NATIONAL CONFERENCE LEAGUE 2007-8
WIDNES ST MARIES 17 v INCE ROSE BRIDGE 12
05/04/08
The Maries completed their home fixtures and gained the win that makes Division 1 rugby next season almost certain. Congratulations should go to coach Will Tilleke for engineering two wins from the last four to secure this.
With two scrum halves Matty Viggers for the hosts and Tony Baker for the visitors in outstanding form this game was not going to be decided until the final whistle and that is how it went when Lee Birdseye’s field goal gave the Maries breathing space in the final minutes. A Danny Rigby penalty gave Bridge an early lead before the Maries went a man down when Tony Kirwan received yellow. The hosts held out and took the lead on his return. The excellent Viggers backed up Rob Lamb’s break to score a try Birdseye converted on 24 minutes. Second row and man of the match Stuart Harland scored a second Birdseye converted try after good work from Anthony Hollins and Dave Welsh. Right on half time winger Matt Cunningham scored an excellent try pulling his side to within 6 points at the break.
In a tight game like this points were of a premium and Birdseye duly converted two penalties only for Rose Bridge to power back with a try for stand off Chris Leyland which Rigby goaled. The game was now in the melting pot until the final whistle settled by the cool head of Birdseye with his field goal
Stuart Harland was man of the match but was pushed all of the way by a magnificent performance from the entire side especially Matty Viggers.
Excellently refereed by Andrew Smith of Salford.
Team;- Danny Ruth, Sean Bennett, Scott Harland, Andy Benson, Darren McKinnon, Lee Birdseye, Matty Viggers, Tony Kirwan, Anthony Hollins, Rob Lamb, Stuart Harland, Alan Ditchfield Dave Welsh,. Replacements:- Mike Fairclough, Danny Yates, Danny Prendergast, Tony Hannon.
Widnes St. Maries travel to York Acorn this Saturday for their final fixture of the season. Coach leaves Brentfields at 11.00 am.
WIDNES ST MARIES 30 v SADDLEWORTH RANGERS 18
22/03/08
The Maries climbed away from the relegation zone with a magnificent win against title chasers Saddleworth. The first of many penalties went the way of the hosts after only 2 minutes with Shaun Dourley clipping it home. Tony Kirwan was proving unstoppable early on and from one drive Stuart Harland almost scored. The visitors showed their credentials and after a superb set of six their man of the match Emerson Jackman broke clear only for Dave Welsh to stop him with a thundering tackle. Scrum half Michael Coates equalised with a penalty for a high tackle but the Maries came back with youngsters Mike Allen, Harland and Danny Prendergast to the fore. With penalties coming at a steady rate it came as no surprise when a yellow card was shown to Alan Ditchfield for a high tackle. While he was off the field the visitors took advantage and scored through Fraser Coley out wide giving the kicker no chance to convert. Darren McKinnon diffused a move before feeding man of the match Andy Benson who slipped Ryan Millington through but he was stopped short. Benson intercepted and fed Welsh who made ground before releasing Matty Viggers who danced through to score giving Dourley an easy conversion. As so often happens whilst the Maries were celebrating Adam Walker ghosted through a static defence to score under the sticks. Benson barged 40 metres before releasing Rob Lamb who powered over for his first try levelling the scores at the break at 12-12.
Michael Rowe was sent to the sin bin after only 1 minute of the re-start for persistent high tackles and the hosts made the most of his absence scoring twice. Viggers scored his second after approach work from Stuart and Scott Harland and Allen. Welsh’s conversion pushed the hosts ahead by 6.Allen then scored with a barn storming run and despite some dubious tackles he powered over out to the left off a Welsh chip. Mike Fairclough saved the day with a big tackle in the next Saddleworth move but they reformed and the hooker James Whalley scooted over despite a massive attempt by Viggers. Danny Ruth went 60 metres weaving through the tired visiting defence only to be stopped by a high tackle. Welsh converted the penalty. Allen stole the ball to score only to be called back. With 10 minutes to go Saddleworth were reduced to 11 men when first Jackman (yellow) for a high and Walker (red) for foul and abusive language to the official left the field. Sean Bennett and Tony Hannon scattered the defence for Benson to feed Lamb to power over for his second try. Welsh made sure of the conversion and the points in his customary way.
Andy Benson was man of the match but was pushed all of the way by a magnificent performance from the entire side especially the young guns.
Team;- Ryan Millington, Sean Bennett, Scott Harland, Andy Benson, Darren McKinnon, Dave Welsh, Matty Viggers, Tony Kirwan, Shaun Dourley, Tony Hannon, Stuart Harland, Mike Allen, Alan Ditchfield. Replacements:- Danny Ruth, Mike Fairclough, Danny Prendergast, Rob Lamb.
WIGAN ST JUDES V WIDNES ST MARIES
08/03/08
Widnes St Maries somehow lost at table toppers Wigan St Judes due to some very dubious refereeing decisions. Leading 15-12 with minutes to go they scored through Sean Bennett only to be pulled back for a forward pass that never was. Every decision, including two disallowed tries seemed to go the Judes way and kept them in the game against a revitalised St Maries.
Tries from Andy Benson, Ryan Millington and Mike Fairclough with a Shaun Dourley conversion against a try from Nathan Jones and two goals from Scott Robinson saw the Maries lead 14-8 at the break. An early try from Wigan's Ian Thomson and a drop goal from Dourley set up the remarkable finale.
WIDNES ST MARIES 8 v BRADFORD DUDLEY HILL
01/03/08
NCL side lost at home 8-9 to Bradford Dudley Hill (Scorers Scott Harland and Dave Welsh)
WIDNES ST MARIES 31 v OLDHAM ST. ANNES 12
16/02/08
The Maries climbed above their Lancashire visitors after a hard fought victory but both teams are still perilously near the drop zone. The tension showed with players from both sides getting their marching orders in a bruising first half. The first chance of the game fell to St Anne’s centre Dane English who intercepted to race 30 metres but brilliant work from Matty Viggers and Danny Ruth stopped a certain try. A Lee Forsythe penalty edged the visitors in front before man of the match Karl O’Doherty raced 70 metres for the first of his stunning four tries and hooker Ryan Millington duly converted. St Annes had prop Andy Sands red carded for punching before O’Doherty raced in for his second try that Millington again goaled With the game boiling over and tensions flying young Craig Millington saw red again for punching out with St Anne’s Loose Forward David Sweeney sin binned for his part. Nevertheless from the re-start O’Doherty raced in for his hat trick again goaled by Millington only for the visitors to score at the other end through second row David Cookson. Forsythes conversion kept the visitors in the hunt at half time at 18-8.
