well and it wasn't until the 30th minute that a second try came the visitors way through Danny Allen. Zak Hardacre registered the first of an eventual hat-trick and with the boot of Dobek finding the mark it was 18-0 although Rovers lost Gareth Williamson to the sinbin after 36 minutes.
Featherstone started the second half as they meant to go on with Dobek scoring the first of nine second half tries within 60 seconds of the restart.
Tries followed at regular intervals through Tommy Saxton, Ross Divorty, Williamson, Hardacre (2), Larsen Marade and Jack Lee before Parker completed the rout in the last minute with his second. Dobek finished with 24 points to his name.
RL Comment - Northern Rail Cup - Leigh progress
Leigh qualified for the knock-out stages of the Northern Rail Cup last night after an eight try victory over Dewsbury Rams and a 44-22 success.
The Rams were much changed from the team that travelled to the South of France to open the Championship season on Sunday and although they took the lead through Stewart Sanderson, Leigh looked the better side.
Impressive for Leigh were dual contract players Tyrone McCarthy and Jacob Emmitt while Robbie Paul was excellent value as the pivot of the side, linking the work of John Duffy for 51 minutes before doing likewise for Dave McConnell. Paul ducked, bobbed and weaved the magic all evening and looked completely at ease in his surroundings. He was also able to lay on at least three tries and played a hand in a couple of others.
This wasn't just the John and Paul show and there wasn't a George or Ringo either! There was however David Armitstead who to be fair, a lot of Leigh fans have split opinions about. Since his move up to prop, David has been good value yet last night was perhaps his crowning glory. He made a succession of half breaks and ws often found supporting a colleague, also his awareness brought about several offloads and he laid on a try that Duffy finished with aplomb under the posts. Another plus point to Armitstead's game was his crowning try in the last minute, meaning that David has finally opened his try account for the club after 25 games. Let's hope it doesn't take him another 25 games to get his second try!
The Rams were much changed from the team that travelled to the South of France to open the Championship season on Sunday and although they took the lead through Stewart Sanderson, Leigh looked the better side.
Impressive for Leigh were dual contract players Tyrone McCarthy and Jacob Emmitt while Robbie Paul was excellent value as the pivot of the side, linking the work of John Duffy for 51 minutes before doing likewise for Dave McConnell. Paul ducked, bobbed and weaved the magic all evening and looked completely at ease in his surroundings. He was also able to lay on at least three tries and played a hand in a couple of others.
This wasn't just the John and Paul show and there wasn't a George or Ringo either! There was however David Armitstead who to be fair, a lot of Leigh fans have split opinions about. Since his move up to prop, David has been good value yet last night was perhaps his crowning glory. He made a succession of half breaks and ws often found supporting a colleague, also his awareness brought about several offloads and he laid on a try that Duffy finished with aplomb under the posts. Another plus point to Armitstead's game was his crowning try in the last minute, meaning that David has finally opened his try account for the club after 25 games. Let's hope it doesn't take him another 25 games to get his second try!
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
Northern Rail Cup - Tuesday Round-up - Featherstone 56 Rochdale 10
One game took place this evening at Featherstone where the Rovers ran in eleven tries against visiting Rochdale before a low crowd of 777.
Rovers led 30-0 at halftime and scored tries through Papua New Guinea internationals Jessie Joe Parker and Lasen Marabe (2). Other tries came from Jon Grayshon, Ross Divorty, Kyle Briggs, Aaron Dobek, Jon Steel (2) and Ian Hardman. Briggs (5) and Dobek added goals.
Rochdale scored two tries, both in the second half through Wayne Corcoran and Dean Gorton while Dean Hatton kicked a goal.
Rovers led 30-0 at halftime and scored tries through Papua New Guinea internationals Jessie Joe Parker and Lasen Marabe (2). Other tries came from Jon Grayshon, Ross Divorty, Kyle Briggs, Aaron Dobek, Jon Steel (2) and Ian Hardman. Briggs (5) and Dobek added goals.
Rochdale scored two tries, both in the second half through Wayne Corcoran and Dean Gorton while Dean Hatton kicked a goal.
Monday, 22 February 2010
NORTHERN RAIL CUP - EAGLES QUALIFY DESPITE A BATTLING PERFORMANCE FROM OLDHAM
OLDHAM 22 SHEFFIELD 24
Oldham took on Sheffield at Park Lane this evening and twice shocked the Eagles by etablishing ten point leads. Sheffield however, fought back and claimed victory with a John Coleman penalty five minutes from time.
It was the hosts at their temporary home who made a great start with two tries in the first 12 minutes.
Fullback Paul O'Connor grabbed the first after six minutes after good work from Mark Brocklehurst. Matt Ashe goaled and Oldham were 6-0 to the good.
With Mick Fogerty initially running rampant Oldham were well worth their advantage. It was the centre who created the second try as he fed the ball out for Brocklehurst and the former Rochdale winger touched down.
As the half moved on, the bigger Sheffield pack began to exert more influence. Papua New Guinea international Trevor Exton and substitutes Sam Barlow and Alex Rowe started making inroads and after good work from the latter, Barlow went over the top of O'Connor to score.
Irish man John Coleman goaled before adding a smart try himself after 32 minutes as he surged through a hole left by injury to Fogerty. His conversion handed Sheffield the lead for the first time and despite a couple of penalties and opportunities for Oldham, that was how it remained at the break.
Oldham drew first blood in the second half. A loose ball was picked up by Oldham who advanced downfield quickly with only a good tackle from Ashley Thackeray on Brocklehurst. A quick play the ball and good support saw Neil Roden go over. Ashe converted and on their next possession the Roughyeds scored from distance when Marcus St Hilaire drew Thackeray and worked with Lucas Onyango for the pacy winger to finish. Ashe again goaled and all of a sudden it was 22-12.
With Oldham in control Dave Ellison was held up over the line before Sheffield forced back to back sets. The hosts kept their nerve before Sheffield made good inroads and pulled a try back through Peter Green on the hour. Another Eagles try quickly followed, a second from Barlow and Coleman levelled the score - 22-22 with 17 minutes remaining.
