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WEST BANK SWANS 10 v WIDNES ST MARIES 28
WIDNES CUP SEMI-FINAL 22.04.09
Widnes St Maries go through to the Widnes Cup Final (May 4th 2009 at Stobart Stadium 3.00pm) but only after a massive scare from the Swan. Fullback Dave Patterson powered over for a try after 10 minutes but was unlucky with his conversion. Mike Fairclough twisted over for a try levelling the scores on 14 minutes. The Swan enjoying most of the possession went back ahead after 22 minutes when Chris Syers went over and this time Patterson’s towering kick was successful. Mark Hardman's excellent try in the corner and Shaun Dourley’s conversion off the touch line levelled the scores at the break.
Danny Smith got the first of his hat trick to push the Maries in front for the first time 5 minutes into the second half. A move between Dourley, Smith, Ryan Millington and Anthony Hollins released Andy Benson to score after 58 minutes before Smith went in for his second. This quick interchange probably killed off any hope the Swan had and Smith went in for a deserved hat trick to round off the night.
Dave Prescott was Athena Security man of the match with Danny Smith and Paul Borg closest contenders. Adam Elwell was mom for the Swans by a country mile.
Team;-Ste Riley, Mike Fairclough, Mike Lamb, Scott Harland, Darren McKinnon, Ryan Millington, Shaun Dourley, Paul Borg, Anthony Hollins, Dave Prescott, Andy Benson, Danny Smith, Craig Millington. Replacements: -Carl Leach, Sean Conroy, Mark Hardman, Danny Yates.
STANNINGLEY 14 v WIDNES ST MARIES 22
14.04.09
Widnes St Maries all but secured promotion to the NCL Premier Division with a mid-week away win in Leeds. The only club who are able to scupper their celebrations is Saddleworth Rangers who must win 5 games on the trot and amass over 150 points in doing so. The Maries can make sure of promotion next Saturday at Oldham St Anne’s where a point dispels any possibilities ofthem staying in Division 1. The Maries coaches must have thought that they had left their team at home when the hosts ran in 14 unanswered points in the first 20 minutes but they did not need to worry. Mathew Russell scored the first of his three goals before flying winger Michael Holmes pounced on a high ball lost in the floodlights. Ryan Sample scored an almost identical try from another high kick but that was to be the last of Stanningley’s scoring. Dave Prescott barged over on the last of a second set of six. Ryan Millington’s deft chip was pounced on by Prescott who pushed the ball and the defenders over the line giving Millington the easiest of his 3 conversions. Two minutes later Andy Benson burst away released Athena Security man of the match Ste Riley who found Danny Smith. Smith showed his guile and strength to twist over to the right of the sticks. Mike smith showed his pace when he left the defence flat footed to put Danny Sharples away but the returning defenders pushed him into touch. Mike Fairclough powered over on the re-start but his try was disallowed for a knock on much to the wingers despair but only 2 points down the visitors went into the break on a high.
Fairclough’s disgust was short lived when 2 minutes into the second half Danny Smith made a superb break and fed the winger with an outrageous ball to run in from 30 metres. Mike Lamb went close before releasing Anthony Hollins who raced away only to be pulled back. Mark Hardman, Prescott and Danny Yates pushed another attack to the Leeds line giving the hard worked defence no respite. The Maries were running the tired hosts ragged and the probing of Hollins, Millington and Mike Smith had to bear fruit sooner or later. Riley and Carl Leach went close before Sean Conroy and Millington combined but again they were held up. The inevitable happened and the score came from an outstanding cross field move involving Riley, Benson, Leach, Millington, Hollins and Benson again who fed Leach. The big prop belied his size and raced back across the defence for a superb end to the night.
A superb display from referee Nigel Derbyshire and his touch judges.
Ste Riley was Athena Security man of the match with David Prescott and Ryan Millington closest contenders but praise for all 17 players who finished work and travelled across Yorkshire mid week...
Team;-Ste Riley, Mike Fairclough, Mike Lamb, Scott Harland, Darren McKinnon, Mike Smith, Ryan Millington, Carl Leach, Anthony Hollins, Dave Prescott, Andy Benson, Danny Yates, Mike Allen. Replacements: -Danny Sharples, Sean Conroy, Mark Hardman, Danny Smith.
WEST BANK BEARS 6 v WIDNES ST MARIES 28
Widnes Cup at Simms Cross 08.04.09
Widnes St Maries took time off from their promotion charge to record a lack lustre win over a gutsy West Bank Bears. Danny Smith opened the scoring followed by Mike Lamb and Scott Harland. Mark Hardman finished the first half scoring with a Dave Welsh converted try on the break.
Ste Curphy took advantage of a Maries dropped ball to score a Wayne Courtnage converted try. Harland broke clear to release Paul Borg for a deserved try. Andy Benson completed the scoring with a Welsh converted try.
Danny Smith was Athena Security man of the match with Danny Yates and Dave Welsh closest contenders.
Team;-Ste Riley, Danny Sharples, Mike Lamb, Scott Harland, Darren McKinnon, Dave Welsh, Ryan Millington, Paul Borg, Anthony Hollins, Ben Bailey, Danny Smith, Danny Yates, Craig Millington. Replacements: - Mark Hardman, David Prescott, Sean Conroy and Andy Benson.
WIDNES ST MARIES 23 v SADDLEWORTH RANGERS 12
11.04.09
The visitors started strong with outstanding second row Marlon Miller going close but held up by a Ste Riley tackle. Riley made a 40 metre break to feed Dave Welsh who released Ryan Millington but he was held up. Scott Harland broke and fed Mike Fairclough who made 30 metres but he was forced into touch by young full back Tom Lever. Miller forced a Marie’s knock on when they were about to score but Ryan Millington and Fairclough interchanged passes to bring the ball back but Shaun Dourley was held up at the line. Adam Walker made a 30 metre break to relieve the pressure and fed Lever who sped in for a Liam Coates converted try. Dourley was aware that this would be a close game and converted a penalty after 16 minutes. Danny Smith, Mike Allen, Dave Prescott, Mark Hardman and Fairclough moved the ball over 50 metres to feed Riley but the big powerful fullback was held out by the visiting defence. Smith, Andy Benson, Danny Yates and Anthony Hollins interchanged passes to open up the defence but the referee brought Hollins back and awarded a further set of six. Smith, Hollins and Fairclough moved the ball to the line where Craig Millington’s chip was caught by Scott Harland for his first try. Benson, Yates and Hollins worked the ball across field and Hardman’s chip was knocked on. Craig Millington and Prescott worked the ball to the line and fed Smith but he was again held up short. A Benson break brought the crowd to their feet and the supporting Hollins and Smith worked space for Harland to drop a field goal on the break giving the hosts a slender 9-6 lead.
Darren McKinnon took a superb high ball on the resumption ran 30 metres and released Prescott. The young prop, Yates and Allen combined to free Craig Millington who raced across field bringing Harland in for a deserved second that Dourley converted. Riley, Hollins and Harland interchanged passes before Riley raced away to score an excellent try. Fairclough sealed a win when after 58 minutes he raced 40 metres to score. Prescott and Hollins combined and the hookers break brought back memories of his representative days. He brought in Allen and Hardman who’s inside pass gave the winger the space he needed. Prescott made a 40 metre break but the excellent Lever caught him and the fullback passed to Simon Parrish and his ball was taken and grounded by Jason Best to give the Maries a nervy last 10 minutes. Riley, Paul Borg and Hollins all went close in the final minutes to send the hosts delirious at the final whistle. The win was tempered by the loss of Welsh and possibly Ryan Millington with bad injuries. Superb display from official Cliff Tamou who was applauded by the hosts as well as a sporting Saddleworth who had just watched their promotion hopes virtually disappear.
Dave Prescott was Athena Security man of the match with Shaun Dourley and Scott Harland closest contenders.
Team;-Ste Riley, Mike Fairclough, Mike Lamb, Scott Harland, Darren McKinnon, Dave Welsh, Ryan Millington, Paul Borg, Anthony Hollins, Dave Prescott, Andy Benson, Danny Yates, Mike Allen. Replacements: - Mark Hardman, Danny Smith, Craig Millington, Shaun Dourley.
WIDNES ST MARIES 44 v BRADFORD DUDLEY HILL 10
04.04.09
With promotion beckoning the Maries put in by far their finest performance of the season and blew away any chance their Yorkshire opponents had of a Premier League place. Anthony Hollins started the demolition after only 4 minutes when he raced through the visiting defence went 40 metres at pace to feed the supporting Dave Welsh who gleefully scored a try that he was to convert for the first of his 16 points in the game. Paul Borg in awesome form took the ball to the line supported by Scott Harland but the Hill stood firm. Captain Darren McKinnon took it upon his self to try something different and chipped through and raced over to score watched by a bemused defence. Ryan Millington, Danny Yates and Hollins interchanged passes at pace but were stopped at the line. Great Britain tourist and Athena Security man of the match Mike Allen was in devastating form and Bradford could find no way of stopping him. David Prescott went close before Hill tried to break clear but were stopped by the timely intervention of McKinnon who was hurt in the process. Yates, Hollins, Welsh and Carl Leach all went close before Yates scored the first of two tries. On the last tackle Millington ran the ball released Leach whose brilliant ball saw Yates stretch over. Danny Thomas was the first of the visitors to be sin binned and the hosts took further advantage when the unstoppable Andy Benson broke clear fed Ste Riley who raced away to put Yates in. The Maries incessant pressure and the probibg of Hollins, Millington and Welsh continued and Mark Hardman raced away to put Scott Harland clear to take the half time score to 22-0 after approach work from Mike Allen and Hollins.