English scored early in the half to give them a chance but O’Doherty’s fourth put paid to that, Scott Harland added a field goal and Millington a penalty. Sean Bennett raced away for the final try with Millington converting with a towering conversion off the line giving the Maries two desperately needed points in their fight for Division 1 survival.
WIDNES ST MARIES 18 v YORK ACORN 28
26/01/08
The Maries took an early exit from the National Cup at the hands of promotion candidates York Acorn. The visitors punished the Maries indiscipline and with the hosts having 3 players sin binned and the propensity to spill the ball at the most inopportune times Acorn always looked the likely winners.
A breakaway try from Mike Embleton in the ninth minute ended the hosts promising start with Craig Fox converting. Nevertheless second row Shaun Conroy powered over before the first sin binning. Fox immediately crossed for a try and added the extras to a Richie Warren try to give the visitors a healthy 16-4 lead.
St Maries lost their second player to the bin but managed to claim a try through Shaun Bennett only for Joe Budd to race in at the other end. Bennett responded with his second then Andy Benson hared in for a Ryan Millington goaled try to close the gap to just 2 points at 18-20. However a third St Maries sin binning handed the win to Acorn as Fox landed the penalty then Budd raced away to seal the win.
ECCLES & SALFORD JUNIORS 26 V WIDNES ST MARIES 34
12/01/08
The Maries took two very valuable points at Eccles to assist their fight from relegation. With Ince Rosebridge winning by a bigger margin the Maries stay in the bottom three but only 5 points separate them from the promotion group so this division will go right down to the wire with only 8 games left.
Eccles were first on the scoreboard when Marc Gilligan latched on to a chip through from evergreen John McAtee for a McAtee goaled try. A knock on enable the visitors to come up with the ball for winger Danny Sharples to score in the corner. McAtee’s penalty nudged the hosts further ahead before Scott Harland scored a well worked try which was converted by Ryan Millington. Mark Jones scored of another weighted McAtee chip before Sharples got his second to level the scores. Andy Benson scored the first of his brace of tries. Craig Millington standing in for the injured Birdseye showed his class when scoring for brother Ryan to convert but Eccles came straight back to level the scores at 20-20 at half time through Steve Fearnley.
Matty Viggers gave the Maries an early second half lead that they were not to lose despite a battling show from Eccles whose cause was not helped when Mark Thomas was red carded for a high tackle. Benson scored his second but the hosts came back again when Chris Smith sent in Mike Davies for a McAtee goaled try to close the gap to 2 points. However Dave Welsh surged over to claim both points and made sure with his conversion.
CASTLEFORD LOCK LANE 0 V WIDNES ST MARIES 48
05/01/08
The Maries eased through to the second round of the National Cup as Halton’s only representative and will host York Acorn in round 2 on Saturday week.Man of the match Ryan Millington opened the scoring after 15 minutes to settle the visitors down and tries quickly followed from Dave Welsh, Scott Harland and Tony Hannon giving the Maries a comfortable half time lead of 0-18.
An early try from Danny Ruth scotched any chance Castleford had of a comeback and Harland’s second made it 0-30. The score stayed at this until the gutsy hosts conceded 3 tries in the last 10 minutes from Neil Bourke, Mike Fairclough and Jamie Rowlands. Lee Birdseye and Millington both converted 3 kicks each.
Team:- Ryan Millington, Daren McKinnon, Scott Harland, Andy Benson, Sean Bennett, Lee Birdseye, Matty Viggers, Graeme Buck, Anthony Hollins, Neil Bourke, Shaun Conroy, Danny Ruth, Dave Welsh. Subs: Danny Prendergast, Tony Hannon, Jamie Rowlands, Mike Fairclough.
EAST LEEDS 18 V WIDNES ST MARIES 30
8/10/07
The Maries won a very physical game with what must be their youngest National Conference side yet. In atrocious conditions the London official Steve Davis showed that he was going to keep a firm grip on the game when awarding the Maries two quick penalties which resulted in the first score after only 3 minutes when man of the match Sean Conroy fed Neil Bourke whose drive to the line created the space for Scott Harland to sear over. Ryan Millington made no mistake with the first of his 5 conversions despite a howling wing and horizontal sleet. Mike Fairclough caused mayhem with a robust drive only for the ball to be grounded by Craig Millington. The visitors gave away 3 successive penalties to allow East’s hooker Dave Green to go over close to the left corner. Unlike Millington their kicker Joe Sheldrake was not as accurate and the Maries held a slight lead. The introduction of Tony Kirwan brought an immediate try on 21 minutes when he battered his way to the line fed Conroy who put Sean Bennett in the clear to score. East’s were reduced to 12 men after 24 minutes when second row Adam Moore was red carded for the use of his knees in the tackle. East’s refused to lie down and were rewarded with a penalty but the Maries stormed back when another Kirwan drive freed Craig Millington to race over. With half time approaching and 18-6 to the good the Saints had Adam Millington sin binned for an infringement at the play the ball.
With only 6 minutes of the second period the game was taken from the hosts reach when firstly Danny Sharples went 90 metres to score then the home replacement full back was red carded and a penalty awarded for a flop after the try was scored. The score stood at 26-6 and with two men short East’s had very little chance. The only hope they had was to use the massive slope and the gale force conditions. This they did on 50 minutes when Simon Price chased a kick ahead from the half way line. He won his race with Craig Millington who got 10 minutes for his unsuccessful efforts to stop him. They repeated this tactic and were rewarded with a 75 minute try but from the re-start Neil Bourke charged 40 metres to score a rare try. Glen Holroyd for the hosts and Shaun Conroy for the Maries were men of the match pushed by Simon Price for East’s and Ryan Millington for the Maries. An interesting statistic was the use of 3 sets of brothers out of the 11 sets on the books. With Kevin Buck and Paul Kirwan just missing out on selection to make it 5 sets on the day. Widnes St Maries the real family club.
