While Halifax and particularly Widnes Vikings gear up for a tilt at obtaining Super League with all kinds of strange announcements (4700 crowds and £1M profits in a recession), the scramble to avoid being named as the team to lose their licence is gathering pace in the top division.
Salford have just about got the build on their new stadium started and have lined up a big array of talented players to come to the Willows next season, Castleford are well on course to announce a series of captures led of course by Danny Orr, returning in a player-coaching capacity after spells with Wigan and Harlequins, and recent Challenge Cup Winner (and serial "Tweeter") Richie Mathers.
Across the Calder, things have been a little bit quieter at Wakefield although an interesting story emerged today - this taken from Sporting Life:
http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=rleague/10/09/03/RUGBYL_Wakefield.html
"Wakefield chairman Ted Richardson has offered to hand over control of the Super League club in a bid to attract new investment.
The Wildcats directors issued a statement revealing they are prepared to step down en bloc as the club seek to consolidate their place in the top flight.
Wakefield are among the clubs thought to be in danger of losing their Super League licence in 2011 and are pinning their hopes on moving in as anchor tenants into a new stadium at Newmarket, just off the M62.
In the statement, the club said: "The current board of directors feel the timing is right to look to restructure the board.
"To facilitate this, the existing directors are happy to either work with new investors or step aside in order to take the club to the next level and further enhance its licence application."
The club say they are already in discussions with interested parties.
Richardson, Wakefield's majority shareholder and long-serving chairman, is currently awaiting the outcome of a Rugby Football League tribunal called to rule on his position at the Super League club after he entered into an Individual Voluntary Arrangement to prevent his own company being wound up."
I wonder where this will lead? Basically are Wakefield admitting they are skint? Does the board want out?
It must be a frustrating time if you are Wildcats boss John Kear, currently preparing his team for a game at Salford on Sunday.
Showing posts with label Salford City Reds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Salford City Reds. Show all posts
Friday, 3 September 2010
Friday, 19 February 2010
SL XV - Senior Moments help Leeds to victory
Keith Senior continues to defy his critics. The big centre is two months from his 34th birthday and still looks the best English player in his position. Two tries from him helped the Rhinos to victory over a tough-to-beat City Reds at cold Headingley.
It was Senior that opened the score after seven minutes with Kevin Sinfield converting but Salford responded in the 31st minute when former Rhino Ashley Gibson went in for an unconverted try.
Leeds narrow 6-4 half-time advantage became 12-4 after Brent Webb went over for Sinfield to again goal.
Salford responded gamely and grabbed a second try when former St Helens threequarter Willie Talau touched down for Stefan Ratchford to convert before Senior's second try opened a six point advantage. Leeds eventually quelled their plucky opponents with a try in the last minute from Ian Kirke and Sinfield struck his third goal to confirm a 22-10 victory for the reigning champions, just days before their World Club Challenge with Australian Premiers Melbourne Storm.
It was Senior that opened the score after seven minutes with Kevin Sinfield converting but Salford responded in the 31st minute when former Rhino Ashley Gibson went in for an unconverted try.
Leeds narrow 6-4 half-time advantage became 12-4 after Brent Webb went over for Sinfield to again goal.
Salford responded gamely and grabbed a second try when former St Helens threequarter Willie Talau touched down for Stefan Ratchford to convert before Senior's second try opened a six point advantage. Leeds eventually quelled their plucky opponents with a try in the last minute from Ian Kirke and Sinfield struck his third goal to confirm a 22-10 victory for the reigning champions, just days before their World Club Challenge with Australian Premiers Melbourne Storm.
Friday, 12 February 2010
SUPER LEAGUE XV – THE REST OF FRIDAY NIGHTS ACTION
SALFORD 16 CRUSADERS 36
Brian Noble’s Crusaders won their first game of the season at the third attempt with a 7 try win at the Willows over Salford.
Vince Mellars grabbed a hat-trick while Michael Witt weighed in with a try and four goals as the City Reds were swept away in the second half.
Mellars opened the scoring after 4 minutes with Witt converting but Salford struck right back within a minute when Australian new boy Daniel Holdsworth scored and Stefan Ratchford goaled.
Back to back tries from Frankie Winterstein and Mellars established a 14-6 lead but back came Salford through Matty Smith, Ratchford again goaling.