Welsh’s high long kick was superbly followed up and taken by Allen on the re-start and his pass to Mike Lamb saw the big centre stroll over. Hill’s frustration saw a further sin binning but the Maries discipline was certainly not going to let them down and they scored yet again. Borg, Sean Conroy and Riley repelled a visiting attack before Millington raced away to the line to feed Leach who unselfishly passed behind his back to the roaming Benson to barge over. Allen on the 60th minute scored the try of the match when he took the ball on his own 40 metre line broke free of all tackles and went 60 metres to score under the sticks giving Welsh the easiest of his conversions. Yates went close then Millington raced away only to be caught as he went to score. McKinnon back on the field put in a good defence to force the Hill winger into touch and Welsh’s 70 metre kick relieved pressure. Riley raced after the kick and his big hit forced a knock on. Welsh, Allen, Millington, Harland and Craig Dourley interchanged passes at pace to release Borg but the big mans break was stopped short. Hill who had contested all day got a small reward when on the last tackle Sean Dickinson charged over. Welsh scored the ninth try when he ghosted passed a flat footed defence to score out wide. Bradford man of the match Liam Brentley got them to double figures in the final moment of a game that was a superb advert for rugby league. Superb display from officials Simon Barrie and his touch judges Paul Cromer and Richard Stokes.
Mike Allen was Athena Security man of the match with Danny Yates, Dave Welsh and David Prescott closest contenders.
Team;-Ste Riley, Mike Fairclough, Mike Lamb, Scott Harland, Darren McKinnon, Dave Welsh, Ryan Millington, Paul Borg, Anthony Hollins, Dave Prescott, Andy Benson, Danny Yates, Mike Allen. Replacements: -Carl Leach, Sean Conroy, Mark Hardman, Craig Dourley.
NORMANTON KNIGHTS 32 WIDNES ST MARIES 26
28.03.09
After the Lord Mayors show. After experiencing one of the best refereeing displays last week the Maries were shown one of the worst. In the top amateur league once again the officials took centre stage and ruined a perfectly good game. Arriving late due to road works the team were only given 20 minutes to change and warm up and this showed with a very lack lustre start. The resurgent Knights having won 7 of their last 8 went into a 2 minute lead when from a scrum second row Paul Seal powered over for a Lee Aspinall converted try. Athena Security man of the match Ryan Millington and Dave Welsh conspired to open up the defence and Mike Lamb willingly powered over. A series of silly penalties stopped the flow of play before Andy Benson raced in with an 80 metre try on 15 minutes. The hosts had the Maries pinned on their line when the big second row intercepted and outpaced the Knights defence. Mike Fairclough took and excellent ball from the restart to run it out only for the official to amaze everyone and give a knock on. Mike Allen was injured at the scrum and the wily hooker Chris Woolford burrowed over. Aspinalls conversion pushed the Knights back in front. Millington, Allen and Tony Kirwan worked the ball up field before Allen broke to score to the right of the sticks. Millington and Danny Smith diffused a home attack but superb fullback Mick Butterfield ran out of two tackles to score. Fairclough had a perfectly good try disallowed before Millington side stepped a flat footed defence to score giving the Maries a 20-18 lead at the break.
Allen forced an early knock on and Welsh broke the defence and held up a perfect pass for Lamb to score but once again the officials deemed a forward pass. Ste Riley’s massive hit forced a knock on Millington put Smith in but again a knock on was given. The official’s most bizarre decision of the day came when from the scrum he penalised the Knights for not packing down and allowed Dourley to take a shot at goal from the resultant penalty. Allen was wrongly penalised for two alleged high tackles and the Knights were able to get to the Maries line were Woolford scored an identical try to his first half one. The end to end scoring continued when Riley, Welsh and Lamb combined to create space for captain and fullback Darren McKinnon to scoot over. Smith broke the line and when clearly through was pulled back for forward again by an official who was yards behind the play. From a point of having the game won a series of niggley penalties saw the hosts draw level before the final pantomime. Leigh Riddell was stopped in front of the line by the Maries defence the referee right on the spot never moved but the touch judge some 30 metres away deemed a try. Everyone even the most hardy of Normanton support agreed that Riddell had both committed a double movement and more importantly had not scored. The result however stands as a win for the home side and a huge dent in the Maries promotion aspirations.
Ryan Millington was Athena Security man of the match with Dave Welsh and Shaun Dourley closest contenders.
Team;- Darren McKinnon, Mike Fairclough, Mike Lamb, Scott Harland, Danny Sharples, Dave Welsh, Ryan Millington, Paul Borg, Shaun Dourley, Dave Prescott, Andy Benson, Mike Allen, Danny Smith. Replacements: -Steve Riley, Sean Conroy, Mark Hardman, Tony Kirwan.
WIDNES ST MARIES 30 v WEST BOWLING 16
21.03.09
The Maries returned into the promotion places with games on hand over their rivals after a hard fought win against their Bradford visitors. Lee Birdseye, Athena Security man of the match Danny Smith and Ryan Millington tore their defence apart from the start with some superb fast rugby which only failed at the death with balls being rushed. Andy Benson proving unstoppable once again went 40 metres brushing defenders aside only to receive an injury that was to keep him out until later on. Birdseye, Scott Harland and Lee Lamb were awesome in defence before Mike Fairclough opened the scoring after 9 minutes. Birdseye, Smith and Danny Yates interchanged passes before the ball reached Harland who put in a great pass to the winger to score. Birdseye was unlucky with his conversion that hit the post off the touch line. West Bowling should why they have beaten some top sides lately and scored after some explosive running by Gareth Shepherd and James Dewhirst. Josh Essex made no mistake with his conversion. Their continued pressure saw the visitors go ahead even further when Essex slotted home a penalty after a series of attacks on the host’s line were repelled. Birdseye’s re-start was knocked on under the sticks and Harland scored after Birdseye and Welsh used a run around from the scrum. This time the scrum half converted off the touchline to put the Maries back in front. Birdseye, Smith, Welsh and Millington opened up the Bradford defence only for Fairclough to be bungled into touch as he went to score. Yates and Dave Prescott forced a knock on from the re-start and from the scrum Fairclough got his second. Smith created space for the speedy winger to break two tackles and race 60 metres to score under the sticks. A penalty under the posts was ran but Bowling held out and worked up field and Ross Simpson would have scored except for the last minute combined tackle of Danny Sharples and Birdseye. Birdseye relieved the pressure when he kicked his second 40-20 of the day on the break.
Birdseye’s kick to the corner almost brought a score on the resumption when Sharples fed Mike Lamb who was held up over the line. It was not long before the scoring resumed and it was a pleasure to see a hard working prop forward get on the scoreboard. Benson back on the field charged 40 metres to the posts before feeding the supporting Paul Borg. Benson then got a try he deserved when after approach work from Millington, Welsh and Ste Riley he stormed 75 metres brushing tackles aside to score. Fairclough scored again but was brought back for a forward pass. West Bowling scored after a long cross field kick was pounced on by Simon Owen. Carl Leach with two huge tackles stopped a further score and Riley stopped a free flowing move in its tracks. Leach and Smith combined to release Birdseye who sped away and passed to the supporting Yates to score. Even with the game won the visitors carried on playing open rugby and were rewarded on the whistle when Mark Nichols went over despite heroic work from Leach and Tony Kirwan.
Danny Smith was Athena Security man of the match with Danny Yates and Dave Welsh closest contenders. Prop Calum Dinsdale was man of the match for the visitors. A special mention must be made of the officials Paul Marklove and his touch judges Paul Cromer of Widnes and Kris Grantham of Runcorn who were excellent.
Team;- Darren McKinnon, Mike Fairclough, Mike Lamb, Scott Harland, Danny Sharples, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Paul Borg, Ryan Millington, Dave Prescott, Andy Benson, Danny Yates, Danny Smith. Replacements: -Steve Riley, Lee Lamb, Carl Leach, Tony Kirwan.
MILLOM 22 v WIDNES ST MARIES 18
14.03.09
The Maries lost two valuable points in a game spoilt by a whistle happy official. In a game were not one punch was thrown and only one high tackle penalised he managed to issue 4 yellow cards and 1 red with the visitors playing for 10 minutes with only 10 men. Millom scored in the first set of six when the Maries defence coughed up a high speculative kick and Simon Pearson went over at the sticks to give the NCL top scorer Paul Evans an easy conversion. Scott Harland shrugged of two tackles fed Lee Birdseye who released Athena Security man of the match Dave Welsh who fed Harland in support but his joy was short lived by the first of some amazing decisions. Ryan Millington and Dave Prescott released Welsh who put Andy Benson away from the halfway line. Despite attempts from the home defence the big prop showed a clean pair of heels to score under the sticks giving Birdseye an easy 2 points. Welsh and Prescott again were prominent taking the game to the home line and Birdseye’s high kick was knocked on by fullback Chris Warren under his own sticks. The Maries were so much in command that instead of an easy two points they ran the ball. The ball whizzed across the field through ten pair of hands came back to Danny Smith who released Millington who was mysteriously called back for a forward pass. The Maroons made ground down the pitch and once again the visiting defence made a mess of a high ball. Firstly there was a knock on then from the re-start a player slipped allowing G.B. Under 18 international Elliot Miller to score. The game was not being allowed to flow and penalties abundant to both sides spoilt any chance of flowing rugby. Welsh’s 40-20 went agonisingly close before Millington was held up short. Millington then turned provider with Adam Middleton they put Welsh in at the corner. Birdseye’s towering kick off the line put the Maries in front for the first time. Millom kicked out on the full and Birdseye’s penalty fell short. Mike Fairclough and Mark Hardman combined to stop Elliot scoring by forcing him into touch. Millington, Harland and Birdseye combined to put Danny Sharples in but again the move was pulled back. With players getting frustrated and an over zealous official it was no surprise when a yellow card was issued for holding down. It was a surprise when a second followed and then a red card for Birdseye who as captain has every right to speak to officials over decisions. With 3 men off the field it was no surprise that Andrew Dawson powered over on the break giving the hosts a 16-12 lead.