As the clock counted down Oldham conceded a penalty for a high tackle and Coleman struck his 4th goal to edge the Eagles in front. On their next possession Sheffield won a further penalty but good defence forced an error from the otherwise tidy Craig Cook.
Oldham then chanced their arm with some expansive play but Sheffield ran the clock down to pick up their third win in four qualifying games.
Oldham took on Sheffield at Park Lane this evening and twice shocked the Eagles by etablishing ten point leads. Sheffield however, fought back and claimed victory with a John Coleman penalty five minutes from time.
It was the hosts at their temporary home who made a great start with two tries in the first 12 minutes.
Fullback Paul O'Connor grabbed the first after six minutes after good work from Mark Brocklehurst. Matt Ashe goaled and Oldham were 6-0 to the good.
With Mick Fogerty initially running rampant Oldham were well worth their advantage. It was the centre who created the second try as he fed the ball out for Brocklehurst and the former Rochdale winger touched down.
As the half moved on, the bigger Sheffield pack began to exert more influence. Papua New Guinea international Trevor Exton and substitutes Sam Barlow and Alex Rowe started making inroads and after good work from the latter, Barlow went over the top of O'Connor to score.
Irish man John Coleman goaled before adding a smart try himself after 32 minutes as he surged through a hole left by injury to Fogerty. His conversion handed Sheffield the lead for the first time and despite a couple of penalties and opportunities for Oldham, that was how it remained at the break.
Oldham drew first blood in the second half. A loose ball was picked up by Oldham who advanced downfield quickly with only a good tackle from Ashley Thackeray on Brocklehurst. A quick play the ball and good support saw Neil Roden go over. Ashe converted and on their next possession the Roughyeds scored from distance when Marcus St Hilaire drew Thackeray and worked with Lucas Onyango for the pacy winger to finish. Ashe again goaled and all of a sudden it was 22-12.
With Oldham in control Dave Ellison was held up over the line before Sheffield forced back to back sets. The hosts kept their nerve before Sheffield made good inroads and pulled a try back through Peter Green on the hour. Another Eagles try quickly followed, a second from Barlow and Coleman levelled the score - 22-22 with 17 minutes remaining.
As the clock counted down Oldham conceded a penalty for a high tackle and Coleman struck his 4th goal to edge the Eagles in front. On their next possession Sheffield won a further penalty but good defence forced an error from the otherwise tidy Craig Cook.
Oldham then chanced their arm with some expansive play but Sheffield ran the clock down to pick up their third win in four qualifying games.
Sunday, 21 February 2010
RL Comment: Another Sunday, Another Snow Shower
This winter just goes on and on doesn't it? I thought we were over the worse of it and bang... another snow shower and a postponed game, this time in the Northern Rail Cup.
I must admit I was looking forward to heading over to Dewsbury's less than palatial surroundings this afternoon.
Sadly overnight snow has ruled out the clash with several inches of the white stuff on top of the Rams field covers and messageboard stories emerging about match referees being snowed in (although I'm sure some would playfully say that's a good thing).
What this does mean is that the Centurions, and probably several other teams, will face the prospect of three games in a week at some stage in the very near future. I await with interest to see if other games will also fall the same way and get added to the postponed list.
Although not ideal, perhaps the postponement is a blessing in disguise, afterall it gives Leigh in particular more preparation time for the visit of Barrow Raiders in the Championship.
I must admit I was looking forward to heading over to Dewsbury's less than palatial surroundings this afternoon.
Sadly overnight snow has ruled out the clash with several inches of the white stuff on top of the Rams field covers and messageboard stories emerging about match referees being snowed in (although I'm sure some would playfully say that's a good thing).
What this does mean is that the Centurions, and probably several other teams, will face the prospect of three games in a week at some stage in the very near future. I await with interest to see if other games will also fall the same way and get added to the postponed list.
Although not ideal, perhaps the postponement is a blessing in disguise, afterall it gives Leigh in particular more preparation time for the visit of Barrow Raiders in the Championship.
Saturday, 20 February 2010
Pool B or not Pool B… Centurions face Northern Rail defining weekend
Leigh Centurions play their second must-win game in seven days on Sunday (weather permitting) when they take on Dewsbury at the Tetley’s Stadium. It would be fair to say that the Centurions have had mixed results on a ground they first visited in 1994.
In total Leigh have won six of thirteen visits to the Rams home and Sunday will be their first game there since June 2008.
By irony, the date – 21st February – is exactly 11 years on from the last time Ian Millward guided a Leigh team there. On that occasion a Neil Kelly coached Dewsbury won 31-16.
Here is a list of results and attendances of games involving Leigh since Dewsbury’s ground opened for business during the 1994-95 season:
11/12/1994 Dewsbury 6 LEIGH 16 Att: 1,444.
22/03/1998 DEWSBURY 50 Leigh 0 Att: 1,011.
02/08/1998 DEWSBURY 26 Leigh 18 Att: 826
21/02/1999 DEWSBURY 31 Leigh 16 Att: 1,314
26/03/2000 Dewsbury 18 LEIGH 22 Att: 3,027
12/04/2000 DEWSBURY 10 Leigh 8 Att: 2,465
09/07/2000 Dewsbury 12 LEIGH 29 Att: 2,500
08/09/2002 DEWSBURY 29 Leigh 18 Att: 1,111
15/06/2003 Dewsbury 12 LEIGH 31 Att: 971
11/03/2007 DEWSBURY 36 Leigh 34 Att: 1,131
22/04/2007 Dewsbury 30 LEIGH 46 Att: 1,070
17/06/2007 DEWSBURY 27 Leigh 18 Att: 1,611
01/06/2008 Dewsbury 20 LEIGH 28 Att: 1,061
There are now just six fixtures left to determine the fate of Pool B with a similar number in Pool A. Currently Sheffield Eagles top the group with eight points from three fixtures but Halifax, Leigh, Hunslet, Dewsbury, York and Featherstone are still in the hunt for one of the four qualifying places.