Team:- Ryan Millington, Danny Sharples, Scott Harland, Sean Bennett, Mike Stevenson, Craig Millington, Craig Dourley, Graeme Buck, Shaun Dourley, Neil Bourke, Glynn Holland, Mike Fairclough, Shaun Conroy. Subs: Stuart Harland, Danny Prendergast, Tony Kirwan, Adam Middleton.
NORTH WEST COUNTIES DIVISION 4 2007-8
ECCLES & SALFORD JUNIORS 18 v WIDNES ST MARIES 30
05/04/08
The Maries completed their season unbeaten and runaway winners of Division 4. This is the third year in a row that they have won their division. Up against a very strong Eccles side boasting some of their Conference side players the Maries kept up an incessant pressure on their hosts. Fullback Danny Sharples saved a certain try in the first Eccles move with a brilliant stop near the line. Great handling from man of the match Ryan Quinn released flier Simieone Maki who left defenders trailing to race in from 70 metres out to score the first of his hat-trick. The hosts score from the re-start when Danny Lancashire intercepted to race forward allowing Marc Jones to score. Hooker Chris Barr was next to score when Chris Fenlon’s cross field drive made the space for him. Eccles scored again from the re-start when Steve Barry’s deep kick was missed and from the drop-out Marc Gilligan scored. Maki scored his second with a powerful charge over near the line only for Lancashire to score from the re-start giving a level 14-14 score at the break.
The elusive Mike Smith weaved through on the re-start to feed Peter Crosby who put Maki in for his deserved hat-trick. Simon Brown pulled Eccles back to within 2 points after a penalty for a high by the visitors. Sharples collected from the re-start and he and Craig Dourley combined to release captain Fenlon who pinned back his ears and went 40 metres to score swatting off would be tacklers. Dourley’s conversion put the Maries 8 ahead but with Eccles still a threat it was important to take every point and Dourley did just that with two late penalties.
Man of the match Ryan Quinn was pushed all the way by Simieone Maki, Glynn Holland and Craig Dourley but credit must go to the whole 17 players against a big strong Eccles side.
The Maries have gone 20 games unbeaten averaging 33 points for and only 8 against per game to convincingly win this division.
Team:-Danny Sharples, Chris Fenlon, Simioni Maki, Adam Middleton, Mike Stevenson, Mike Smith, Craig Dourley, Vinny Myler, Chris Barr Peter Crosby, Ryan Quinn, Barry Quinn, Glynn Holland. Subs: Tony Dillon, Jay Rampling, Liam Smith, Chris Cartledge.
WIDNES ST MARIES V CADISHED
08/03/08
For the second week running the opposition was unable to fufil
the fixture.
CROSFIELDS V WIDNES ST MARIES
01/03/08
The NWC side travelled to Crosfields only for them to be
unable to field a side. We were therefore confirmed Division 4 Champions
by their default.
WIDNES ST MARIES 32 v WIDNES TIGERS 10
16/02/08
The Maries remain unbeaten after a tough derby encounter against the
Tigers. The visitors opened with a lively move that almost brought a try
at the corner after good work from Ste Pitt but the hosts drew first blood
when Mike Smith intercepted and he and Chris Fenlon put Stu Harland in
at the corner. Tony Ireland and Peter Crosby swapped passes to open up
the Tigers only for the ball to be spilt near the line. The Tigers took
the lead on 18 minutes when speedy Jamie Edge intercepted and went 30
metres under the sticks giving outstanding full back Stuart Bell an easy
conversion. The lead was short lived when Gary McKeown and Simioni Maki
combined to put in centre Chris Barr. The balance of the first half went
to the visitors and only sterling work from the resolute Maries defence
kept them down to two Bell penalties the second a towering conversion
from the half way line to edge the lead 8-10 at half time.
The outstanding Smith seared in from the scrum to open the second half
scoring and from the next set of six he fed Maki to score in his first
game of the season. The Tigers were anything but overawed and only a last
ditch tackle from the returning Glynn Holland kept out Edge. Shaun Dourley
forced his way over on the sixth and converted to push out the lead to
14 points. The Tigers refused to fold and excellent work in defence and
the constant probing of young Ben Bailey and Eddie McAdam combined with
the guile of evergreen John Lepts kept them in with a chance. Late tries
from Graeme Buck put in by Smith and a Smith try at the death served to
flatter the score line in favour of the hosts but with the title beckoning
any win will do.
Team:- Martin Leather, Chris Fenlon, Chris Barr, Simioni Maki, Adam Middleton,
Mike Smith, Gary McKeown, Graeme Buck, Shaun Dourley, Peter Crosby, Stuart
Harland, Tony Ireland, Alan Ditchfield. Subs: Tony Dillon, Mike Stevenson,
Glynn Holland, Ryan Quinn.
WIDNES ST MARIES 48 v GOLBORNE PARKSIDE 0
02/02/08
The Maries remain unbeaten after a one sided affair in which, to their
credit, Golborne never gave up. The first scoring opportunity, though
scorned, came in the first set of six when Craig Dourley released Martin
Leather whose chip to the posts ran dead. Andy Benson, Dourley, Mike Smith
and Alan Ditchfield interchanged passes across field for Ryan Millington
to score in at the corner. Dourley’s conversion went wide. The prolific
Danny Yates was next to score when Benson charged 70 metres before putting
in the hard working second row. Millington converted the first of his
4 conversions. 4 Minutes later Yates went in again under the sticks after
good work from Peter Crosby and Vinny Myler. Yates turned provider when
he put Dourley in near the sticks before a Ditchfield break released Smith
to score under the sticks giving a half time score of 26-0.