A one sided second half saw Crusaders out-try Salford four to one. Mellars completed his hat-trick after 42 minutes before Witt crossed the whitewash four minutes later. On the hour Jamie Thackray blasted over to make it 32-12. Salford then grabbed a try five minutes from time through Karl Fitzpatrick before Gareth Raynor completed victory with the Crusaders seventh just before the end of the game.
HULL 14 HUDDERSFIELD 6
Like Wigan, Hull remain unbeaten two games into the new Super League season, but it was a close run thing against a tough Giants team that came back at their hosts in the second half.
Tries from Danny Tickle (after 7 minutes) and one time Widnes loanee Craig Hall (after 25 minutes) both goaled by Tickle gave Hull a 12-0 interval lead and although Scott Grix pulled a converted try back for the visitors a 55th minute penalty ensured the hosts stayed ahead and picked up the win.
Prop Mark O'Meley enjoyed a big debut for the home team while the Giants badly missed the guidance of star fullback Brett Hodgson.
Brian Noble’s Crusaders won their first game of the season at the third attempt with a 7 try win at the Willows over Salford.
Vince Mellars grabbed a hat-trick while Michael Witt weighed in with a try and four goals as the City Reds were swept away in the second half.
Mellars opened the scoring after 4 minutes with Witt converting but Salford struck right back within a minute when Australian new boy Daniel Holdsworth scored and Stefan Ratchford goaled.
Back to back tries from Frankie Winterstein and Mellars established a 14-6 lead but back came Salford through Matty Smith, Ratchford again goaling.
A one sided second half saw Crusaders out-try Salford four to one. Mellars completed his hat-trick after 42 minutes before Witt crossed the whitewash four minutes later. On the hour Jamie Thackray blasted over to make it 32-12. Salford then grabbed a try five minutes from time through Karl Fitzpatrick before Gareth Raynor completed victory with the Crusaders seventh just before the end of the game.
HULL 14 HUDDERSFIELD 6
Like Wigan, Hull remain unbeaten two games into the new Super League season, but it was a close run thing against a tough Giants team that came back at their hosts in the second half.
Tries from Danny Tickle (after 7 minutes) and one time Widnes loanee Craig Hall (after 25 minutes) both goaled by Tickle gave Hull a 12-0 interval lead and although Scott Grix pulled a converted try back for the visitors a 55th minute penalty ensured the hosts stayed ahead and picked up the win.
Prop Mark O'Meley enjoyed a big debut for the home team while the Giants badly missed the guidance of star fullback Brett Hodgson.
Sunday, 10 January 2010
Another game from the class of 2007 - Super League's first try-less encounter - SALFORD V HARLEQUINS
SALFORD CITY REDS 5
HARLEQUINS 2
Dave Parkinson at The Willows, Friday.
Salford City Reds welcomed new boss Shaun McRae to the Willows with the first try-less game known in the summer era but crucially, the Reds took victory that hands them a Super League lifeline with ten games remaining. As a result of incessant rain throughout, both teams had to dumb down their plans, which meant flowing rugby was kept to a minimum. None-the-less, the result was a tenacious, committed, forward-led game with some of the clashes that pitted the likes of Michael Korkidas, Andy Coley and Lee Jewitt against Karl Temata, David Mills and Jon Grayshon worth the admission alone.
McRae was first to admit that the game was hardly a classic.
“It was always going to be a grubby affair, there’s no question. It had to be. The conditions just suggested that it was going to be tight, a game where ball control was going to be difficult, relying a lot on the kicking and just being strong and tight defensively. I think both sides did that pretty well. We had chances and I think they had a couple of chances, it was just going to be very difficult to take those chances. All in all, I think the scoreline probably reflected the performance. It could have gone either way.”
“I can’t be critical because it was played in constant rain. In a win like that you talk about the whole team and I just thought that everybody tried hard. Certainly our execution wasn’t as good as it could be but I think we talk about the conditions not allowing us to do that. There is a lot of improvement and I think that is the most important thing. There is a lot of improvement in this team.”
“I wouldn’t say personally that it’s been the perfect week in terms of preparation because there has been so much to do. I’ve got to say I’ve relied a lot on Jimmy Lowes and Steve Simms this week in terms of their guidance. There are players there that I know their names well but did not know them as players. I thank the wisdom of my staff and I give them a lot of credit also. It would be unfair for me to start as a head coach and say that I did all the work because that is never the case if you win or lose. It was a team effort and I just liked the steel and grit that we showed.”