Still down to 10 men the Maries were unable to stop Graham Lupton scoring. With two men back on the field the visitors took the game to the Maroons and Welsh went close before Millington was again called back for a forward. Welsh and Furlough made good runs to the line but still Millom held out. Benson barged his way through fed Welsh who brought Mike Lamb on but he was held up just short. Despite being a vital man down the Maries were running Millom ragged and it was no surprise when Millington crossed for a Shaun Dourley converted try. Hardman was stopped short then Benson was held down for which the Millom player received a yellow card. Welsh and Danny Yates went agonisingly close but still Millom held out.
Dave Welsh was Athena Security man of the match with Danny Yates and Ryan Millington closest contenders. Second row Andrew Dawson was man of the match for the Maroons.
Team;- Darren McKinnon, Mike Fairclough, Mark Hardman, Scott Harland, Danny Sharples, Dave Welsh, , Dave Prescott, Anthony Hollins, Andy Benson, Danny Yates, Danny Smith, Ryan Millington. Replacements: -Adam Middleton, Shaun Dourley, Mike Lamb, Tony Kirwan.
EASTMOOR DRAGONS 20 v WIDNES ST MARIES 32
07.03.09
Widnes St Maries moved back into the top three and a promotion place with a tough away win at Wakefield. The game was marred after only 6 minutes when the Dragons second row Ryan Denton was stretchered off with a serious leg injury after colliding with a post chasing winger Mike Fairclough. The Maries first try after 10 minutes showed that they were carrying on were they left off last week when Danny Sharples broke clear fed Ryan Millington who interchange passes with Danny Yates who was unlucky to be stopped short. Danny Prendergast flipped the ball out to Athena Security man of the match Anthony Hollins who raced under the sticks for a Dave Welsh converted try. Andy Benson battered his way through fed Ryan Millington whose pass left Yates in the clear only for the official Jon Downham to call them back for a forward pass. Hollins stole the ball one on one on the half way raced 40 metres and fed Mark Hardman who released Millington and Benson gleefully took his pass to score with some neat footwork. Millington was held down and from the penalty Welsh fed Yates who side stepped the defence for the first of his three tries near the posts. The Maries were 16 points clear after only 15 minutes with the hosts appearing to have no answers. They were determined to try and play rugby to their credit and were rewarded when after 30 minutes they scored through winger Liam Pearson out wide on the sixth tackle. Millington, Hollins and Benson combined to put Fairclough in at the corner but the official deemed it a forward pass. Fullback Darren McKinnon prevented further Eastmoor scores when he first diffused a chip through then superbly took a high bomb. Hardman was through but was taken out by a high tackle before Yates scored his second out near the left corner. The big second row showed his ability when he stole the ball on the resumption to feed Benson whose 30 metre charge was just stopped short sending the hosts in 20-4 down.
Benson, Welsh and Tony Kirwan twice went close but still the resolute Dragons held out. Hollins, Shaun Conroy and Benson turned from attack to defence but were still unable to stop mercurial Serbian international Michael Jedynak putting stand off Adrian Mulcahy in for a Leigh Joyce converted try. Paul Borg and Hollins combined to release Yates who dived over for a deserved hat trick. Eastmoor came back to score again through Mulcahy again converted by Joyce but Benson regained the advantage when he barged over. The game would have been out of the hosts reach but 6 conversions were missed in the blustery conditions. Stephen Harber scored a consolation try for the Dragons before Hollins again released Millington to score a deserved try. A truly sporting occasion well refereed.
Anthony Hollins was Athena Security man of the match with Danny Yates and Ryan Millington (standing in for Lee Birdseye) closest contenders. Hooker Richard Colley was man of the match for the Dragons.
Team;- Darren McKinnon, Mike Fairclough, Mark Hardman, Scott Harland, Danny Sharples, Dave Welsh, Ryan Millington, Dave Prescott, Anthony Hollins, Danny Prendergast, Danny Yates, Andy Benson, Sean Conroy. Replacements: -Adam Middleton, Paul Borg, Shaun Dawson, Tony Kirwan.
WIDNES ST MARIES 52 v CASTLEFORD PANTHERS 12
28.02.09
Widnes St Maries thumped promotion contenders Castleford with an early onslaught that virtually sealed the result and put them back as one of the favourites for a move into the Premier Division. Dave Welsh and Athena Security man of the match Lee Birdseye opened up the visitors defence for prop Danny Prendergast to power home after only 2 minutes. Andy Benson brushed all tackles aside to race 40 metres and release fullback Ste Riley to go under the sticks then Welsh and Danny Sharples combined before bringing in Birdseye whose towering kick was taken out of the fullback’s hands by huge second row Danny Yates. Birdseye converted all 3 tries to give the Maries an 18-0 lead with only 7 minutes gone and leaving the visitors shell shocked. Andy Tillett scored a James Clarkson converted try before Welsh, Riley, Mike Lamb and Anthony Hollins exchanged quick passes to free Birdseye to score but the move was pulled back for a knock on. It was not long before the next score and Prescott and Mike Lamb interchanged passes before Welsh spotted a gap and side stepped through from 30 metres giving Birdseye another easy conversion. Prendergast foiled a rare Cas move with a big hit before Welsh, Birdseye and Danny Yates switched the ball up hill to Mike Lamb to score out wide. The visitors went in mesmerised by the sheer pace and accuracy of the Saints movement.
The Panthers drew first blood after the break when Craig Pearson ghosted in under the sticks making Clarkson’s conversion a formality. Birdseye was in awesome form and he raced in after Adam Middleton and Hollins had undone the weary defence. Hollins was again instrumental in Birdseye’s second try when he and the captain interchange passes passed to Benson who brought it back inside for Birdseye to fly over. Hollins did a customary intercept fed Middleton who raced away and fed Benson. When he should have scored the big second row chose to pass but the move came to nothing. He did not have to wait long and 5 minutes later powered across field to the sticks giving Birdseye the easiest of his 8 conversions. The scoring was rounded off when Welsh raced away on an intercept freed Darren McKinnon who powered to the sticks. Just as he was about to be tackled the clever winger flipped over and stretched to the line. An all round superb performance were for once the training moves all paid off.
Lee Birdseye was Athena Security man of the match with Ste Riley and Dave Welsh closest contenders. Loose Paul Steel was man of the match for the Panthers.
Team;-Stephen Riley, Darren McKinnon, Mike Fairclough, Mike Lamb, Danny Sharples, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Dave Prescott, Anthony Hollins, Danny Prendergast, Danny Yates, Andy Benson, Lee Lamb. Replacements: -Adam Middleton, Andy Friar, Sean Conroy, Tony Kirwan.
SHAWCROSS SHARKS 14 v WIDNES ST MARIES 22
21.02.09
Widnes St Maries returned to league action with a win however fortunate at bottom placed Shaw Cross. As seems to be the norm for the Saints they fell behind to an early try when on the 6th on the first set stand off Andrew Fawkes chipped through for prop Matty Myers to collect and gleefully score under the sticks giving Chris Renton the easiest of his 3 kicks. Outstanding fullback Ste Riley saved further embarrassment by diffusing a similar move 6 minutes later but from the re-start the Maries put the ball straight into touch in the fierce wind giving Renton another kick near the sticks. Wingman Danny Sharples scored out wide after a quick move across field via Dave Welsh Lee Birdseye and Andy Benson but after discussions with the young touch judge the official deemed that the last pass was forward. The first of some bizarre decisions. Lee Lamb and Riley went close from the high re-start then Birdseye was adjudged to have knocked on when he clearly used his foot. Danny Yates, Craig Dourley and Welsh released Benson who powered to the line but the Sharks forced a hand-over on the line. Birdseye stole the ball one on one but again the official incorrectly penalised him. Welsh surged forward from 20 metres and fed Benson who covered 40 metres brushing tackles aside before unselfishly feeding Birdseye. His converted score under the sticks brought the break at 8-6.
Shaw Cross man of the match Graham Nash inspired their second try straight after the interval when he charged through fed Ash Fothergill who got to the line. Hooker John Rourke took the ball and twisted over with the Widnes defence expecting the hand-over. The officials strange refereeing was seriously disrupting the game and both sides lost any regular flow. Tony Kirwan made a massive hit to stop Glen Towey then created mayhem with 3 successive attacks. It took a piece of brilliance from young replacement Adam Middleton to haul the visitors back. Welsh and Birdseye interchanged passes for Middleton to chip through and pounce on the ball to score for a Birdseye converted try. Andy Hibbert was proving impossible to hold and it was no surprise when he, Yates, Dourley and Dave Prescott moved the ball across for Riley to score out wide. The Dewsbury side were now being run ragged and yet another penalty to Birdseye pushed the Saints further ahead before Sharples sealed the game in the 70th minute. Yates broke clear off a Craig Millington pass drew the defence and slipped Sharples in at the corner. The game ended with yet another bad error from the referee when Nash clearly punched out twice and despite both touch judges intervening he saw nothing wrong. A very difficult game against a tough side in atrocious conditions completely spoilt by a very poor official.
Tony Kirwan was Athena Security man of the match with Ste Riley and Craig Dourley closest contenders. Loose Graham Nash was man of the match for the Sharks.
Team;-Stephen Riley, Darren McKinnon, Mike Fairclough, Andy Benson, Danny Sharples, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Dave Prescott, Craig Dourley, Andy Hibbert, Danny Yates, Lee Lamb, Craig Millington. Replacements: -Adam Middleton, Danny Prendergast, Ryan Quinn, Tony Kirwan.