Straight from the re-start Karl O’Doherty and Benson interchanged
passes for Millington to scorch in. Youngsters Stuart Harland and Mike
Allen were creating mayhem in the middle of the Parkside defence and it
was no surprise when captain Chris Fenlon scored out wide, when put in
by O’Doherty and Smith. Allen was rewarded with a try when from
the re-start he broke 3 tackles to power his way 30 metres to the line
for a superb individual try. On the hour Benson scored again when put
in by Millington, Barry Quinn and Kev Buck. He scored his second just
before time when Jamie Walsh chased a kick and put him in. A great all
round performance from all 17. Though the visitors rarely threatened the
home line they never gave up and only sterling defensive work from Nathan
Drury, Zak Patterson, Sean Hurst and evergreen prop Gary Dooney kept the
score down.
Team:- Jamie Walsh, Chris Fenlon, Andy Benson, Karl O’Doherty,
Ryan Millington, Mike Smith, Martin Leather, Vinny Myler, Craig Dourley,
Peter Crosby, Danny Yates, Stuart Harland, Alan Ditchfield. Subs: Kev
Buck, Mike Allen, Ryan Quinn, Barry Quinn.
CADISHEAD RHINOS 22 v WIDNES ST MARIES 32
26/01/08
The Maries remain unbeaten after a tough encounter at Cadishead. With
the Maries pitch unplayable the game was switched to Manchester and played
on what turned out to be an excellent but narrow pitch. The unbeaten league
leaders took first blood when man of the match second row Danny Yates
scored in the 6th minute. A cross field ball from the returning Vinny
Myler found Karl O’Doherty; he fed Kieran McDonnell whose perfect
ball saw Yates score under the sticks giving Shaun Dourley his first conversion
of his 3. Second row Richie Hayes went to the sin bin after only 10 minutes
for his weekly visit and was later to be sent off. A penalty was awarded
for the punching offence and Myler’s ball found Dourley who scored
out wide giving himself a difficult but successful conversion. On 24 minutes
the visitors gave away a silly try when Mark Elliott easily read and intercepted
a Marie’s pass on their 20 metre line and Karl Leighton followed
up to score. The excellent stand off Steve Roberts missed his only miss
of the day. However after only 4 minutes the lead was restored when Alan
Ditchfield went from the base of the scrum to feed mike Smith who created
the gap for flier Jamie Walsh to score. The hosts were not going to lie
down and after excellent approach work hooker Richie Bringau dived over
on the last tackle allowing the Rhinos to close the gap to 10-18 at the
break.
Myler, O’Doherty and Smith again combined to put in Yates before
Martin Leather and O’Doherty combined to create the gap for Yates
to surge through for his hat-trick. Cadishead came back to score two excellent
tries through Luke Doherty and Jason Reed both converted by the trusty
boot of Roberts to give the Maries a wakening call. This came in the form
of a try from the back to form O’Doherty who sped fully 50 metres
from the scrum to score. The inevitable happened when Hayes was given
a red card to add to his already extensive collection.
Team:- Jamie Walsh, Chris Fenlon, Chris Barr, Karl O’Doherty, Kieran
McDonnell, Mike Smith, Martin Leather, Vinny Myler, Craig Dourley, Peter
Crosby, Danny Yates, Barry Quinn, Alan Ditchfield. Subs: Kev Buck, Tony
Dillon, Ryan Quinn, Tony Ireland.
DALTON 14 v WINDES ST MARIES 10
12/01/08
Widnes St Maries NWC Division 4 side went down 14-10 at
Dalton in the NWC Challenge Cup with Shaun Dourley and Stuart Harland
scoring with Dourley kicking a penalty.
WIDNES ST MARIES 28 v ROCHDALE MAYFIELD 22
05/01/08
The Maries remain unbeaten but suffered a scare from a powerful well
disciplined Rochdale side. Wingman Chris Fenlon opened the scoring for
a Craig Dourley converted try but the visitors struck back with tries
from the lively Nick Todd and fullback Steve Gregory. Young Craig Millington
scored a deserved try after good work from Peter Crosby and Tony Ireland.
Dale hit back again through Todd despite heroic tackling from Kieran McDonnell
and Ryan Quinn giving them a 16-10 lead at the break. Man of the match
Chris Barr returning after injury forced over in the corner for the first
of his hat-trick and scored a similar try after the mercurial Alan Ditchfield
opened up the visitors defence. Swift handling between Mike Smith, Martin
Leather and Shaun Allen created an overlap for Fenlon to sear 40 metres
to the line. Not to be outdone Barr scored his third after a further try
from Gregory for the visitors. On a bad day for conversions Craig Dourley
was successful with 2 out of 6 and along with Smith, Barry Quinn and Millington
pushed Barr all the way for the man of the match award.
Team:- Kieran McDonnell, Chris Fenlon, Martin Leather, Danny Yates, Tony
Dillon, Craig Millington, Mike Smith, Ryan Quinn, Craig Dourley, Peter
Crosby, Lee Lamb, Tony Ireland, Alan Ditchfield. Subs: Shaun Allen, Chris
Barr, Mike Allen, Barry Quinn.
NORTH WEST COUNTIES DIVISION 5 2006-7
GOLBORNE PARKSIDE 4 V WIDNES ST. MARIES 24
25/03/07
The Maries completed the double over their nearest challengers in a
defence controlled game well refereed by Kevin Wright of former Widnes
Albion fame. The first quarter went to the hosts who but for brave defending
and a little luck were prevented from scoring twice. Tony Hannon was on
hand to save what appeared to be a try before Golborne went dead in goal
when over the line. Mike Smith went close, then Andy Benson had the ball
stole when going over before Chris Barr scored after a 40 yard Benson
run and Smith pass left him clear. Ryan Millington scored the first of
his six conversions on his return from the professional ranks. Captain
Danny Ruth saved a certain try when Jimmy Tunstall broke to sear 30 metres
only to be stopped short. Another Benson break saw Ruth and Jamie Walsh
edge to the line but under pressure the hosts resorted to slowing the
ball down and holding down. Millington gladly took a further 2 points.
Right on half time Neil Bourke who had been unstoppable backed up Millingtons
break to score giving a 14 points to nil half time lead.
Kev Buck made good yards before releasing Bourke and Ruth only to be stopped
short. Millington, Hollins, Smith, Ruth and co. were running Golborne
ragged in the middle creating the space for the backs. Ste Riley made
a 60 metres break only to be caught on the line before yet another penalty
for trying to slow down the Maries pacey attack. With only 8 minutes to
go the hosts deservedly scored when Tunstall went in after 4 sets of six
on the visitor’s line. Hooker and man of the match Anthony Hollins
scored at the death after the ball went loose on yet another Benson run.