The first opportunity of points came after six minutes when returning City Reds skipper Malcolm Alker linked with Luke Robinson and Luke Dorn before John Wilshere moved into the line to good effect. His run looked like a try-scorer but Tyrone Smith crucially got hands to the fullback and the move was stopped inches out. On their next possession, Harlequins found the going tough and Lee Hopkins was driven into touch by enthusiastic defence.
As the Quins worked their way into the game Smith went close on 11 minutes after good work from Hopkins, Danny Orr and Mark McLinden but the Salford line held firm.
A Korkidas surge at Temata brought the popular side to life but Robinson’s clever pass was put down after fifteen minutes. Robinson continued to probe for an opening and after former Widnes loose forward Simon Finnigan was halted on the line, Alker saw the ball ripped from his grasp. This allowed Wilshere to step up and put the Reds in front with a 19th minute penalty.
A fine piece of deception from McLinden then worked an opening for Tyrone Smith and the Tongan centre roared through on the left before attempting an inexplicable leap over Wilshere. It was hardly a textbook stop from the full-back but the ball was dislodged and the 21st minute opportunity was lost. An unsighted incident was put on report after 23 minutes when Robinson was flattened following a kick downfield. As Chris Melling collected, the new Great Britain cap lost possession and Finnigan touched down only for the move to be brought back for the original infringement. Harlequins then had the best of the next ten minutes with Orr behind much of their good work.
In spite of this it was Salford with the next break as Wilshere and Dorn combined over fifty metres but the Quins chased back in numbers. The visitors ended the half in ascendancy but Salford’s rearguard again held firm. Inspired by the strong kick returns of Melling, Harlequins started the new half positively with Joe Mbu breaking the line after 46 minutes. At the other end, Alker ignored a five to two overlap and the frenetic nature of the game continued with another belligerent run from Smith.
Quins laid siege to the Reds line with Temata, Grayshon and Julian Rinaldi all going close before Korkidas pushed out in the tackle. This allowed Paul Sykes to land the penalty and the game was all square after 52 minutes. Handling errors punctuated the next few minutes with only fleeting attacks from both sides before Steve Bannister and Smith halted Kevin McGuinness on the goal line. The visitors countered with Smith again doing well in limited space before conceding possession in an attempt to lay the ball back. This allowed Salford to move into good field position and an attacking Robinson kick saw Melling concede a drop-out. On their next set, the City Reds drove into the twenty with an almighty charge from the outstanding Korkidas. Jordan Turner then passed to Robinson and the diminutive half-back added a 69th minute drop goal to edge the hosts in front.
Two minutes later, Quins were caught offside and Wilshere added his 47th goal of the season to open a three point advantage. The visitors then threw everything at the Salford defence but the hosts were able to run the clock down. With a minute remaining, Robinson drilled the ball into touch 90 metres from his own line. The visitors moved downfield and McLinden was obstructed in pursuit of his own kick. This allowed one final attack with Orr and McLinden twice spiralling kicks to the wings and although Harlequins forced a drop-out there was not enough time to restart the game and Salford claimed their fifth win of the season.
“There was a lot of effort both offensively and defensively.” Said disappointed Harlequins coach Brian McDermott. “We did try, defensively we were very, very brave and we did what we had to do to keep them try-less. To keep any team try-less you must be doing something right. I suppose we lacked imagination with the ball. We had enough possession near their try line to come up with something but we didn’t and that was disappointing. The conditions were huge, we had a game plan and we had to alter what we did, as I’m sure Salford did, but it wasn’t game plan that let us down tonight. It was disappointing that we came up with the error when Salford needed the error. We gave penalties away when Salford needed us to give penalties away. Yes you will come up with errors and penalties in games but there are sets and occasions in games when that is not the time to do it, they should be aware of things like that.”
GAMEBREAKER: Salfords ability to run down the clock and their try-line defence which held firm during those vital last few seconds.
GAMESTAR: It was a real prop forward’s game and Michael Korkidas was the pick of them – strong and powerful.
TOP TACKLE: Korkidas one-on-one effort on Karl Temata – I’m sure it measured on the richter scale somewhere!
CITY REDS
5 John Wilshere
2 David Hodgson
3 Kevin McGuinness
4 Aaron Moule
19 Stuart Littler
6 Luke Dorn
7 Luke Robinson
10 Michael Korkidas
9 Malcolm Alker
14 Paul Highton
8 Andy Coley
11 Mark Edmondson
13 Simon Finnigan
SUBS (ALL USED)
16 Andrew Brocklehurst
20 David Gower
23 Jordan Turner
24 Lee Jewitt
Goals: Wilshere 2/2, Robinson - Drop-Goal.