WIDNES ST MARIES 8 v QUEENS 15
14.02.09
Queens continue to mop up National Conference scalps with a second success over Widnes St Maries in cup competitions. The Conference side started brightly with Andy Benson, Dave Prescott and Danny Yates all going close. The Yorkshire League leaders however ground out an 8-0 interval lead as scrum half Ryan Robinson claimed 14th minute try. Ferocious tackling from the visitors kept Mike Lamb, Andy Hibbert, twice and Danny Smith out. The visitors had a man sin binned but Johnny Milner booted over 2 penalties in the 28th and 36th minutes.
Captain Lee Birdseye opened up the Maries account 2 minutes after the re-start with a penalty awarded against prop Scott Huston who was yellow carded for a high tackle. Queens scored on 50 minutes when the home defence, not for the first time, allowed a high bomb from Milner to bounce and substitute Aaron Henry gleefully raced in for the easiest of tries for Milner to convert. The hosts were awarded yet another penalty for a high on Lamb and decided to run this one to no avail. Danny Smith went close and Yates took the ball top feed Mike Fairclough to power in at the corner. Jonathan Winter was again penalised for holding down this time on Fairclough who was beginning to get a bit of rough treatment. Mark Hardman was awarded a penalty for yet again holding down near the Maries own line. Hibbert, Prescott, Benson, Millington, Birdseye worked the ball to a promising position only for the final ball to Yates to be spilled. The Leeds side worked the way back down the field with Matthew Stockdale, Richard Hulme and Craig Wright outstanding only for Milner’s chip to be cleared behind the line by Sharples. Shaun Bennett made excellent ground despite two swinging arms before Brown committed yet another foul on Prescott and from the penalty Fairclough took the ball in only to be kneed well after tackle was completed. Birdseye amazingly was red carded as a result of the ensuing melee on 70 minutes. Milner cleverly dropped a field goal on the re-start to scupper any chance of a Marie’s comeback.
Andy Hibbert was Athena Security man of the match with Dave Prescott and Dave Welsh closest contenders.
Team;-Darren McKinnon, Mike Fairclough, Mark Hardman, Mike Lamb, Danny Sharples, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Dave Prescott, Craig Millington, Andy Hibbert, Danny Yates, Andy Benson, Danny Smith. Replacements: - Shaun Bennett, Ste Riley, Danny Prendergast, Tony Kirwan.
To view photographs from the game against Wath Brow Hornets use link
http://public.fotki.com/LeedsViking/amateur-rugby-leagu/widnes-st-maries-v--8/
Photos courtesy of Steve McIntyre who can be contacted at leedsviking@googlemail.com or http://www.leedsviking.com)
WIDNES ST MARIES 0 WATH BROW HORNETS 22
07.02.09
Widnes St Maries worked overtime to get their top of the table clash under way on a freezing day when most other games were called off. However it was the promotion chasing hosts who were left out in the cold as leaders Wath Brow made it too hot for them with a stunning 22-0 success that moves them 4 points clear. The Maries opened strongest and missed a glorious chance when prop Dave Prescott spilled the ball over the visitor’s line as they applied tremendous pressure. The Brow took the lead through a Ryan Robb penalty for off side then extended their lead through Jamie Devine who raced 60 metres from an intercept to score an unconverted try. Robb popped over another penalty for holding down then closed the half with yet another after a high shot from Craig Millington.
The hosts needed a good start but got the worst possible when Michael Maxwell raced 80 metres from an intercept as the Maries looked like scoring then man of the match Gary Elliott was fed by Andrew Staples to side step in. Robb’s conversions virtually ended the game for the Saints who had been depleted by captain Lee Birdseye and Andy Benson on work duties. Ryan Millington, wingman Danny Sharples and hooker Anthony Hollins worked tirelessly for the home side but the Maries could not break the magnificent Cumbrian defence. Worse still was the unnecessary sending off of Craig Millington for a second high tackle completely erasing any hopes of a come back. Still they pounded away at the Hornets defence through Danny Prendergast, Shaun Dourley and Andy Hibbert to the fore but marshalled by Ryan Amor, James Toman, Elliott and Scott Teare the Brow held out for a magnificent victory which must see them crowned champions. Ryan Millington was Athena Security man of the match with Andy Hibbert and Mike Allen closest contenders. Second Row Gary Elliott was man of the match for Hornets.
Team;-Darren Scott Harland, Darren McKinnon, Mike Lamb, Mark Hardman, Danny Sharples, Dave Welsh, Ryan Millington, Dave Prescott, Anthony Hollins, Paul Borg, Danny Yates, Mike Allen, Craig Millington. Replacements: -Andy Hibbert, Danny Prendergast, Shaun Dourley, Tony Kirwan.
WIDNES ST MARIES 7 v QUEENS 19
31.01.09
Widnes St Maries bowed out of the National Cup in the firtst of a double header against a superb Leeds outfit. The visitors started the brighter and scored early through fullback Aaron Henry. Stand-off Jonathan Milners conversion pushed them 6 points ahead. The Maries powered back and on 12 minutes after going close capitalised on a Henry mistake when David Prescott dived over giving Athena Security man of the match Lee Birdseye an easy conversion to tie the scores. Queens then got on top and started bossing the game and despite heroic defending from Darren McKinnon, Dave Welsh, Mike Lamb and co edged the first period.
The Leeds side took and early lead with a field goal showing their belief that this was to be a very close game. Birdseye cancelled out the lead with a similar goal on 62 minutes and the game appeared to be a stalemate and the possibility of extra time. Man of the match centre James Brown had other ideas and flew in at the corner for Milner converted try. The Maries surged back and the game was still in the balance however the official over-ruled Mike Lamb’s try to the dismay of the home fans. The game was sealed at the death when Steve Morton pounced on a dropped bomb to score and Milner finished the game with the conversion. Excellent game played in a truly sporting manner with only 3 penalties in the entire game.
Lee Birdseye was Athena Security man of the match with Dave Prescott and Dave Welsh closest contenders in a superb advert for amateur rugby league. Centre James Brown was man of the match for Queens.
The hosts will have to step up a gear in two weeks time in the Carnegie Challenge Cup if they are to beat today’s opponents.
Team;-Darren McKinnon, Mike Fairclough, Scott Harland, Mike Lamb, Danny Sharples, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Dave Prescott, Anthony Hollins, Paul Borg, Danny Yates, Andy Benson, Shaun Conroy. Replacements: - Mark Hardman, Danny Prendergast, Alan Ditchfield, Tony Kirwan.
BRADFORD DUDLEY HILL 19 v WIDNES ST MARIES 24
24.01.09
Widnes St Maries powered into Round 2 of the Carnegie Cup at the expense of Bradford’s finest. Hill took an early lead when the Maries went dead from the kick-off and hooker Nathan Kitson danced over giving Tony Williams an early conversion. The scrum half increased the lead with a penalty on 6 minutes for holding down before the Maries finally woke up and scored. Darren McKinnon cleaned up a home attack before releasing Mike Lamb who was held down too long. From the resultant penalty Dave Prescott, Paul Borg, Lee Birdseye and Dave Welsh combined to release mom Andy Benson who powered over in the corner. Birdseye was unlucky with a towering touch-line attempt. Hill responded when the Maries failed to hold their kick off and prop Marco Rossi sailed into a huge gap pushing the hosts 8 ahead. Benson made good yards and released Danny Yates whose pass via Mike Lamb found Mike Fairclough who was bundled into touch when a try was begging. Williams popped over a field goal before Benson scored his second when Birdseye opened up the Hill defence after Scott Harland and Danny Sharples had both gone close. Birdseye’s conversion reduced the points difference to 3. Williams was unlucky to have to leave the field but stand-off Danny Thomas took over the play maker mantle and his probing kicks and chips kept the Maries pinned back and the score stayed at 13-10 at the break.
The Maries should have gone ahead when the kick-off was allowed to run dead. From the re-start they were awarded a penalty which Birdseye put against the post. Paul Borg took the re-bound but was held up short. Mark Hardman followed up with a chip which he was unable to take and speedy Thomas went 80 metres to score. Thomas popped over a penalty before Andy Benso went a customary 30 metres leaving players in his wake only to knock on as he changed the ball into his right hand ready to score. Mike Fairclough flew in at the corner to close the gap when put through by Scott Harland. Birdseye’s huge conversion off the line closed the gap to 3 points with 20 minutes to go. Tony Kirwan made huge ground before being fouled and from the resultant penalty the Maries finally took the lead when the awesome Benson barged his way over for a well deserved hast-trick from a Harland pass. Birdseye missed from out wide with the conversion but with only 10 minutes left the Maries were in no mood to let the game slip despite two attempted field goals from Thomas. Dave Welsh finished the scoring with an excellent try on the final whistle when Alan Ditchfield put him in with an incredible pass.
Andy Benson was Athena Security man of the match with Paul Borg and Lee Birdseye closest contenders in a superb advert for amateur rugby league. Danny Thomas of Hill took the accolade of mom for Hill.
Team;-Darren McKinnon, Mike Fairclough, Scott Harland, Mike Lamb, Danny Sharples, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Dave Prescott, Shaun Dourley, Paul Borg, Danny Yates, Andy Benson, Shaun Conroy. Replacements: - Mark Hardman, Danny Prendergast, Alan Ditchfield, Tony Kirwan.