This was a tight, defensive game between the leagues best two sides. Great
credit to the hosts who never gave up.
Team: Danny Ruth (Capt), Jamie Walsh, Chris Barr, Andy Benson, Ste Riley,
Mike Smith, Ryan Millington, Tony Hannon, Anthony Hollins, Neil Bourke,
Paea Liku, Matty Burgess, Gary McKeown. Subs: Kev Buck, Barry Quinn, Leighton
Smith and Lee Potter.
WIDNES ST. MARIES 88 v ACCRINGTON 10
03/03/07
The Maries confirmed promotion for the third year running (providing
that North West Counties allow it this year) by completing their 17th
win in 17 games, scoring over 650 points on the way. The game was a procession
of tries some 16 in all with Shaun Dourley converting 12 of them including
some from right out wide. Alan Ditchfield opened the scoring after only
2 minutes when Simeone Maki fed him from the play the ball to dance over.
Flying winger Jamie Walsh scored the first of his four tries, the first
after approach from Chris Barr and Sean Bennett then immediately a second
when Peter Hyland then Maki powered the length of the field to feed him.
Plucky Accrington pulled one back when their man of the match excellent
fullback Dominic Bretherton scored after some basketball moves. Scrum
half Andy Watson converted. Mike Smith, Ditchfield and Maki combined for
Barry Quinn to surge over from 15 metres. An Accrington mistake gifted
Walsh his third before captain and fullback Danny Ruth hared onto an intercept
to score. Mercurial Smith and Gary McKeown combined to free Walsh who
drew the defence for evergreen Tony Hannon to score. Tony Kirwan and Lee
Potter made the ground to release Lloyd Carter who fed Hyland who pulled
off an outrageous dummy to go under the sticks. The hardworking Russ McLean
scored for Accrington only for the Maries to come back when McKeown and
Dourley released Walsh for his fourth in 40 minutes. Half time score 50-10.
Hyland scored his second before Ruth scored the try of the day when Smith
took out 4 men with a beautiful ball for Ruth to race in. Another Hyland
break of 40 metres saw Dourley race in before Maki, Smith and Hannon interchanged
for Maki to race in then Matty Burgess and Dourley made space for the
pacey centre to fly in. Instrumental in all of the last three tries was
the power of the returning Kev Buck, out for so long with a serious injury.
Smith scored a deserved try before Dourley released Ruth for his hat-trick.
Another superb win against a struggling Accrington side that never gave
up.
Good refereeing from St Helens official David Lowe.
WIDNES ST. MARIES 30 v ROCHDALE MAYFIELD 10
24/02/07
The Maries still remain the only unbeaten team in all seven divisions
of the North West Counties. Dale opened up best and scored after two minutes
when slack defence allowed livewire Ian Howarth to go over out wide giving
Andy Lee a difficult but successful conversion. Quick hands from Gary
McKeown and Shaun Dourley released second row Barry Quinn to power over
but Dourleys miss kept the visitors just ahead. They took the lead after
18 minutes when the excellent new recruit Simeone Maki stepped out of
3 tackles and raced 40 metres to score. Rochdale showed why they have
been so successful this season by probing away at the Maries defence and
only sterling work from Danny Ruth, Peter Hyland and the returning Alan
Ditchfield kept them out. Sean Bennett went close before Maki was denied
his second try for a crossing offence. Ditchfield was causing problems
every time he got the ball and twice more the hosts were stopped short.
However Mayfield stunned the Maries by scoring through Dave Bulmer right
on half time to take the lead.
The second half was to be all in favour of the hosts stopping Dale from
scoring. They got the perfect start when from the kick off when Lee knocked
on and Dourley scooted over from the scrum. Ruth raced in to score his
first Maries try after a cross field move involving Mike Smith, Liam Smith
and himself. Tony Hannon and Peter Crosby were unstoppable and the former
held up a super ball for Crosby to score his third of the season under
the sticks. Bennett was unlucky on two occasions before Ditchfield created
the space for Dourley to complete the scoring.
Good refereeing from Southport official Martin Haigh.
ECCLESTON LIONS 10 v WIDNES ST. MARIES 82
17/02/07
The Maries remain the unbeaten team in Division 5 of the
North West Counties. Fielding a very strong side with first team players
Andy Benson, Ste Riley, Mike Lamb, Leighton Smith and Danny Yates all
returning from injuries and playing for the full game. This gives Coach
Ste Hunt a nice headache with a full squad prior to this Saturdays Challenge
Cup game. The home side completed a set of six and in their first set
the Maries scored through man-of-the match the mercurial Mike Smith. Gary
McKeown forced a knock on and from the scrum chipped ahead and Liam Smith
pounced to score under the sticks giving Sean Dourley the easiest of his
13 conversions. The Lions could not hold Yates, Lamb and Lee Potter and
Barry Quinn revelling in his new role at second-row powered over. An excellent
move with Yates, Lamb, Leighton Smith, McKeown and Peter Hyland quickly
interchanging passes saw Liam Smith clear to go in at the corner. The
hosts refused to lie down and Adam Heyes seared away to feed Simon Dinsdale
to go under the sticks giving himself an easy conversion. Unfortunately
for them Riley collected the ball from the kick-off fed Benson and the
man mountain powered over for the first of his four tries. Not content
he then took the ball from the kick off and went the length of the field
with players getting out of his way rather than get steam-rollered over.
Eccleston again knocked on from the kick-off and Dourley weaved over from
the scrum to score giving himself a total of 30 points on the day. Chris
Barr, McKeown and Peter Crosby worked the ball to the middle for Riley
to score. Matty Burgess took the ball in fed Chris Fenlon who drove in
to free Smith for his second. Half-time score 6-46.
Crosby and McKeown again combined to give Benson his third then Barr and
Lloyd Carter combined to open up the Saint Helens defence for his fourth.