HARLEQUINS
16 Chris Melling
2 Jon Wells
3 Paul Sykes
4 Tyrone Smith
18 Matt Gafa
1 Mark McLinden
7 Danny Orr
8 Karl Temata
9 Chad Randall
15 David Mills
12 Lee Hopkins
22 Michael Worrincy
23 Henry Paul
SUBS (ALL USED)
14 Julian Rinaldi
29 Joe Mbu
30 Steve Bannister
20 Jon Grayshon
Goals: Sykes 1/1
ON REPORT – Unspecified player (23 – late tackle on Robinson)
Rugby Leaguer & League Express Men of the Match
Reds: Michael Korkidas
Harlequins: Danny Orr
Penalty count: 11-10
GLDO Forced: 2-2
Half-time: 2-0
Referee: Richard Silverwood
Attendance: 4,067
Story of the game
Mins Score
19 John Wilshere penalty goal (1/1) 2-0 Salford
HALF-TIME
52 Paul Sykes penalty goal (1/1) 2-2 Harlequins
69 Luke Robinson drop goal 3-2 Salford
72 John Wilshere penalty goal (2/2) 5-2 Salford
FULL-TIME
HARLEQUINS 2
Dave Parkinson at The Willows, Friday.
Salford City Reds welcomed new boss Shaun McRae to the Willows with the first try-less game known in the summer era but crucially, the Reds took victory that hands them a Super League lifeline with ten games remaining. As a result of incessant rain throughout, both teams had to dumb down their plans, which meant flowing rugby was kept to a minimum. None-the-less, the result was a tenacious, committed, forward-led game with some of the clashes that pitted the likes of Michael Korkidas, Andy Coley and Lee Jewitt against Karl Temata, David Mills and Jon Grayshon worth the admission alone.
McRae was first to admit that the game was hardly a classic.
“It was always going to be a grubby affair, there’s no question. It had to be. The conditions just suggested that it was going to be tight, a game where ball control was going to be difficult, relying a lot on the kicking and just being strong and tight defensively. I think both sides did that pretty well. We had chances and I think they had a couple of chances, it was just going to be very difficult to take those chances. All in all, I think the scoreline probably reflected the performance. It could have gone either way.”
“I can’t be critical because it was played in constant rain. In a win like that you talk about the whole team and I just thought that everybody tried hard. Certainly our execution wasn’t as good as it could be but I think we talk about the conditions not allowing us to do that. There is a lot of improvement and I think that is the most important thing. There is a lot of improvement in this team.”
“I wouldn’t say personally that it’s been the perfect week in terms of preparation because there has been so much to do. I’ve got to say I’ve relied a lot on Jimmy Lowes and Steve Simms this week in terms of their guidance. There are players there that I know their names well but did not know them as players. I thank the wisdom of my staff and I give them a lot of credit also. It would be unfair for me to start as a head coach and say that I did all the work because that is never the case if you win or lose. It was a team effort and I just liked the steel and grit that we showed.”
The first opportunity of points came after six minutes when returning City Reds skipper Malcolm Alker linked with Luke Robinson and Luke Dorn before John Wilshere moved into the line to good effect. His run looked like a try-scorer but Tyrone Smith crucially got hands to the fullback and the move was stopped inches out. On their next possession, Harlequins found the going tough and Lee Hopkins was driven into touch by enthusiastic defence.
As the Quins worked their way into the game Smith went close on 11 minutes after good work from Hopkins, Danny Orr and Mark McLinden but the Salford line held firm.
A Korkidas surge at Temata brought the popular side to life but Robinson’s clever pass was put down after fifteen minutes. Robinson continued to probe for an opening and after former Widnes loose forward Simon Finnigan was halted on the line, Alker saw the ball ripped from his grasp. This allowed Wilshere to step up and put the Reds in front with a 19th minute penalty.
A fine piece of deception from McLinden then worked an opening for Tyrone Smith and the Tongan centre roared through on the left before attempting an inexplicable leap over Wilshere. It was hardly a textbook stop from the full-back but the ball was dislodged and the 21st minute opportunity was lost. An unsighted incident was put on report after 23 minutes when Robinson was flattened following a kick downfield. As Chris Melling collected, the new Great Britain cap lost possession and Finnigan touched down only for the move to be brought back for the original infringement. Harlequins then had the best of the next ten minutes with Orr behind much of their good work.