This weekend sees the following fixtures:
Dewsbury v Leigh
Featherstone v Rochdale
Halifax v Hunslet
Oldham v Sheffield
York v London Skolars
The other outstanding fixture, Hunslet v Featherstone will take place on 4th March 2010, just a couple of days before Hunslet are down to face Leigh East in the Challenge Cup.
The current pool standings are as follows:
Team P W D L B F A Pts
Sheffield 3 2 1 0 0 71 34 8
Halifax 3 2 0 1 1 98 13 7
Leigh 3 2 0 1 1 72 31 7
Hunslet 2 2 0 0 0 88 26 6
Dewsbury 3 2 0 1 0 98 40 6
York 3 2 0 1 0 59 64 6
Oldham 3 1 0 2 1 48 66 4
Featherstone 2 0 1 1 0 24 54 2
Rochdale 3 0 0 3 1 38 106 1
London 3 0 0 3 0 16 178 0
In total Leigh have won six of thirteen visits to the Rams home and Sunday will be their first game there since June 2008.
By irony, the date – 21st February – is exactly 11 years on from the last time Ian Millward guided a Leigh team there. On that occasion a Neil Kelly coached Dewsbury won 31-16.
Here is a list of results and attendances of games involving Leigh since Dewsbury’s ground opened for business during the 1994-95 season:
11/12/1994 Dewsbury 6 LEIGH 16 Att: 1,444.
22/03/1998 DEWSBURY 50 Leigh 0 Att: 1,011.
02/08/1998 DEWSBURY 26 Leigh 18 Att: 826
21/02/1999 DEWSBURY 31 Leigh 16 Att: 1,314
26/03/2000 Dewsbury 18 LEIGH 22 Att: 3,027
12/04/2000 DEWSBURY 10 Leigh 8 Att: 2,465
09/07/2000 Dewsbury 12 LEIGH 29 Att: 2,500
08/09/2002 DEWSBURY 29 Leigh 18 Att: 1,111
15/06/2003 Dewsbury 12 LEIGH 31 Att: 971
11/03/2007 DEWSBURY 36 Leigh 34 Att: 1,131
22/04/2007 Dewsbury 30 LEIGH 46 Att: 1,070
17/06/2007 DEWSBURY 27 Leigh 18 Att: 1,611
01/06/2008 Dewsbury 20 LEIGH 28 Att: 1,061
There are now just six fixtures left to determine the fate of Pool B with a similar number in Pool A. Currently Sheffield Eagles top the group with eight points from three fixtures but Halifax, Leigh, Hunslet, Dewsbury, York and Featherstone are still in the hunt for one of the four qualifying places.
This weekend sees the following fixtures:
Dewsbury v Leigh
Featherstone v Rochdale
Halifax v Hunslet
Oldham v Sheffield
York v London Skolars
The other outstanding fixture, Hunslet v Featherstone will take place on 4th March 2010, just a couple of days before Hunslet are down to face Leigh East in the Challenge Cup.
The current pool standings are as follows:
Team P W D L B F A Pts
Sheffield 3 2 1 0 0 71 34 8
Halifax 3 2 0 1 1 98 13 7
Leigh 3 2 0 1 1 72 31 7
Hunslet 2 2 0 0 0 88 26 6
Dewsbury 3 2 0 1 0 98 40 6
York 3 2 0 1 0 59 64 6
Oldham 3 1 0 2 1 48 66 4
Featherstone 2 0 1 1 0 24 54 2
Rochdale 3 0 0 3 1 38 106 1
London 3 0 0 3 0 16 178 0
Friday, 19 February 2010
Just for Clarity - Northern Rail Cup Round-up - Workington v Swinton
I must apologise, my previous Northern Rail Cup Round-up failed to mention a fourth midweek game from Wednesday evening when Swinton Lions visited Workington Town.
Town had perhaps the star man of the performance - Scott Kaighan scoring 14 points from a try in addition to kicking five goals, but it was the Lions that won through 19-18 in the end. New centre signing Aaron Low claimed Town's other try.
Swinton's tries came from Gavin Dodd, Carl Sneyd and Gary Hulse. Dodd also kicked three goals while Graham Holroyd potted the important drop goal as Swinton came back from a 10-6 deficit at half-time.
Sadly there were only 286 hardy souls at Derwent Park to witness a game of constant ebb and flow.
Town had perhaps the star man of the performance - Scott Kaighan scoring 14 points from a try in addition to kicking five goals, but it was the Lions that won through 19-18 in the end. New centre signing Aaron Low claimed Town's other try.
Swinton's tries came from Gavin Dodd, Carl Sneyd and Gary Hulse. Dodd also kicked three goals while Graham Holroyd potted the important drop goal as Swinton came back from a 10-6 deficit at half-time.
Sadly there were only 286 hardy souls at Derwent Park to witness a game of constant ebb and flow.
Monday, 15 February 2010
Northern Rail Round-up from 14/02/2010
There were big wins for Batley, Blackpool, Keighley, Leigh, Halifax, Dewsbury, Sheffield and Whitehaven on Sunday.
Over at the Stobart Stadium Halton, last years finalists, Barrow Raiders and Widnes Vikings fought out a compelling clash that was seized at the death by hosts Widnes.
Barrow Raiders made a great start with an early try from James Nixon while dual-reg forward Liam Farrell scored after 21 minutes. This sparked the Raiders into action as Liam Harrison and Nathan Mossop claimed tries for Jmie Rooney to stretch the visitors advantage to 18-6 at half-time. A fourth Rooney goal from a penalty took the score to 20-6 before Widnes struck with a try from young prop Dave Houghton but still faced an uphill battle with most of the last quarter to play and an eight point deficit.
A Widnes win looked unlikely when Ben Kavanagh was sent off after 73 minutes for an alleged headbutt while Rob Roberts was yellow carded for retaliation. This tipped the scales in the Vikings favour and Thomas Coyle darted over from a scrum for Shane Grady to land his third goal before a last gasp finish from Shaun Ainscough earned victory for the hosts.