Smith and Benson combined to give Riley his second before a deft pass
from Benson allowed Hyland to score. Lamb, Riley and Lamb again split
the hosts defence wide open for Liam Smith to get a deserved second. The
gutsy Lions would not sit down and scored a second on 70 minutes through
Steven Martindale. Old Fast Hands Fenlon had the last laugh forcing over
for the last try right on time. Against a side that would beat most Division
5 sides on their day this was just the game the Maries needed prior to
the Challenge Cup.
Good refereeing from local official David Lowe.
HALTON SIMMS CROSS 24 v WIDNES ST. MARIES 34
03/02/07
The Maries remain the only unbeaten team in all seven divisions of the North West Counties. However once again they were made to fight all the way by a game Simmies side who a month age knocked them out of the NWC Bowl. After drives by Peter Crosby, Tony Hannon and Danny Yates stand off Lee Campbell, making a long awaited return, kicked ahead and despite Jamie Walsh’s electric pace the move came to nothing. The hosts went to the other end and scored on their first set of six. Rob Magee converted the first of his four successes from a penalty harshly conceded by Gary McKeown in front of the sticks. After good yards by the powerful Pia Liku and Yates, Sean Dourley converted a penalty for off side. Lee Lamb, Liku and Yates were causing problems every time they went forward and it was no surprise when the visitors took the lead through Crosby. He scooped up a loose ball gained from a knock on after a Campbell chip and powered over next to the sticks. The game went end to end for 15 minutes with Simmies Danny Durbin, Andy O’Brien and the excellent Scott Myler outstanding. The Maries increased their lead on the half hour when captain and fullback Darren McKinnon went 40 metres on his own to score under the posts. Dourley converted but straight from the kick off fullback O’Brien raced through to score a similar try and show that this young Simmies side were certainly not going to like down. Magee had an easy conversion but right on the break Dourley sprinted away from the play the ball fed Walsh whose break opened up the defence for Chris Barr to force himself over at the corner. Half time score 8-18.
The hard working Saints forwards Lee Potter, Peter Hyland and Liku created ground for McKeown to release McKinnon who chipped and won the race to score his second try. Mercurial Myler scored the first of his brace of tries within a space of 8 minutes. Fortunately for the Maries they were separated by a try from Walsh after great approach work by Chris Fenlon, McKeown and Yates. With the score at 20-28 and still 20 minutes left McKinnon was robbed of his hat-trick when pulled back for a very dubious decision for a forward pass. Coach Will Tilleke made a cameo appearance with 10 minutes to go. Dourley sent Walsh away once again, Yates raced across field exposing the hosts defence for Mike Smith to ghost in out wide. Dourley’s conversion put the league leaders 14 points ahead with 6 minutes to go. Where Simmies finished, not on your life, Liam Kavanagh surged over showing that in “derby” games there are no easy ones.
ECCLES & SALFORD 10 v WIDNES ST. MARIES 26
The Maries remain the only unbeaten team in all seven divisions of the North West Counties. However once again they were made to fight all the way by a game Eccles side. They had performed well at Brentfields only being beaten in the late stages. The visitors drew first blood with a try on the first set of six when after great work by Sean Dourley Danny Yates charged in at the corner. After a penalty by Simon Brown for ripping out, Peter Crosby and Lee Lamb created the space for first Jamie Rowlands then Darren McKinnon to go close before Yates opened the defence for Barry Quinn to score. Paea Liku who the hosts were unable to stop was next to score on 11 minutes when he barged over from 20 metres. The Manchester outfit had not even touched the ball with the Maries 12-0 up at this stage and but for the strong wind defying kicker Dourley it could have been game over. Never ones to lie down the hosts came back when Stu Hudson scored an excellent try when he beat 4 men and cut in. The excellent Neil Farrow was off target also with his kick. Scott Harland’s chip almost put Mike Smith in then Lee Potter’s break freed Quinn who was stopped short. A very dubious penalty brought Eccles closer when not only did the official get the decision wrong he also gave a conversion that went yards wide. The end finished with Harland putting in Smith who danced through a mesmerised defence to score out wide. McKinnon was unlucky with the conversion and the score stood at 6-16 at the break.
The visitors scored with their first attack as they had done in the first half when Will Tilleke and Liku drove hard across the field they set up the excellent Rowlands to power over. Dourley was successful with the conversion. Chris Fenlon opened up the defence but a melee rather than a try ended with Tony Haddock taking an early bath. To their credit the hosts plugged away instead of capitulating and kept the Maries scoreless for over 30 minutes to their credit. Martin Willcock, Farrow, Graham Sargent above all played out of their skins and gave the Maries one of the hardest halves of rugby this season. They were rewarded on 70 minutes when Alan Hargreaves powered over for a try ably assisted by Scott Taylor. Great defence from Lloyd Carter and Matty Burgess saved further tries before the tireless Kieran McDonnell was rewarded for his efforts with a try just before the end when Smith’s chip bamboozled the defence. Excellent performance off both sides in atrocious conditions.
WIDNES ST. MARIES 16 v PARKSIDE GOLBORNE A 6
09/12/06
With the visitors having no first team game it was obvious that this was to be probably the hardest test yet for the highflying Maries. This proved the case in what is thought by most onlookers to be the best game seen at Brentfields in a long time. With two excellently drilled sides and players like Peter Crosby, Tony Hannon, Pia Liku and Anthony Hollins up against Nathan Bell, Ryan Kelly, Kieran Lacey and Jay Tunstall it was likely that the first score would come from a mistake. A speculative high bomb was taken one handed by the ever-impressive Lee Lamb to score. Golborne powered back with Sean Hurst scoring in the corner but a magnificent conversion from Bell put them ahead. However this Maries side put together by Lee Gend is never going to be easy to beat and this proved to be their last success. The sin binning of Kelly did not help but they managed to go in ahead at the break.Shaun Dourley's penalty for one of the many high shots levelled the scores before the excellent Ryan Millington made and scored after kicking ahead. Great work from Mark Keenan, Peter Hyland, Scott Harland and Matty Burgess kept the visitors at bay and a 65 th minute tackle from man of the match Jamie Walsh was the game breaker. Two minutes later to cement the result Walsh seared away after slick handling between Hollins, Millington , Gary McKeown and Lee Potter. The Leigh side would not sit down and only defence from Kev Birmingham, Keenan, Hyland, Crosby and Kieran McDonnell kept them out. This was by far the toughest game of the season and could have gone either way. Special praise to Walsh, Millington , Dourley, Kelly, Bell and Hurst but especially for the official Mr Bob Smithies at the heart of the cauldron.