In spite of this it was Salford with the next break as Wilshere and Dorn combined over fifty metres but the Quins chased back in numbers. The visitors ended the half in ascendancy but Salford’s rearguard again held firm. Inspired by the strong kick returns of Melling, Harlequins started the new half positively with Joe Mbu breaking the line after 46 minutes. At the other end, Alker ignored a five to two overlap and the frenetic nature of the game continued with another belligerent run from Smith.
Quins laid siege to the Reds line with Temata, Grayshon and Julian Rinaldi all going close before Korkidas pushed out in the tackle. This allowed Paul Sykes to land the penalty and the game was all square after 52 minutes. Handling errors punctuated the next few minutes with only fleeting attacks from both sides before Steve Bannister and Smith halted Kevin McGuinness on the goal line. The visitors countered with Smith again doing well in limited space before conceding possession in an attempt to lay the ball back. This allowed Salford to move into good field position and an attacking Robinson kick saw Melling concede a drop-out. On their next set, the City Reds drove into the twenty with an almighty charge from the outstanding Korkidas. Jordan Turner then passed to Robinson and the diminutive half-back added a 69th minute drop goal to edge the hosts in front.
Two minutes later, Quins were caught offside and Wilshere added his 47th goal of the season to open a three point advantage. The visitors then threw everything at the Salford defence but the hosts were able to run the clock down. With a minute remaining, Robinson drilled the ball into touch 90 metres from his own line. The visitors moved downfield and McLinden was obstructed in pursuit of his own kick. This allowed one final attack with Orr and McLinden twice spiralling kicks to the wings and although Harlequins forced a drop-out there was not enough time to restart the game and Salford claimed their fifth win of the season.
“There was a lot of effort both offensively and defensively.” Said disappointed Harlequins coach Brian McDermott. “We did try, defensively we were very, very brave and we did what we had to do to keep them try-less. To keep any team try-less you must be doing something right. I suppose we lacked imagination with the ball. We had enough possession near their try line to come up with something but we didn’t and that was disappointing. The conditions were huge, we had a game plan and we had to alter what we did, as I’m sure Salford did, but it wasn’t game plan that let us down tonight. It was disappointing that we came up with the error when Salford needed the error. We gave penalties away when Salford needed us to give penalties away. Yes you will come up with errors and penalties in games but there are sets and occasions in games when that is not the time to do it, they should be aware of things like that.”
GAMEBREAKER: Salfords ability to run down the clock and their try-line defence which held firm during those vital last few seconds.
GAMESTAR: It was a real prop forward’s game and Michael Korkidas was the pick of them – strong and powerful.
TOP TACKLE: Korkidas one-on-one effort on Karl Temata – I’m sure it measured on the richter scale somewhere!
CITY REDS
5 John Wilshere
2 David Hodgson
3 Kevin McGuinness
4 Aaron Moule
19 Stuart Littler
6 Luke Dorn
7 Luke Robinson
10 Michael Korkidas
9 Malcolm Alker
14 Paul Highton
8 Andy Coley
11 Mark Edmondson
13 Simon Finnigan
SUBS (ALL USED)
16 Andrew Brocklehurst
20 David Gower
23 Jordan Turner
24 Lee Jewitt
Goals: Wilshere 2/2, Robinson - Drop-Goal.
HARLEQUINS
16 Chris Melling
2 Jon Wells
3 Paul Sykes
4 Tyrone Smith
18 Matt Gafa
1 Mark McLinden
7 Danny Orr
8 Karl Temata
9 Chad Randall
15 David Mills
12 Lee Hopkins
22 Michael Worrincy
23 Henry Paul
SUBS (ALL USED)
14 Julian Rinaldi
29 Joe Mbu
30 Steve Bannister
20 Jon Grayshon
Goals: Sykes 1/1
ON REPORT – Unspecified player (23 – late tackle on Robinson)
Rugby Leaguer & League Express Men of the Match
Reds: Michael Korkidas
Harlequins: Danny Orr
Penalty count: 11-10
GLDO Forced: 2-2
Half-time: 2-0
Referee: Richard Silverwood
Attendance: 4,067
Story of the game
Mins Score
19 John Wilshere penalty goal (1/1) 2-0 Salford
HALF-TIME
52 Paul Sykes penalty goal (1/1) 2-2 Harlequins
69 Luke Robinson drop goal 3-2 Salford
72 John Wilshere penalty goal (2/2) 5-2 Salford
FULL-TIME
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