Amid the other scores and scorers of the weekend, an interesting incident occured at the South Leeds Stadium when a 67th minute incident saw referee Craig Halloran send off Lucas Onyango following a spear tackle on Hawks Danny Grimshaw. This resulted in players from both sides informing Mr Halloran that he had got the wrong man. Onyango was recalled to the field and the whole incident was then bizarrely placed on report. It must be remembered that this is the same referee who disallowed a perfectly good Leigh try that denied the Centurions victory over Halifax a couple of years ago and the same official that was in charge of the Gateshead-Leigh game last season for which Paul Rowley was duly suspended from any coaching activity for four games following comments about the refereeing performance after the game.
Scoring honours go to the following players this week:
Ian Preece (Batley) for his hat-trick against Swinton.
Martin Keavney (Blackpool) for his hat-trick against Gateshead Thunder.
Tom Hemingway (Blackpool) for his 22 point haul (1 try, 9 goals) in the same game.
Jon Presley (Keighley) for his hat-trick in the Cougars win over Workington.
Rob Worrincy (Halifax) who grabbed FOUR tries against London Skolars.
Lee Paterson (Halifax) kicked 8 goals against London Skolars.
Scott Turner (Dewsbury) for three tries against Rochdale.
Mitch Stringer (Sheffield) for his hat-trick against York - even more noteworthy for a prop forward!
Derry Eilbeck (Whitehaven) for three tries in Haven's win over Doncaster.
Results:
BATLEY 46 Swinton 10
BLACKPOOL 74 Gateshead 6
HUNSLET 28 Oldham 14
KEIGHLEY 38 Workington 10
LEIGH 36 Featherstone 6
London Skolars 0 HALIFAX 68
Rochdale Hornets 12 DEWSBURY 48
SHEFFIELD 40 York 10
WHITEHAVEN 54 Doncaster 10
WIDNES 22 Barrow 20
Over at the Stobart Stadium Halton, last years finalists, Barrow Raiders and Widnes Vikings fought out a compelling clash that was seized at the death by hosts Widnes.
Barrow Raiders made a great start with an early try from James Nixon while dual-reg forward Liam Farrell scored after 21 minutes. This sparked the Raiders into action as Liam Harrison and Nathan Mossop claimed tries for Jmie Rooney to stretch the visitors advantage to 18-6 at half-time. A fourth Rooney goal from a penalty took the score to 20-6 before Widnes struck with a try from young prop Dave Houghton but still faced an uphill battle with most of the last quarter to play and an eight point deficit.
A Widnes win looked unlikely when Ben Kavanagh was sent off after 73 minutes for an alleged headbutt while Rob Roberts was yellow carded for retaliation. This tipped the scales in the Vikings favour and Thomas Coyle darted over from a scrum for Shane Grady to land his third goal before a last gasp finish from Shaun Ainscough earned victory for the hosts.
Amid the other scores and scorers of the weekend, an interesting incident occured at the South Leeds Stadium when a 67th minute incident saw referee Craig Halloran send off Lucas Onyango following a spear tackle on Hawks Danny Grimshaw. This resulted in players from both sides informing Mr Halloran that he had got the wrong man. Onyango was recalled to the field and the whole incident was then bizarrely placed on report. It must be remembered that this is the same referee who disallowed a perfectly good Leigh try that denied the Centurions victory over Halifax a couple of years ago and the same official that was in charge of the Gateshead-Leigh game last season for which Paul Rowley was duly suspended from any coaching activity for four games following comments about the refereeing performance after the game.
Scoring honours go to the following players this week:
Ian Preece (Batley) for his hat-trick against Swinton.
Martin Keavney (Blackpool) for his hat-trick against Gateshead Thunder.
Tom Hemingway (Blackpool) for his 22 point haul (1 try, 9 goals) in the same game.
Jon Presley (Keighley) for his hat-trick in the Cougars win over Workington.
Rob Worrincy (Halifax) who grabbed FOUR tries against London Skolars.
Lee Paterson (Halifax) kicked 8 goals against London Skolars.
Scott Turner (Dewsbury) for three tries against Rochdale.
Mitch Stringer (Sheffield) for his hat-trick against York - even more noteworthy for a prop forward!
Derry Eilbeck (Whitehaven) for three tries in Haven's win over Doncaster.
Results:
BATLEY 46 Swinton 10
BLACKPOOL 74 Gateshead 6
HUNSLET 28 Oldham 14
KEIGHLEY 38 Workington 10
LEIGH 36 Featherstone 6
London Skolars 0 HALIFAX 68
Rochdale Hornets 12 DEWSBURY 48
SHEFFIELD 40 York 10
WHITEHAVEN 54 Doncaster 10
WIDNES 22 Barrow 20
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Northern Rail Round-up
More midweek action in the Northern Rail Cup saw Batley Bulldogs travel to Cumbria to play Whitehaven.
Whitehaven 26 BATLEY 34
The Bulldogs from Batley gave a battling performance at the Recreation Ground to condemn Whitehaven to their second Northern Rail defeat following a narrow loss on Sunday at Keighley (17-16).
Haven's signing from Harlequins, Dylan Skee opened their account with the first try before Johnny Campbell, who notched two scores for Batley in their 30-30 draw with Widnes at the weekend, went over for the first of two tries in this game.
Batley built a 24-18 halftime advantage before Whitehaven levelled things up before a late charge by the Bulldogs clinched victory.
Former Leigh Super League centre Rob Jackson claimed two tries for the hosts while Andrew Thornley and Derry Eilbeck also touched down. Carl Rudd added three goals.
In addition to two tries from Campbell, Paul Handforth also grabbed a brace while fellow halfback Gareth Moore had a field day. The former Leeds junior and Scotland international scored a try and kicked seven goals.
Whitehaven 26 BATLEY 34
The Bulldogs from Batley gave a battling performance at the Recreation Ground to condemn Whitehaven to their second Northern Rail defeat following a narrow loss on Sunday at Keighley (17-16).