To view photographs from the game against Ince Rose Bridge use link
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Photos courtesy of Steve McIntyre who can be contacted at leedsviking@googlemail.com or http://www.leedsviking.com)
WIDNES ST MARIES 22 v INCE ROSE BRIDGE 8
17.01.09
Widnes St Maries powered into Round 1 of the Carnegie Cup at the expense of Wigan’s Rose Bridge. Whereas the Saints felt that the majority of decisions went against them in the recent league encounter they could have no complaints this time. Bridge came out fired up with the home side defending 2 sets of six on their line with Darren McKinnon diffusing two kicks. Andy Benson drove the ball out 20 metres for Lee Birdseye to take over but his chip kick taken by Danny Yates was deemed offside. The visitors came back with their man of the match Ryan Baker, scrum half Scott Porteous and hooker Martin Greaves all going close. Mike Fairclough relieved the pressure with a break that was stopped with a penalty for fullback Martin Packingham lying on. The ball was whizzed out to Adam Flanagan who interchanged with Dave Welsh and Birdseye before Scott Harland put Fairclough in at the corner. Birdseye missed with the conversion off the touchline but the Maries were glad of a lead after 15 minutes of incessant defending. Birdseye’s penalty increased the lead 5 minutes later when Bridge were penalised for a high tackle on Sean Conroy. Fairclough made another good run again receiving a penalty from which Welsh found Yates who brought in Athena Security man of the match Anthony Hollins. Hollins took the ball low down and somehow continued the move finding Scott Harland in space. It was all St Maries now and another move between Birdseye, Hollins, Welsh and David Prescott was only short when the latter was stopped with a high tackle. Greaves sped away for the Wigan side released Porteous and only a timely Danny Sharples intervention stopped a score. Bridge closed the half stronger yet Birdseye popped over another penalty for mouthing off to the official right on the break giving the Saints a 12-0 lead.
Stuart Harland was unlucky to be held up short before the Bridge finally cracked the Maries defence. With the influential Birdseye sin binned Bridge used the extra man to go wide and loose forward Jordan Boyd scored in the corner. Danny Rigby was unlucky with his towering kick that struck the post and went harmlessly wide. Porteous was again prominent from the re-start showing his pace but the Maries defence was in a mean mood. Benson went close and a move between Paul Borg, Prescott and Conroy was halted when a penalty was awarded for raking out the ball. Birdseye back on the field made no mistake with his conversion. The outstanding Hollins not for the first time stole the ball off Bridge in a one on one but Birdseye’s chip was taken well by the hardworking Martin Butler. Butler, Baker, Boyd and Tony Hampson worked the ball out wide for David Bullough to score but yet again Rigby managed to find the post with his conversion attempt. With four minutes to go Hollins sealed the win with an audacious steal to score under the sticks. Birdseye converted then popped over a penalty for a foul on Hollins right on the whistle.
Anthony Hollins was Athena Security man of the match with Dave Welsh and Lee Birdseye closest contenders in a superb advert for amateur rugby league.
Team;-Darren McKinnon, Mike Fairclough, Scott Harland, Adam Flanagan, Danny Sharples, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Dave Prescott, Anthony Hollins, Paul Borg, Danny Yates, Andy Benson, Shaun Conroy. Replacements: - Richard O’Rourke, Mark Hardman, Danny Prendergast, Stuart Harland.
INCE ROSE BRIDGE 32 v WIDNES ST MARIES 14
20.12.08
KELLS 4 v WIDNES ST MARIES 14
13.12.08
Widnes St Maries powered into Round 3 of the National Cup at the expense of the Cumbrian Champions on their own pitch. The game was played on the Big Waite a former pit and the conditions represented that. The Maries opened the scoring after 8 minutes when Lee Birdseye put through a grubber on the 5th tackle evading fullback McGrady for mercurial hooker Anthony Hollins to score. Birdseye’s conversion was the perfect start for the visitors and visibly shook the big home side who were unbeaten at home this season having scored 330 points in 8 games. With the elements worsening on the cliff top Kells hit back through winger Ryan Groggins in the 24th minute when he collected a cross field kick on the last tackle to score in the corner. With Myter Fabrications man of the match Dave Prescott and Danny Yates forcing the hosts back providing the space for Birdseye, Dave Welsh, Andy Benson and Danny Sharples to all go close it was no surprise when ten minutes later they increased their lead through power-house second row Glynn Holland who followed up yet another Birdseye chip to score. Birdseye converted then closed the half with a penalty to send the Maries in 14-4 ahead.
The second half the Maries played up hill into a fierce blizzard but stopped the high scoring Cumbrians from even getting close to their line with Prescott, Mark Hardman, Shaun Conroy, Benson and Holland near perfection in defence and attack. Kells threw everything possible at the visitors with former Barrow and Whitehaven favourite Carl Sice, Tony Burns and Gregg Lofthouse outstanding but still the magnificent Marie’s defence held out. A massive win at a daunting venue won by a superb 17 man effort.
Dave Prescott was Myter Fabrications man of the match with Danny Yates and Lee Birdseye closest contenders.
Team;-Scott Harland, Darren McKinnon, Mark Hardman, Andy Benson, Danny Sharples, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Dave Prescott, Anthony Hollins, Danny Prendergast, Glynn Holland, Danny Yates, Shaun Conroy. Replacements: - Shaun Dourley, Richard O’Rourke, Jamie Rowlands, Sean Bennett.
WIDNES ST MARIES 18 v NORMANTON KNIGHTS 18
22.11.08
Widnes St Maries lost further ground in their chase for promotion which was tempered by the defeat of their other challengers at the top leaving the Maries only one point behind leaders Wath Brow Hornets who still have to visit Widnes. It was obvious that the host’s players treated the threat from the visitors lightly due to their low league position but they were taught a quick lesson. No teams in the Conference are an “easy game” and Normanton proved that with a try after only 3 minutes. Myter Fabrications man of the match Dave Welsh’s kick sailed into touch and from the re-start Paul Greaves and Mick Hill combined to send Luke Pavlitski in to the right of the sticks. Hill converted the first of his 3 goals before winger Andrew Greaves increased the lead to 10 with a fine interception and 70 metre run to the line. Hill missed the kick and fortunately for the Maries he missed 2 penalty attempts. Finally the hosts struck some form Danny Smith forced a knock on, Mike Lamb and Dave Prescott took the ball to the line before Prescott was fouled. They ran the penalty but after good hands from Prescott, Shaun Conroy, Smith and Anthony Hollins the ball was knocked on. Hollins won the ball back and he and Welsh moved the ball across field to top scorer Mike Fairclough who powered over at the corner. Welsh won the ball one on one but the official adjudged that he had called the tackle giving Hill an easy penalty. Andrew Greaves again intercepted and was only stopped at the last minute by fullback Scott Harland, unfortunately getting injured in the process. Hill missed another penalty after a high tackle by Glynn Holland and the Maries were struggling to hold their Wakefield visitors. Fairclough, Hollins, Holland, Craig Millington and Welsh all exchanged passes across field but once again the final pass was a knock on. Andy Benson went close before Prescott, Smith and Welsh combined to put Harland in under the sticks for a Welsh converted try. This closed the gap to 2 points at the break and the hosts were glad to have a chance to re-group after the worst 40 minutes seen from the Maries this season.
Prescott, Welsh, Hollins and Millington all went close early on when the Maries forced 3 consecutive sets of 6 but were still held out. Millington attacked the line but was held up short, Paul Borg went close before the Maries received a penalty for a high shot. Welsh ran the ball found Millington out wide who returned to put Welsh in out wide. Without the conversion the hosts at last took the lead. Harland, Lamb and Danny Prendergast all went close but the resolute Normanton defence held for a further 20 minutes eventually falling to a Welsh try. With a six point lead and only six minutes on the clock it looked as though the Maries had got out of jail but Hill and Greaves were not finished. They fed fullback Butterfield to score for Hill to convert and earn a very valuable and worthy point. Scoring four tries to three the missed conversions and penalties given away had proved costly. Coach Tilleke had stern words for his squad who must improve in attitude and play if they are to make this a successful season.
Dave Welsh was Myter Fabrications man of the match with Anthony Hollins and Glynn Holland closest contenders. Fullback Mick Butterfield was adjudged Normanton’s man of the match.
Team;-Scott Harland, Mike Fairclough, Mike Lamb, Mark Hardman, Danny Sharples, Dave Welsh, Anthony Hollins, Paul Borg, Sean Conroy, Danny Prendergast, Glynn Holland, Danny Smith, Craig Millington. Replacements: -Andy Benson, Adam Prendergast, Jamie Rowlands, David Prescott.
WEST BOWLING 18 WIDNES ST MARIES 08
15.11.08
Widnes St Maries lost ground in the mud bath at Bradford. On a day when not much went right for the Maries Scott Harland scored in the first set of six from a Lee Birdseye chip only for the celebrations to be curtailed when the official called them back for offside. Harland then took a high bomb fed Mike Lamb but his late pass to Danny Smith was adjudged forward preventing a second score after only 4 minutes. As often happens the side under pressure came back with two tries of their own in quick succession. Darren McKinnon stopped a ball clearly in touch and was adjudged to have played in the field of play and Gavin Buckley powered over from the resultant scrum. Bowling man of the match James Dewhirst took the kick off on the full and went 90 metres to score under the sticks giving Lee Innes and easy conversion followed by an easy penalty. After only 10 minutes the game had gone from incessant Maries pressure to a 14-0 lead to the hosts. They were to spend the next 70 minutes defending this lead. Mike Fairclough “scored” in the corner but again the referee disallowed what looked a perfect score stating the ball was grounded short. McKinnon, Danny Yates and Myter Fabrications man of the match Anthony Hollins were supreme in both attack and defence but Bowling held out until the half hour mark. Dave Welsh and Lee Birdseye mesmerised the home defence before releasing Lamb who passed behind his back to leave Fairclough in the clear to power over the line in the corner. Pressure from Welsh, Hollins and Paul Borg resulted in a Marie’s penalty that they ran. Dave Prescott went close before the ball was worked across to Fairclough to score his second again in the corner. Birdseye had no chance converting from the touchline and the only difference at the break was the conversions.