SADDLEWORTH RANGERS 6 v WIDNES ST. MARIES 56
02/12/06
The Maries continue unbeaten after a very one-sided match in atrocious conditions. The big powerful Oldham side kept the Maries out for 20 minutes but then they scored at regular intervals. The lively Chris Barr went over for the first of his 3 tries after great approach work from Kev Birmingham and Peter Crosby. Stand off Scott Harland then scored one of his customary tries when he danced over. Straight from the kick off Anthony Hollins scooted over in his first start since breaking his arm. Winger Chris Fenlon scored a long-range try when he forced over from 2 metres right on the break. With Ex. Viking Ryan Millington converting the first three on his first game back since his eventual transfer from Widnes the half time score was 22-0.
Barr scored his second and third early in the second half after excellent moves involving Jamie Walsh. The excellent Millington mesmerised the Rangers defence to score after 55 minutes before they hit back with a converted try from scrum half Steve Smith. Hollins regained the margin with his second before Shaun Dourley scored giving him a fourteen-point haul with his 5 conversions. Lloyd Carter ended the rout with a try right at the finish. An excellent team performance against a dogged Saddleworth outfit in atrocious conditions.
WIDNES ST. MARIES 30 v CHERRY TREE PANTHERS 12
25/11/06
The Maries continue with their unbeaten run despite heroics from a very tough St Helens outfit. The visitors were handed an early try when a chip from their man of the match fullback Paul Gavin opened up the home defence for Dave Dyas to score. Big defence from Gary McKeown, man of the match Paul Kirwan and Peter Hyland stopped any further score before Mark O’Dougherty raced 40 metres to relief the pressure. Further moves from Peter Crosby, Graeme Buck and McKeown ended when the latter’s grubber kick was taken behind the line. The excellent Shaun Dourley started and ended the next move, which resulted in his, and the Saints first try. He passed to Buck who brought in McKeown who’s astute pass found Tony Hannon. His powerful run saw McKeown and Crosby exchange quick hands before Buck dummied and fed Dourley on the blind side. A penalty for interference at the play the ball was put wide by the visitors and Jamie Walsh in his new role as fullback seared 40 metres before feeding Hyland who was fouled. Dourley made no mistake with his kick to inch the hosts ahead. Powerful youngster Scott Harland then went over for the first of his two quick tries that effectively sealed the game. McKeown, Dourley, Kirwan all exchanged passes before releasing the standoff who danced over to the left. Dourley completed 3 massive tackles in defence forcing the Panthers to spill the ball. McKeown fed Lee Potter who broke 20 metres; he fed Harland who scored an almost identical try. Dourley converted with an enormous conversion of the touchline to create an unassailable 20-6 lead at the break.
To their credit the visitors dug in and gave the Maries one of their hardest halves of the season in the second period. Walsh forced a knock on early on Chris Fenlon, Potter, Ian Scott and Hyland all came close before Jamie Rowlands weaved 30 metres to feed Fenlon who scored under the sticks. Excellent defence especially from Kev Birmingham, Kirwan and Hyland kept the visitors out but it was 70 minutes before the final home score. Harland thought he had his hat trick but was denied by eagle eyed Mal Smith before Buck drove to the line and Dourley scooted over. Lee Beonarceyk scored a consolation at the end converted by Gavin, which at least gave some recognition of the visitor’s determination. Excellently refereed by Smith and his 2 young officials.
WIDNES ST. MARIES 40 v NEWTON STORM 0
18/11/06
WIDNES ST. MARIES 60 v WESTBROOK TIGERS 12
04/11/06
The Maries continue to steamroller their way through North West Counties Division 5 with a demolition of Warrington’s Westbrook. Though the visitors had previously only lost 1 game, conceded only 91 points in their last 6 games and provided all of the necessary showings in the first half to win they ended up shell-shocked. After openings from Mark Keenan and Kieran McDonnell evergreen Tony Hannon burst over for the first of his 2 tries. Paul Kirwan powered over quickly followed by Chris Barr. Sixteen points down after only 30 minutes would have destroyed most teams but the plucky Westbrook came back with a try from lively loose forward Nick Braide who gave stand-off Mark Robinson an easy conversion. The visitors pulled to within 4 points with a fortuitous penalty try which was to be their last score.
The hosts ran in 8 unanswered tries after the break from Peter Crosby who was put in by Lee Potter and Danny Sharples. Mark O’Dougherty went over next before man of the match Peter Hyland scored a deserved try. Barr got his second before Scott Harland, Jamie Walsh (2) and Hannon for his second ended the rout. Shaun Dourley was on top form all day and duly converted 9 conversions.
WIDNES ST. MARIES 20 v HALTON SIMMS CROSS 4
28/10/06
As expected this “derby” was to be no easy game and Simmies came away with a lot of credit. Drives by Danny Houghton, Danny Durbin and Dale Ward kept the hosts pinned back for long periods before the visitors took the lead with a Houghton penalty for ripping out on 16 minutes. The impressive Carl Hunt, Andy O’Brien and Mick Durbin all made in roads but resolute defence from Mark Keenan, Jamie Rowlands and Matty Burgess halted further scores. The Maries came back and moves from Scott Harland, Lee Potter, Tony Hannon and Graeme Buck were thwarted near Simmies line. An attempt at a relieving drop goal from way out went narrowly wide before play returned through Gary McKeown, Kieran McDonnell and Mark O’Doherty. Houghton had the last laugh of the half with an enormous penalty from 40 metres.