Haven's signing from Harlequins, Dylan Skee opened their account with the first try before Johnny Campbell, who notched two scores for Batley in their 30-30 draw with Widnes at the weekend, went over for the first of two tries in this game.
Batley built a 24-18 halftime advantage before Whitehaven levelled things up before a late charge by the Bulldogs clinched victory.
Former Leigh Super League centre Rob Jackson claimed two tries for the hosts while Andrew Thornley and Derry Eilbeck also touched down. Carl Rudd added three goals.
In addition to two tries from Campbell, Paul Handforth also grabbed a brace while fellow halfback Gareth Moore had a field day. The former Leeds junior and Scotland international scored a try and kicked seven goals.
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Northern Rail Round-up
It was a much more active round of Northern Rail action this past weekend.
Here are the results:
BARROW 34 Blackpool 8
Batley 30 Widnes 30
Featherstone 18 Sheffield 18
Gateshead 12 WORKINGTON 26
HALIFAX 24 Dewsbury 0
KEIGHLEY 17 Whitehaven 16
London Skolars 12 HUNSLET 60
SWINTON 30 Doncaster 20
YORK 13 Leigh 12
Last Tuesday Widnes played Gateshead.
WIDNES 50 Gateshead 6
Last night Oldham hosted Rochdale at Sedgley Park RUFC.
OLDHAM 22 Rochdale 14
All the results point to an interesting season with notable wins for York and Keighley in particular over one time Championship heavyweights Leigh and Whitehaven.
Individual scoring honours this weekend must go to Wayne McHugh of Hunslet Hawks. He scored 4 tries and kicked 8 goals for a 32 point haul. Interesting to note from the same Hunslet teamsheet that hooker Richard Chapman who made a name for himself in the lower divisions with Featherstone, is still having a big influence on the way his team plays.
Defensive honours must go to Halifax for their 24-0 shut out of Dewsbury although their boss Matt Calland told Keith McGhie of the Rugby Leaguer & League Express: "It was a good test for us - defensively we were ok but we had a lot of what I'd call brain explosions in attack."
Once again Blackpool named a raft of ex Leigh players as they took on Barrow. Fourteen of the seventeen on show had former Centurion connections while Barrow themselves had 2 former Centurions in Danny Halliwell and Rob Roberts.
As previously mentioned Widnes opened their account for 2010 with a 50-6 win over Gateshead. The Vikings scored 11 tries with former Featherstone, Sheffield and Castleford back James Ford grabbing 4 tries but wayward kicking from Scott Yates (1/5) and Shane Grady (2/6) pegged the score back.
Batley Bulldogs fell short of another famous win over the Vikings on Sunday. The Bulldogs beat Widnes 40-34 on their own ground last year but a late try from Anthony Thackeray, converted by Grady (a slight kicking improvement with 3/6), ensured a share of the spoils.
Another draw came at Featherstone where it was 18-18 with Sheffield. Liam Welham claimed a hat-trick for Rovers while Jon Steel also scored. Mitch Stringer, Alex Rowe and Craig Cook all responded for the Eagles with Johnny Woodcock striking 3/4 goals while Kyle Briggs was only able to add 1/4.
Here are the results:
BARROW 34 Blackpool 8
Batley 30 Widnes 30
Featherstone 18 Sheffield 18
Gateshead 12 WORKINGTON 26
HALIFAX 24 Dewsbury 0
KEIGHLEY 17 Whitehaven 16
London Skolars 12 HUNSLET 60
SWINTON 30 Doncaster 20
YORK 13 Leigh 12
Last Tuesday Widnes played Gateshead.
WIDNES 50 Gateshead 6
Last night Oldham hosted Rochdale at Sedgley Park RUFC.
OLDHAM 22 Rochdale 14
All the results point to an interesting season with notable wins for York and Keighley in particular over one time Championship heavyweights Leigh and Whitehaven.
Individual scoring honours this weekend must go to Wayne McHugh of Hunslet Hawks. He scored 4 tries and kicked 8 goals for a 32 point haul. Interesting to note from the same Hunslet teamsheet that hooker Richard Chapman who made a name for himself in the lower divisions with Featherstone, is still having a big influence on the way his team plays.
Defensive honours must go to Halifax for their 24-0 shut out of Dewsbury although their boss Matt Calland told Keith McGhie of the Rugby Leaguer & League Express: "It was a good test for us - defensively we were ok but we had a lot of what I'd call brain explosions in attack."
Once again Blackpool named a raft of ex Leigh players as they took on Barrow. Fourteen of the seventeen on show had former Centurion connections while Barrow themselves had 2 former Centurions in Danny Halliwell and Rob Roberts.
As previously mentioned Widnes opened their account for 2010 with a 50-6 win over Gateshead. The Vikings scored 11 tries with former Featherstone, Sheffield and Castleford back James Ford grabbing 4 tries but wayward kicking from Scott Yates (1/5) and Shane Grady (2/6) pegged the score back.
Batley Bulldogs fell short of another famous win over the Vikings on Sunday. The Bulldogs beat Widnes 40-34 on their own ground last year but a late try from Anthony Thackeray, converted by Grady (a slight kicking improvement with 3/6), ensured a share of the spoils.
Another draw came at Featherstone where it was 18-18 with Sheffield. Liam Welham claimed a hat-trick for Rovers while Jon Steel also scored. Mitch Stringer, Alex Rowe and Craig Cook all responded for the Eagles with Johnny Woodcock striking 3/4 goals while Kyle Briggs was only able to add 1/4.
Monday, 1 February 2010
Three games survived the weather on the Northern Rail Cup opening weekend
LEIGH 24 Oldham 12
Blackpool 22 KEIGHLEY 24
DEWSBURY 50 London Skolars 4
Oldham fought hard and scored three tries at Leigh Sports Village only to be outscored by the home side for who Steve Maden scored two tries and former Oldham skipper Tommy Goulden one, other tries for the Centurions came via Dale Cunniffe and Dave McConnell. Mick Nanyn struck two goals on a snowy pitch. Scottish international McConnell, Goulden and MacGraff Leuluai were amongst Leigh's best.