The Maries continued to press and Welsh, Yates, Glynn Holland and Danny Smith all went close. Yates and Shaun Dourley forced a knock on on the Bowling line but again the heroics of the hosts defence kept them out. On the odd occasion that West Bowling attacked Danny Prendergast, Dave Prescott and Shaun Conroy were equal to anything offered. The only further scores came from a 50th minute Innes penalty for alleged reaping and one on the 70th minute for a high tackle.
Anthony Hollins awesome in attack and defence was Myter Fabrications man of the match with Dave Welsh and David Prescott closest contenders. Fullback James Dewhirst was adjudged West Bowling man of the match.
Team;-Scott Harland, Mike Fairclough, Mike Lamb, Danny Yates, Darren McKinnon, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Paul Borg, Anthony Hollins, David Prescott, Glynn Holland, Danny Smith, Sean Conroy. Replacements: - Richard O’Rourke, Danny Prendergast, Jamie Rowlands, Shaun Dourley.
To view photographs from the game against Millom 08.11.08 contact
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Photos courtesy of Steve McIntyre who can be contacted at leedsviking@googlemail.com or http://www.leedsviking.com)
WIDNES ST MARIES 32 v MILLOM 04
08.11.08
Widnes St Maries stay in contention after this win against Millom of Cumbria. Darren McKinnon made inroads to release former Viking Danny Smith who fed Dave Welsh. Welsh’s pass off the floor allowed Myter Fabrications man of the match Danny Yates to power in after only 3 minutes for a Lee Birdseye converted try. Welsh collected Birdseye’s kick, chipped forward but fullback Chris Warren beat him to the ball. Millom surged up field and earned a penalty converted by Joe Shaw after a Craig Millington high shot. Danny Sharples and Smith combined to force winger Ross Brookes into touch when the try line was inviting. Warren doubled the visitors score with another penalty in front of the sticks. With the penalty count climbing and Millom striving to score the inevitable happened with Millington receiving a ten minute break for a high tackle. Dave Prescott, Yates and Smith forced the Cumbrians to knock on near their line and from the resultant scrum Andy Benson barged over giving Birdseye another easy conversion. Welsh, Anthony Hollins and Birdseye were now ripping Millom’s defence apart and from a cross field move Sharples was unluckily bungled into touch. Scott Harland, Yates, Mike Lamb and Paul Borg all went close before the returning Millington made amends for his sin bin with a breath-taking Birdseye converted try. Hollins, Birdseye, Welsh and Yates interchanged passes and a ball from Welsh was superbly taken by Millington who sidestepped his way past the defence to race home putting the hosts ahead 18-4 at the break.
As seems to be the norm for the Maries this season they scored immediately after the re-start when Yates and Benson made huge ground fed Birdseye who chipped the defence. Hollins collected and fed Birdseye who gleefully collected himself six more points. Hollins raced away on the re-start but the final ball was adjudged forward. The visitors found a second wind and Andrew Mellon, John Rice, Chris Spiers and Millom man of the match Tom Sibley never gave up and Sibley’s chip deserved better. Spiers felled Birdseye after he had chipped the ball and from the resultant penalty the Maries scored the game breaker. Smith, Yates and Harland made good ground and just when the attack seemed to fail Prescott took over and the young prop side stepped his way in with the style of a half back giving Birdseye his easiest yet miss able conversion. Sibley, Spiers and Shaw were still a force and certainly kept the score down. Borg and Welsh combined in the corner but winger Brookes stole the ball only to throw it out for Welsh to accept and finish the scoring.
Danny Yates awesome in attack and defence was Myter Fabrications man of the match with Dave Welsh and David Prescott closest contenders. Second row Tom Silbey was adjudged Millom man of the match.
Team;-Darren McKinnon, Mike Fairclough, Mike Lamb, Scott Harland, Danny Sharples, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Danny Prendergast, Anthony Hollins, David Prescott, Danny Yates, Danny Smith, Craig Millington. Replacements: - Sean Conroy, Richard O’Rourke, Paul Borg, Andy Benson.
WIDNES ST MARIES 37 v EASTMOOR DRAGONS 10
01.11.08
Widnes St Maries stay in contention after this win against their Wakefield opponents who have just come down from the Premier division. With former Hull, Hull KR and Wigan player Chris Chesters at stand-off, 3 Serbian internationals and the much travelled Andy Fisher at prop the visitors were expected to give the Maries a stiff test. The home side were up to the test and made light work of an easy 2 home points. Anthony Hollins was prominent with 3 early breaks but each time he was held up short. Mike Lamb, Richard O’Rourke and Lee Birdseye created the first opportunity when Birdseye’s pass to Ryan Millington was kicked forward and Danny Sharples fortuitously scored out wide. Myter Fabrications man of the match Dave Welsh forced a knock on from the re-start and set up another move in which Paul Borg and Danny Smith went close. The visitors took the lead halfway through the half when their man of the match Stephen Hall fed scrum half Adrian Mulcahy to score. Leigh Joyce made no mistake with the conversion to push them 2 points ahead. Birdseye, Hollins, Welsh and Danny Prendergast combined to create a score for former Viking Smith in the corner. Birdseye was successful with the first of his four conversions. Ryan Millington’s chip to the line was stopped at the death by fullback Michael Brown. Right on the break the visitors were awarded a penalty for obstruction but Joyce was unsuccessful leaving the Maries 10-6 ahead.
The Wakefield side drew level on the re-start when Mulcahy scored his second diving over on the sixth. Hall then chipped through and Mulcahy was denied a hat-trick by Danny Sharples who scooped up the ball and raced away from the line. Mike Fairclough went 40 metres down the wing, fed Hollins who surged to the posts but Ryan Millington was unable to hold onto his pass when a score looked inevitable. The two Millingtons combined to release Andy Benson who broke clear to put Fairclough in at the corner. Birdseye’s towering conversion hit the upright and bounced away. The hosts were now firmly in command and Prendergast, Sean Conroy and Benson punched a gaping hole to allow Birdseye following up to score under the sticks. Welsh broke clear again but his pass to Sharples was brilliantly intercepted by fullback Brown. Hall chipped into space and just as winger Michael Williams looked like scoring Ryan Millington brought him down with a breath-taking challenge injuring himself in the process. Welsh again broke free and Benson’s 30 metre run was rewarded when Prendergast crashed over. Benson’s hard work was rewarded when Conroy, Smith and Welsh combined to put him in at the corner. Birdseye chipped over a cheeky field goal before Lamb completed the scoring. Ryan Millington broke, interpassed with Scott Harland passed to brother Craig who chipped for Lamb to score.
David Welsh was Myter Fabrications man of the match with Lee Birdseye and David Prescott closest contenders. Loose forward Stephen Hall was adjudged Eastmoor’s best.
Team;-Ryan Millington, Mike Fairclough, Mike Lamb, Scott Harland, Danny Sharples, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Paul Borg, Anthony Hollins, David Prescott, Richard O’Rourke, Danny Smith, Craig Millington. Replacements: -Jamie Rowlands, Sean Conroy, Danny Prendergast, Andy Benson.
CASTLEFORD PANTHERS 36 v WIDNES ST MARIES 18
25.10.08
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Steve can be contacted at leedsviking@googlemail.com
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WIDNES ST MARIES 32 v SHAW CROSS SHARKS 14
18.10.08
Widnes St Maries went top of the National Conference Division 1 after a tough match against Dewsbury’s Shaw Cross Sharks. Captain Lee Birdseye scored the first of his 4 conversions with a 1st minute penalty for a high shot. David Prescott ran in the kick off only to have the ball raked out giving the visitors their first attack. Andy Speake’s chip was diffused on the line by Danny Sharples. Danny Prendergast ran the ball in from the scrum and fed Ryan Millington. The fullback fed inspirational Danny Yates who was pulled up short. The Maries were on fire and the Sharks were using any means of stopping them. After a Shaw Cross move was defended on 10 minutes official Chris Waywell of Leigh dismissed Speake for spitting at Yates who was sin binned with prop Dean Tucker for the resultant melee. The visitors settled quickest and hooker John Rourke crossed for an unconverted try. With tempers still raw centre Mike Lamb was dismissed for a swinging arm and Ryan Millington and the visitors Mark Castle got 10 minutes leaving both sides with only 10 men. Fortunately both teams got down to playing rugby and the hosts regained their hold with Craig Millington going close from Dave Welsh’s chip before Welsh used his height to pluck a chip out of the air and race 30 metres giving Birdseye an easy conversion. On the half hour the visitors received one of many penalties dished out but Birdseye was unable to increase the score. Sharples released man of the match Glynn Holland but he was held up short. The visitors hit back and were denied a score when Sharples, Shaun Dourley and Prescott forced winger Ashley Cotton into touch. After a penalty for offside Yates weaved across the line near the corner to score but Birdseye was unable to convert. Craig Millington and Mike Fairclough combined only for the latter to be forced into touch as he went to ground the ball keeping the score at the break 12-4.