Lee Lamb scored the first try of the day on the resumption when youngster Barry Quinn, Jamie Walsh and Chris Barr created the space. A move between Hannon, Sean Dourley and Ward was stopped short with a high tackle on the latter. Dourley converted the penalty as he did with all three tries. Simmies with players just returning after lay offs obviously tired and the much fitter Maries scored 2 tries late on. Dourley burrowed over before Walsh went in at the corner after sterling work from Barr and Harland. Determined not to lie down the visitors had a late push only for Chris Fenlon and Hannon to save the try putting both player and ball into touch. Considering St. Maries are steam rollering over teams in this division and Simmies recent problems this was a much harder game than the score relates and Simmies surely must rise of the bottom spot. Man of the match for the Maries by a country mile was Lee Lamb pushed by Dourley and Ward. Man of the match for Simmies was Carl Hunt pushed by Danny Houghton and Danny Durbin.
WIDNES ST. MARIES 46 v ECCLESTON LIONS 16
21/10/06
Widnes St Maries continued their unbeaten start to life in the North West Counties. Lee Lamb scored after fine work by Scott Harland and Chris Barr after only 5 minutes. Shaun Dourley converted the first of his 7 conversions. Pacey Mike Smith went over shortly after for the first of his 4 tries on his debut after signing from the unfortunately defunct Widnes Ball. Plucky Eccleston hit back through scrum half Paul Martin with Martin Griffiths converting. Smith immediately scored his second when put through by Gary McKeown and man of the match Neil Burke. Despite excellent defence from Burke, Peter Crosby, and Danny Sharples Griffiths forced over on halftime reducing the arrears to eight points.
Evergreen Barry Quinn scored when Dourley, Burke and Jamie Rowlands opened up a static St Helens defence. Smith quickly scored an excellent third and at this stage Burke and Smith with fellow ex. Ball player Anthony Ward were running amok. Jamie Walsh’s break allowed Kieron McDonnell to score followed by Smith’s fourth. With the Maries easing off Jimmy Dyson went over and Tony Atherton converted. The excellent Maries had the last laugh when Tony Hannon and Mark O’Doherty combined for Dourley to complete the scoring.
WIDNES ST. MARIES 42 v CROSFIELDS 8
14/10/06
The Maries North West Counties side were surprised early on by a plucky Warrington side who’s early try was converted by ex. Maries old boy Mike Redmond. Despite an avalanche of points the Soap never stopped trying with mom Redmond outstanding. Lee Lamb forced over after 12 minutes to tie the scores giving Shaun Dourley the opportunity to strike his first conversion of 6. Redmond converted a penalty for laying on to complete the visitors scoring before Kieran McDonnell and Gary McKeown fed captain Ian Scott to race in out wide. Right on half time Lamb was put in for his second by Jamie Rowlands and Peter Crosby ending what little hope the visitors had of getting back into the game.
Chris Barr scored his first in the corner when Darren McKinnon and Tony Haddock combined to open up the stubborn Soap defence. Youngster Ian Campbell showed great potential and he and Barry Quinn made the opening for Karl O’Doherty to race home from 50 metres out. Quinn and Scott Harland showed quick thinking to immediately put Barr in for his second. The Warrington outfit showed their determination keeping out the marauding Maries attack until near the end when Harland and flying winger Jamie Walsh seared in to complete the scoring. An excellent team performance with the best defence in the North West Counties seeing home St Maries despite ferocious defence from the visitors. A rare and excellent performance from St Helens official David Lowe.
WIDNES ST. MARIES 30 v ECCLES & SALFORD JUNIORS 6
07/10/06
The Maries North West Counties side exerted continuous pressure on the visitors only for Scott Taylor to race away to score giving Mike Davies an early conversion. These however were to be their last points as the scoring machine started up. Excellent approach work from Mark Keenan and Peter Crosby set up Mike Stevenson who raced in after 26 minutes for Sean Dourley to convert. With man of the match Karl O’Dougherty, Dourley, Gary McKeown and Danny Sharples all probing and setting up their forwards the visitors played exceptionally well to keep the score to only 1 try at the break. After a further 20 minutes of incessant pressure and being camped on their own line the Eccles defence gave when centre Ian Scott hared in. O’Dougherty then went 40 metres to score under the sticks quickly followed by the excellent fullback Sharples who scored to the left of the sticks. Flying winger Jamie Walsh and Lee Lamb both scored at the death to complete the try scoring. Dourley finished the day with 3 conversions. The Saints roll on still unbeaten but after already having 3 free weeks through teams failing to appear it is likely that unless North West Counties can step in they will find many more teams not wanting to be on the end of a hammering. Excellent control from Wigan’s Tony Morris and credit to Eccles & Salford who stuck to their tasks in a very well disciplined manner.
ASHTON BEARS 20 v WIDNES ST. MARIES 6
16/09/06
Widnes St. Maries pushed the unbeaten Division 1 leaders all the way in the Lancashire Cup. The Bears scored a try after 14 minutes when Wayne Hasfield charged through on the fifth for David Picton to convert. Midway through the half despite terrific defence from Lee Lamb and Danny Sharples Steve Nailor managed to squash in at the corner. It was then all St Maries with Kieran McDonald, Scott Harland and Tony Haddock outstanding. After very dubious refereeing Robert Dumbell was allowed a try right on the break. The Maries peppered the Bears line for 10 minutes and were rewarded when evergreen Gary McKeown’s chip was collected by Mark O’Dougherty to score out wide. Sean Dourley landed a superb conversion from the line. This was the first points that Ashton have conceded this season. With Lee Pilling getting a red card to go with the Bears other 2 yellows after numerous high and late shots it was obvious to see that Bears feared defeat. After a magnificent performance described by the hosts as the best side to visit them the Maries had to concede defeat. Every player played excellently but special praise to McDonald, Harland, Sharples and Ste O’Brien.
WIDNES ST. MARIES 46 v SADDLEWORTH 6
09/09/06
Widnes St. Maries continued their winning ways. After last weeks thumping of Cherry Tree Panthers they easily disposed of Saddleworth. Ian Scott the hatrick mom scored the first after 6 minutes. Sean Dourley duly converted the first of his 7 conversions. Scott powered over after 15 minutes before the impressive Scott Harland forced himself over after 25 minutes creating an 18-0 halftime score. Scott completed a fine hatrick straight after the break quickly followed by Harland for his second. Alan Ditchfield, Mark O’Dougherty and Lee Potter all crossed to secure another fine win.
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