Oldham's tries all came in the second half through Craig Littler, John Gillam and Mick Foggerty and the Roughyeds were well served by Dave Ellison in particular while youngster Chris Clarke put in a big defensive effort.
Blackpool looked set to cause a shock when they opened a 16-2 lead at home to Championship Keighley Cougars, however the visitors fought back to take a close game.
There was a distinctive Leigh look to the Panthers scorers today. Kris Ratcliffe scored as well as former Centurions Tom Woodcock, Martin Ainscough and Damian Munro. Tom Hemingway kicked three goals only for Keighley to register tries from Gavin Duffy, James Haythornthwaite, Brendan Rawlins and Ben Belcher. Danny Jones kicked four goals.
Dewsbury were expected winners at home. The reigning Championship One holders scored ten tries against their visitors from the capital.
New signing Rob Lunt scored two while others came from Turner, Robinson, Mike Emmett, Watson, Bryn Powell, Haynes, Andrew Bostock and Rob Spicer.
Goals were split between Turner (2), Pat Walker (1) and another new face at Tetley Stadium, Dominic Brambani (2).
Rearrangements for the other games will be announced in due course although I understand Widnes are set to face Gateshead at the Stobart Stadium Halton on Tuesday evening.
Blackpool 22 KEIGHLEY 24
DEWSBURY 50 London Skolars 4
Oldham fought hard and scored three tries at Leigh Sports Village only to be outscored by the home side for who Steve Maden scored two tries and former Oldham skipper Tommy Goulden one, other tries for the Centurions came via Dale Cunniffe and Dave McConnell. Mick Nanyn struck two goals on a snowy pitch. Scottish international McConnell, Goulden and MacGraff Leuluai were amongst Leigh's best.
Oldham's tries all came in the second half through Craig Littler, John Gillam and Mick Foggerty and the Roughyeds were well served by Dave Ellison in particular while youngster Chris Clarke put in a big defensive effort.
Blackpool looked set to cause a shock when they opened a 16-2 lead at home to Championship Keighley Cougars, however the visitors fought back to take a close game.
There was a distinctive Leigh look to the Panthers scorers today. Kris Ratcliffe scored as well as former Centurions Tom Woodcock, Martin Ainscough and Damian Munro. Tom Hemingway kicked three goals only for Keighley to register tries from Gavin Duffy, James Haythornthwaite, Brendan Rawlins and Ben Belcher. Danny Jones kicked four goals.
Dewsbury were expected winners at home. The reigning Championship One holders scored ten tries against their visitors from the capital.
New signing Rob Lunt scored two while others came from Turner, Robinson, Mike Emmett, Watson, Bryn Powell, Haynes, Andrew Bostock and Rob Spicer.
Goals were split between Turner (2), Pat Walker (1) and another new face at Tetley Stadium, Dominic Brambani (2).
Rearrangements for the other games will be announced in due course although I understand Widnes are set to face Gateshead at the Stobart Stadium Halton on Tuesday evening.
Thursday, 21 January 2010
Northern Rail Cup Launch 2010: A Parkinson View
I was fortunate enough to be at Bramhall Lane on Wednesday where Rugby League's Northern Rail Cup was launched for 2010.
The competition has a new ambassador in Leigh skipper Robbie Paul and both the RFL and Northern Rail spoke highly of their partnership.
Northern Rail have been so impressed with rugby league, they have extended their backing of the competition for a further two years to 2012.
After entering the impressive home of Sheffield United it was a case of refreshments being taken and then all players representing clubs went to get changed for the obligitory pictures. Sheffield Eagles 2010 home provides a stunning backdrop and should provide the club with a real springboard for the future.
Once that was completed media, photographers, coaching staff and players were invited to take a seat.
RFL Media Manager John Ledger opened proceedings, saying "20 teams will step out on the road that eventually leads to Bloomfield Road, Blackpool on Sunday, July 18th. The 2010 competition has a lot to live up to."
After a video highlights package showing the exciting final between Widnes and Barrow, John introduced the RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood and Steve Butcher, Area Director for Northern Rail.
Nigel Wood said, "We sit here every January and we celebrate the Northern Rail Cup and the journey it has taken since it was first introduced around 2002. It is probably fair to say that of all our domestic competitions, it is the one that's grown furthest in the shortest space of time.”
“It's a terrific concept, it's a terrific tournament, it's an opportunity for the whole of the Championship, and that's both divisions, to play inter-divisional matches which are something that would otherwise be denied. An example over the course of the last ten years, Workington and Whitehaven wouldn't have had a chance to play against each other which is clearly nonsensical.”
“It's a terrific tournament that is valued by the RFL and is certainly valued by the clubs. SKY Television have increased their coverage of the tournament which has added to it's esteem."
Last year also saw the Northern Rail Nines contested for the first time and the tournament will return in 2010.
"Through the Nines tournament" Wood explained, "there is also the opportunity to embrace all of the clubs in the competition and I know that was valued by all the clubs. It gave a real high spot, in the warmer weather of July at a destination spot such as Blackpool. It's all set for another great competition."
"I wish all the clubs every success in this competition, the prize is significant as you are aware, not just the prize of playing in a final but also the availability to apply for a Super League license in 2011 which has certainly added a dimension to this competition."
Steve Butcher said, "It's great to be on the verge of another season in the Northern Rail Cup. The competition has grown from strength to strength over the years. It certainly provides some thrilling moments and some thrilling games that leads us to the final in Blackpool. We are delighted that the Northern Rail Nines has taken off the way it has. Having been there for them last year, I think we'd all agree it was a great competition and created a great family atmosphere and one of the things I certainly took from it was where the families got together and supported the teams that are within the communities."
He continued, "We are in the 6th year of sponsorship of the cup and the cup continues to provide us with great opportunities to connect fans across our network. We are commited to working with the communities and Northern Rail is right at the heart of connecting communities and people and changing people's lives. We are delighted that Robbie Paul is with us as Northern Rail Ambassador this year. Robbie will be attending games, he's also going to be helping us update our Northern Rail website through a blog and giving comments in a lot of the programmes.”