Scott Harland scored immediately on the re-start when Ryan Millington’s break caused havoc in the Sharks defence and his deft pass put Harland in at the corner. Once again Captain Birdseye was unlucky when his kick struck the post off the touch line. Castle kept Shaw Cross in the game with a try before two quick converted tries killed off any chance they had. Courageous youngster Ritchie O’Rourke was on hand to score his first open age try when Welsh again took a high ball and fed the scorer assisted by Craig Millington and Dourley. Scott Harland then combined with Ryan Millington, Andy Benson and Holland to release Sharples for a deserved try. Birdseye’s two towering touchline conversions created a 3 score gap and effectively ended the match. However no one had told centre Andy Thompson this and his own converted try clawed back a further 6 points for the visitors. Scott Harland intercepted a pass and made ground released Ryan Millington who found the ever eager Holland. His cross field pass found Birdseye who combined with Craig Millington allowing Yates to dance in for his second try. Still Shaw Cross came back and winger Danny Smith took a chip raced away to feed their man of the match Pat Foulstone for a certain try only to be called back a forward pass to end the match.
Glynn Holland was adjudged man of the match with Lee Birdseye and Danny Yates closest contenders. Young 18 year old fullback Pat Foulstone was man of the match for the Sharks.
Team;-Ryan Millington, Mike Fairclough, Mike Lamb, Scott Harland, Danny Sharples, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Danny Prendergast, Shaun Dourley, David Prescott, Danny Yates, Glynn Holland, Craig Millington. Replacements: -Sean Bennett, Stuart Harland, Richard O’Rourke, Andy Benson.
SADDLEWORTH RANGERS 10 v WIDNES ST MARIES 18
11.10.08
Widnes St Maries gave a firm indication that they will be amongst the front runners after an impressive win at fortress Saddleworth. It was the Oldham side’s first home defeat and their mean defence had previously only conceded 32 points all season. Coaches Will Tilleke, Des Dourley and Vinny Myler had asked for a disciplined team effort which they got with the visitors only conceding 3 penalties all day in one of the fiercest (but fairly) contested games of the season. The Maries scored after only 3 minutes when Lee Birdseye secured a 40-20 on his first attempt. Birdseye fed man of the match Danny Yates from the scrum who almost scored. Dave Welsh took the ball and fed Mike Fairclough who powered over in the corner despite 3 would be tacklers. Birdseye scored the first of his three conversions with a towering kick off the touch line to give the visitors the ideal start. Hooker Lee Charlesworth stole the ball one on one and made ground only to meet Anthony Hollins who returned the compliment stole the ball, fed Mark Hardman who released Adam Flanagan. The centre created the space for winger Danny Sharples but he was bundled into touch before grounding the ball. Saddleworth showed that they could attack as well as defend and winger Danny Attersall was unlucky to step into touch before Dave Welsh forced a knock on in another attack. Yates, Paul Borg, Glynn Holland and Dave Prescott were ripping into the home defence and only resolute defence stopped further scores. Loose forward Hardman had to leave the field with a leg injury but his replacement Richie O’Rourke was outstanding and prominent in yet more Maries attacks. Hollins forced a knock on and Yates and Mike Lamb went close before Fairclough was again stopped short being forced into touch as he grounded the ball. Danny Prendergasts awesome hit forced yet another knock on and Birdseye and Lamb combined to release O’Rourke who yet again was held up short. Andy Benson broke clear only to be brought down unfairly but Fairclough’s effort from the penalty was again held up short. After so much pressure the hosts hit back right on half time when the elusive Emerson Jackman ghosted through for a fine solo effort giving the Maries a slender but valuable 2 point lead at the break.
Sharples started the half with yet another near miss when Flanagan, Welsh and Hollins combined across the park to release him. Yates and Prendergast went close before the inevitable try came on the hour from an outrageous dummy by Hollins to race under the sticks. This was just reward for the Maries who completely dominated the home side Birdseye was unlucky with a long range penalty for holding down before Hollins and Welsh both went close. Yates was creating havoc and again was held up short and Flanagan had another effort stopped. The visitors were continually pinned back and from a scrum near their line Welsh stole the ball one on one to score sending the Maries delirious. As in the first half after defending for 40 minutes the hosts broke clear with Michael Coates scoring an own converted consolation try.
Danny Yates was adjudged man of the match but he was pushed all of the way by Dave Welsh and David Prescot amongst others in a great team performance. Fullback Tom Lever was man of the match for the hosts with Simon Parrish and Danny Adams nearest contenders.
Excellent refereeing by Widnes official Tony Maher.
Team;-Scott Harland, Danny Sharples, Mike Lamb, Adam Flanagan, Mike Fairclough, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Paul Borg, Anthony Hollins, David Prescott, Danny Yates, Glynn Holland, Mark Hardman Replacements: -Sean Bennett, Danny Prendergast, Richard O’Rourke, Andy Benson.
WIDNES ST MARIES 22 v STANNINGLEY 12
04.10.08
St Maries won a fiercely contested match that at times looked likely to get away from them. The first 30 minutes was continuous pressure from the Leeds side and only excellent work from man of the match Lee Birdseye, David Prescott, Craig Millington and David Welsh kept them out. With forwards Tommy Dobson, Eddie Norfolk and Chris Rouse pounding away only sterling work from opposite numbers Paul Borg, Prescott and Millington kept them try-less in the first 40. Matthew Russell converted an eighteenth minute penalty for reaping but was unsuccessful on 22 minutes with a similar award for a high tackle, hitting the post. Craig Millington received a 10 minute penalty for a high tackle and despite his absence the Maries began to turn the tide. Welsh stole the ball at a scrum fed Mike Lamb who went close before releasing Mike Fairclough who was held up. Prescott and Borg went close but still the visitors held out. Right on half time the returning Millington side-stepped on 40 metre mark and raced under the sticks despite the heroics of fullback Matt Wilson. Birseye’s conversion made it 6-2 at the break.
The hosts scored a superb try straight from the re-start when Welsh plucked Birdseye’s kick off out of the air fed Adam Flanagan who raced to the posts to feed Birdseye who powered under the sticks for an own converted try. Ben Smith went close and Eddie Norfolk was held up short before Birdseye’s kick was knocked on and from the resultant scrum Flanagan side stepped the entire visiting defence to score a Birdseye converted try. Still Stanningly came back and only big hits by Ryan Millington, Danny Sharples and Scott Harland kept them out. A Sharples chip almost brought a try but the fullback ran it into touch. Birdseye took the ball from the scrum fed Craig Millington who found Fairclough who scored in the corner. Richie O’Rourke forced a knock on then made a strong run from the scrum fed Andy Benson who was hauled down at the last minute. Glynn Holland and Welsh combined to save a try. With 12 minutes left the visitors breached the home defence when a quick interchange saw Paul Robinson go over in the corner and then right on time Russell powered over on the sixth for an own converted try.
Lee Birdseye was man of the match but he was pushed all of the way by Dave Welsh and Craig Millington amongst others. Stand off Scott Hargreaves was best for the visitors with Stuart McGill and Chris Rouse nearest contenders. Excellent refereeing by Warrington official Daniel Gundry.
Team;-Scott Harland, Danny Sharples, Mike Lamb, Adam Flanagan, Mike Fairclough, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Paul Borg, Ryan Millington, David Prescott, Paul Kirwan, Glynn Holland, Craig Millington. Replacements: - Danny Yates, Mark Hardman, Richard O’Rourke, Andy Benson.
WATH BROW HORNETS 30 v WIDNES ST MARIES 30
20.09.08
St Maries came away deflated with only a point off the league leaders when two looked certain for most of the game. The Saints took it to Brow from the start when a high kick off from man of the match Lee Birdseye was taken by Danny Prendergast who fed Danny Yates to go close but the move was stopped by a penalty by referee Adam Gill for reaping. The Maries ran the ball but were thwarted by a knock on. The Hornets went down field and were held at bay before a Ryan Millington chip was diffused with and apparent high shot to allow the hosts to spread across field and score a Ryan Robb converted try through wingman Paul Byers. Prendergast burst through was awarded a penalty and from the resulting set of six Ryan Millington squirmed over under the sticks giving Birdseye an easy conversion to level the scores. After a series of silly penalties the Brow scored again when Jason Connery went over by the left corner. The visitors then had a purple patch and after Yates, Prendergast and Paul Borg had worked the ball to the sticks Darren McKinnon fed Craig Millington to power over. Yates was awesome in both attack and defence and his forward play left Birdseye able to chip to the incoming Ryan Millington to score once again under the sticks. Mike Fairclough used his strength and power to race away and feed Mike Lamb who dived over on the break to give the Maries a worthy lead of 22-10.
Coach Will Tilleke had asked his players at the interval to make sure that the Maries scored first in the second half to stem a home revival. This they did when Dave Welsh intercepted a Hornets attack to race away 80 metres to score under the sticks. The visitors then instead of closing the game up and preserving an 18 point lead gave away penalties that resulted in tries from Robb and Phil Coyles that put the momentum back with the Cumbrians. A Birdseye penalty was cancelled out by a try out wide by Byers to leave a nerve racking final 10 minutes. The hosts got the try they so badly wanted after extreme pressure when James McLellan went in at the corner. Fortunately for the Maries their defence had made the hosts go out wide to score as any resulting conversions would have seen a home win. This is the second season in a row that the Maries have taken a point at a ground were no one has yet won in the Conference.
Lee Birdseye was man of the match but he was pushed all of the way by Dave Welsh and Danny Yates amongst others. Centre Andrew Stables stole the show for the Hornets with his powerful running. Excellent refereeing by official Adam Gill despite vociferous dissent by the locals to most of his decisions.
Team;- Ryan Millington, Mike Fairclough, Mike Lamb, Adam Flanagan, Darren McKinnon, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Danny Prendergast, Shaun Dourley, Paul Kirwan, Danny Yates, Alan Ditchfield, Craig Millington. Replacements: - Scott Harland, Mike Allen, Paul Borg, Andy Benson.