“We continue to promote the competition across our vast network and we have two specially branded trains that promote the rugby league. Thousands of people travel on our services every day. We run 2550 trains throughout the North of England and it gives us a great opportunity to promote this fantastic game. We also continue our promotions through posters and leaflets at our stations. We are delighted how the competition has increased in stature and it goes from strength to strength thanks to the invaluable support of the RFL, the clubs and your fans, we are only as good as the fans."
Lunch was then served and one on one interviews with players and coaching staff commenced.
The next time you travel by train, keep an eye out for Robbie on the front of a leaflet or poster.
The competition has a new ambassador in Leigh skipper Robbie Paul and both the RFL and Northern Rail spoke highly of their partnership.
Northern Rail have been so impressed with rugby league, they have extended their backing of the competition for a further two years to 2012.
After entering the impressive home of Sheffield United it was a case of refreshments being taken and then all players representing clubs went to get changed for the obligitory pictures. Sheffield Eagles 2010 home provides a stunning backdrop and should provide the club with a real springboard for the future.
Once that was completed media, photographers, coaching staff and players were invited to take a seat.
RFL Media Manager John Ledger opened proceedings, saying "20 teams will step out on the road that eventually leads to Bloomfield Road, Blackpool on Sunday, July 18th. The 2010 competition has a lot to live up to."
After a video highlights package showing the exciting final between Widnes and Barrow, John introduced the RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood and Steve Butcher, Area Director for Northern Rail.
Nigel Wood said, "We sit here every January and we celebrate the Northern Rail Cup and the journey it has taken since it was first introduced around 2002. It is probably fair to say that of all our domestic competitions, it is the one that's grown furthest in the shortest space of time.”
“It's a terrific concept, it's a terrific tournament, it's an opportunity for the whole of the Championship, and that's both divisions, to play inter-divisional matches which are something that would otherwise be denied. An example over the course of the last ten years, Workington and Whitehaven wouldn't have had a chance to play against each other which is clearly nonsensical.”
“It's a terrific tournament that is valued by the RFL and is certainly valued by the clubs. SKY Television have increased their coverage of the tournament which has added to it's esteem."
Last year also saw the Northern Rail Nines contested for the first time and the tournament will return in 2010.
"Through the Nines tournament" Wood explained, "there is also the opportunity to embrace all of the clubs in the competition and I know that was valued by all the clubs. It gave a real high spot, in the warmer weather of July at a destination spot such as Blackpool. It's all set for another great competition."
"I wish all the clubs every success in this competition, the prize is significant as you are aware, not just the prize of playing in a final but also the availability to apply for a Super League license in 2011 which has certainly added a dimension to this competition."
Steve Butcher said, "It's great to be on the verge of another season in the Northern Rail Cup. The competition has grown from strength to strength over the years. It certainly provides some thrilling moments and some thrilling games that leads us to the final in Blackpool. We are delighted that the Northern Rail Nines has taken off the way it has. Having been there for them last year, I think we'd all agree it was a great competition and created a great family atmosphere and one of the things I certainly took from it was where the families got together and supported the teams that are within the communities."
He continued, "We are in the 6th year of sponsorship of the cup and the cup continues to provide us with great opportunities to connect fans across our network. We are commited to working with the communities and Northern Rail is right at the heart of connecting communities and people and changing people's lives. We are delighted that Robbie Paul is with us as Northern Rail Ambassador this year. Robbie will be attending games, he's also going to be helping us update our Northern Rail website through a blog and giving comments in a lot of the programmes.”
“We continue to promote the competition across our vast network and we have two specially branded trains that promote the rugby league. Thousands of people travel on our services every day. We run 2550 trains throughout the North of England and it gives us a great opportunity to promote this fantastic game. We also continue our promotions through posters and leaflets at our stations. We are delighted how the competition has increased in stature and it goes from strength to strength thanks to the invaluable support of the RFL, the clubs and your fans, we are only as good as the fans."
Lunch was then served and one on one interviews with players and coaching staff commenced.
The next time you travel by train, keep an eye out for Robbie on the front of a leaflet or poster.
Saturday, 2 January 2010
In Review: Widnes Vikings 2009
A lot of people will be aware of my writing and coverage of Leigh Centurions, but for the last 12 months I have also been volunteering at Radio General, Warrington Hospital’s very own radio station. This has involved me commentating on both Widnes Vikings and Warrington Wolves.
Here is my review of the last 12 months for Widnes Vikings.
Some pre-season predictions listed Widnes as favourites for the Co-operative Championship crown and the Vikings themselves were vocal about signing players on full-time contracts.
Widnes began their season with competitive friendly games against Whitehaven and Salford but the proper fixtures brought about a dramatic turn of events.
Paired against Oldham in their opening Northern Rail Cup game, the Vikings were beaten 22-20 and in a shock move parted company with boss Steve McCormack within 72 hours.
His assistant, highly rated John Stankevitch, who has now taken the reigns at Rochdale Hornets for 2010, was placed in charge. The Stankevitch influence was immediate; the club won four of their next five games. This included a resounding 70-0 win over Championship French new boys Toulouse Olympique. That night in front of the Sky cameras, Widnes were on fire and only on rare occasions rose to such heights again over the course of the season.
Widnes by this stage had turned to former Warrington favourite Paul Cullen and he took over team matters in preparation for the next game at Halifax. That was a game lost and initially Cullen struggled with results, overseeing three defeats from his first four matches and seven in his first twelve games in charge. This included conceding a double to Leigh and a heavy home loss at the hands of Barrow.
It was around this time that the club announced it had commenced night time training instead of during the daytime. For all intents and purposes the club had gone part-time once again. This change resulted in Stankevitch leaving, Mick Cassidy returning in a strength and conditioning role and Stuart Wilkinson moved up from a role overseeing the development of younger players to become Cullen’s assistant.
The Vikings also raided Super League to boost their squad with loan captures, these included Steve Tyrer (Celtic/St Helens), Craig Hall (Hull), Jon Grayshon (Harlequins), Kevin Penny and Steve Pickersgill (both Warrington) with varying success.
From June the Vikings didn’t look back with the corner being turned in the last twenty minutes against Championship One York in a Northern Rail Cup Quarter Final. Big wins followed in the league over Featherstone and Doncaster at the Stobart Stadium while thanks to an Anthony Thackeray hat-trick and in no small part to a touch of butter fingers from Ben Black, Widnes won at Halifax 27-22 to go into the Northern Rail Cup Final.
Their opponents in the final, Barrow, had not reached a final of a cup competition since beating Widnes in an early eighties Lancashire Cup and were overawed on the day. They reverted to some rough-house tactics that the Vikings soaked up before expansive rugby brought the Northern Rail Cup back to Widnes for the first time since 2007 and ensuring the Vikings can make another application for Super League when the Licenses become available again.
Penny led the way with two tries while others came from Richard Fletcher, man-of-the-match John Duffy, making his fourth Northern Rail Cup Final appearance, Toa Kohe-Love and Richard Varkulis. Hall kicked five goals.
With Penny, Pickersgill and Hall back in Super League another dip in the Vikings form saw them fall to fifth before a flourish against Whitehaven brought a resounding 58-10 win and fourth place after everyone had completed league fixtures.
Three weeks later it was play-off time and Whitehaven were again opposition. This time there was lots of Cumbrian grit and Widnes had to use all their know-how to win 26-21 in an excellent advert for the Championship.
Their reward was a home game against Featherstone who also had a decent end to the season. Rovers had knocked Sheffield out of the play-offs and with veteran Iestyn Harris in five star form from loose forward, they repeated the tonic at the Stobart Stadium.
In another ding-dong tie, Widnes had grabbed an early lead only for Featherstone to chase it down and edge in front at half-time. The teams traded a further two tries each with Rovers clinging to a 24-26 lead when an all or nothing play from the Vikings was spilled on the twenty metre line. From the resulting scrum and possession it was that man Harris who touched down to end Widnes’ season: a real rollercoaster from start to finish.
Paddy Flynn finished the year with an extended contract and as top try scorer with twenty while outgoing Tim Hartley was the teams top point scorer with 132 from 5 tries and 56 goals.
Here is my review of the last 12 months for Widnes Vikings.
Some pre-season predictions listed Widnes as favourites for the Co-operative Championship crown and the Vikings themselves were vocal about signing players on full-time contracts.
Widnes began their season with competitive friendly games against Whitehaven and Salford but the proper fixtures brought about a dramatic turn of events.
Paired against Oldham in their opening Northern Rail Cup game, the Vikings were beaten 22-20 and in a shock move parted company with boss Steve McCormack within 72 hours.
His assistant, highly rated John Stankevitch, who has now taken the reigns at Rochdale Hornets for 2010, was placed in charge. The Stankevitch influence was immediate; the club won four of their next five games. This included a resounding 70-0 win over Championship French new boys Toulouse Olympique. That night in front of the Sky cameras, Widnes were on fire and only on rare occasions rose to such heights again over the course of the season.
Widnes by this stage had turned to former Warrington favourite Paul Cullen and he took over team matters in preparation for the next game at Halifax. That was a game lost and initially Cullen struggled with results, overseeing three defeats from his first four matches and seven in his first twelve games in charge. This included conceding a double to Leigh and a heavy home loss at the hands of Barrow.
It was around this time that the club announced it had commenced night time training instead of during the daytime. For all intents and purposes the club had gone part-time once again. This change resulted in Stankevitch leaving, Mick Cassidy returning in a strength and conditioning role and Stuart Wilkinson moved up from a role overseeing the development of younger players to become Cullen’s assistant.
The Vikings also raided Super League to boost their squad with loan captures, these included Steve Tyrer (Celtic/St Helens), Craig Hall (Hull), Jon Grayshon (Harlequins), Kevin Penny and Steve Pickersgill (both Warrington) with varying success.
From June the Vikings didn’t look back with the corner being turned in the last twenty minutes against Championship One York in a Northern Rail Cup Quarter Final. Big wins followed in the league over Featherstone and Doncaster at the Stobart Stadium while thanks to an Anthony Thackeray hat-trick and in no small part to a touch of butter fingers from Ben Black, Widnes won at Halifax 27-22 to go into the Northern Rail Cup Final.
Their opponents in the final, Barrow, had not reached a final of a cup competition since beating Widnes in an early eighties Lancashire Cup and were overawed on the day. They reverted to some rough-house tactics that the Vikings soaked up before expansive rugby brought the Northern Rail Cup back to Widnes for the first time since 2007 and ensuring the Vikings can make another application for Super League when the Licenses become available again.
Penny led the way with two tries while others came from Richard Fletcher, man-of-the-match John Duffy, making his fourth Northern Rail Cup Final appearance, Toa Kohe-Love and Richard Varkulis. Hall kicked five goals.
With Penny, Pickersgill and Hall back in Super League another dip in the Vikings form saw them fall to fifth before a flourish against Whitehaven brought a resounding 58-10 win and fourth place after everyone had completed league fixtures.
Three weeks later it was play-off time and Whitehaven were again opposition. This time there was lots of Cumbrian grit and Widnes had to use all their know-how to win 26-21 in an excellent advert for the Championship.
Their reward was a home game against Featherstone who also had a decent end to the season. Rovers had knocked Sheffield out of the play-offs and with veteran Iestyn Harris in five star form from loose forward, they repeated the tonic at the Stobart Stadium.
In another ding-dong tie, Widnes had grabbed an early lead only for Featherstone to chase it down and edge in front at half-time. The teams traded a further two tries each with Rovers clinging to a 24-26 lead when an all or nothing play from the Vikings was spilled on the twenty metre line. From the resulting scrum and possession it was that man Harris who touched down to end Widnes’ season: a real rollercoaster from start to finish.
Paddy Flynn finished the year with an extended contract and as top try scorer with twenty while outgoing Tim Hartley was the teams top point scorer with 132 from 5 tries and 56 goals.
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