WIDNES ST MARIES 22 v INCE ROSE BRIDGE 15
13.09.08
St Maries remain unbeaten at home after victory over their Wigan rivals. Domi
nating possession and field position the hosts had the better of the first 20 minutes scoring through man of the match Adam Flanagan before Alan Ditchfield and the impressive Lee Birdseye combined to create space for centre Mike Lamb to surge over. Birdseye’s conversion opened up a 10 point gap before Bridge got into the game by forcing a drop out then converting a penalty earned through wingman Danny Rigby. Ten minutes later after Paul Borg, Flanagan, Dave Welsh and Craig Millington had pinned the visitors back Birdseye scored the inevitable penalty. Bridge then dominated the remainder of the half and scored a Rigby converted try through stand off Chris Boylan to close the gap to four points at the break.
The Maries dominated for 10 minutes with Ryan Millington, Shaun Dourley Flanagan and Danny Yates outstanding in defence and attack. After so much pressure they were hit by a Bridge try from Wayne Leyland and the conversion by Rigby pushed them 2 points ahead. The hosts then endured their worst spell of the game giving away silly penalties and sensing a win Martin Packingham dropped a field goal. However Mike Lamb burst over in the corner before Mike Fairclough raced 60 metres down the line leaving defenders in his wake to score for Birdseye to score the final points with a massive touchline conversion.
Adam Flanagan was man of the match but he was pushed all of the way by Lee Birdseye and Mike Lamb amongst others. Scott Porteous stole the show for Bridge after replacing scrum half Tony Baker who had to come off after only 2 minutes with a broken jaw. Excellent refereeing by local official Adam Gill.
Team;- Ryan Millington, Mike Fairclough, Mike Lamb, Adam Flanagan, Jamie Walsh, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Danny Prendergast, Shaun Dourley, Stuart Harland, Danny Yates, Alan Ditchfield, Craig Millington. Replacements: - Scott Harland, Anthony Hollins, Paul Borg, Andy Benson.
BRADFORD DUDLEY HILL 18 v WIDNES ST MARIES 16
06.09.08
The Maries lost a game that, despite being down to 12 men for most of the game, they never looked like losing. Saints opened strongly when after a good set of six Lee Birdseye’s kick was helped into touch by Hill winger Barney Hopcraft. Dave Welsh fed Mike Lamb from the scrum but his ball to Mike Fairclough who was in the clear was knocked on. Hill took the lead after 6 minutes when Alan Ditchfield was adjudged to have held Jason Lee down too long and Simon Sewell duly dispatched the ball over for 2 points. The same penalty was awarded against the hosts when Danny Prendergast was held down and reliable Birdseye duly obliged. Welsh’s chip was followed up by Danny Sharples and Craig Millington whose big hit forced Hill to drop the ball. Birdseye chipped on the re-start for Mark Hardman to go close forcing full-back Marvin Golden to kick dead. The Maries pressure saw Fairclough score out wide only for the touch judge to convince the referee that it was a double movement. The referee gave penalties to both sides for forward passes then one to Hill for a high tackle. Paul Gledhill joyfully raced through a defensive gap to score out wide. Sharples nearly scored before man of the match Danny Yates surged through to the sticks to be stopped with a last ditch tackle. Adam Flanagan fed Sharples but he was bungled into touch. After 28 minutes the visitors were reduced to 12 men when Ditchfield was red carded for remarks to the referee after a yellow for a high tackle. Paul Borg was the next to go close when held up on the line before a Birdseye and Shaun Dourley move closed the half with the Saints 2-6 down.
Bradford’s man of the match Sam Broadley fed influential Nathan Kitson just off the bench in a fast move fortuitously stopped by Ryan Millington near the line. Yates, Borg and David Prescot pushed the visitors up field before Welsh’s astute pass found Ryan Millington who put Fairclough in at the corner for a Birdseye converted try. Danny Prendergast intercepted and raced 20 metres, fed Ryan Millington who raced across field to feed Sharples who was bungled into touch when a try was the easier option. 3 sets of six followed on the host’s line with Yates and Craig Millington returning to the field after injury inspirational. The pressure paid off Flanagan broke to feed Sharples to race 40 metres to score. Birdseye converted a penalty which the referee awarded but then ruled out to everyone’s amazement on both sides after discussion with his young officials. On the next set of six with everyone expecting a kick Birdseye weaved across field mesmerising the defence to put Sharples in at the corner. With only 6 minutes to go Hill struck back. After a series of penalties and 5 continuous sets of six Kitson jinked over to give Sewell an easy conversion. Andrew Kilmartin completed the most unlikely of comebacks when he crossed in injury time for a Sewell converted try. With 12 men and decisions going against them the Saints at least came away from Bradford with many fine endorsements ringing in their ears.
Danny Yates was man of the match but he was pushed all of the way by Danny Sharples, Danny Prendergast, Mike Fairclough and David Prescot amongst others.
Team;- Ryan Millington, Mike Fairclough, Mike Lamb, Adam Flanagan, Danny Sharples, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Danny Prendergast, Shaun Dourley, Stuart Harland, Danny Yates, Alan Ditchfield, Craig Millington. Replacements: - Scott Harland, Mark Hardman, Paul Borg, David Prescot.
WIDNES ST MARIES 46 OLDHAM ST ANNES 24
23/08/08
The Maries got of to a winning start against a plucky Oldham side who never gave up. After 2 sets of six near the home line the visitors took the lead through their man of the match Kiel Lancashire from a penalty for pushing at the play the ball. The hosts opened their account through Danny Sharples after a cross field move involving Craig and Ryan Millington, Anthony Hollins, Dave Welsh then Adam Flanagan who released Sharples in the corner. Man of the match Lee Birdseye converted a towering kick for the first of his 7 successes. Craig Millington was the creator of the second try when he fed Flanagan who raced in under the sticks. Lancashire created the visitors only first half try when he put Chris Carter through a huge gap to score a converted try. Two penalties for high shots kept St Anne’s in the game before Birdseye chipped on the sixth tackle to collect and score under the posts. Ryan Millington tried the same move but was stopped just short of the line bringing the half time at 18-12.
The visitors stormed in for an equalising try straight from the restart when hooker Dave Sweeney dodged in under the sticks giving Lancashire an easy conversion. With 50 minutes gone pacey Rick Badby raced through the middle to score what was to be Oldham’s last point leaving the home defence flat footed. Andy Benson then stopped a certain and what could have been decisive score to allow Scott Harland to scoop up the ball and feed flyer Mike Fairclough who went 30 metres before releasing Ryan Millington under the sticks to level the scores once again. Scott Harland chipped through only to knock on before Benson charged through to make the try for Shaun Dourley to finish. The Saints were now rampant and Danny Prendergast and Birdseye combined for Danny Yates to score. Welsh, Prendergast and Ryan Millington moved quickly across field for Flanagan to get his second out to the left. Fairclough scored the final points when put through by Craig Millington, Alan Ditchfield and Prendergast.
Lee Birdseye was man of the match but he was pushed all of the way by Adam Flanagan, Ryan Millington and Danny Prendergast amongst others.
Team;- Ryan Millington, Mike Fairclough, Danny Yates Adam Flanagan, Danny Sharples, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Danny Prendergast, Craig Millington, Paul Kirwan, Glynn Holland, Alan Ditchfield, Anthony Hollins. Replacements:-Shaun Dourley, Scott Harland, Andy Benson, Stuart Harland.
Saturday's photos are now online at:
http://public.fotki.com/LeedsViking/amateur-rugby-leagu/widnes-st-maries-v--2/
Photos courtesy of Steve McIntyre who can be contacted at leedsviking@googlemail.com
or http://www.leedsviking.com)
ROCHDALE MAYFIELD 22 v WIDNES ST MARIES 32
11.04.09
Widnes St Maries could be playing second division rugby next year after this hard fought victory over a very resilient Rochdale side who battled hard right to the end.
St Maries where in for a try within the first 5 minutes after a wonderful score by teenager Adam Prendergast, Stu Harland adding the extras. Some good work by Stu Harland and Sean Conroy got St Maries within scoring distance and when scrum half Jamie Rowlands found Adam Middleton they did just that. Rochdale then came close but some excellent defence by Richie O'Rourke and Chris Barr saw the Rochdale loose forward held up short. Then came the try of the game when Jamie Rowlands sold a dummy to the would-be defence and raced 60 metres to score a converted try. St Maries looked to be cruising, but a well worked move led to a try for the home side giving them a glimmer of hope. On the stroke of half time Rochdale where in again making the score 12-16.
Two quick tries from Sean Conroy and Kieran McDonnell gave the Widnes side some breathing space. Young winger Shaun Field intercepted on his own line but was just stopped 2 yards short but from the resulting play the other wing man Craig Knight went over with an Adam Middleton conversion this took the score to 32-12. The hosts never gave in and two tries near the end took the deficit down to 10.
Widnes St Maries must now wait until Saturday when Saddleworth take on Golborne, a Saddleworth win could see the Widnes side promoted. Fingers crossed
WIDNES MOORFIELD 4 v WIDNES ST MARIES 0
07.04.09
Team: Chris Cartledge,Jamie Walsh, Kieran Mc Donnell, Sean Bennett, Adam Middleton, Mike Smith, Shaun Dawson, Peter Crosby, Shaun Allen, Ryan Quinn, Stuart Harland, Lee Lamb, Mike Allen. Replacements:Adam Prendergast, Ritchie O’Rourke. Jamie Rowlands, Tony Haddock.
WIDNES ST MARIES 26 v HEYSHAM ATOMS 6
04.04.09
The hosts started this game at 100 mile an hour and a cricket score looked to be on the cards when Adam Prendergast went in after only 5 minutes followed by an excellent try by stand off Mike Smith, both converted by Adam Middleton. Heysham responded well and where unlucky not to go over. The Maries where defending well but when Kieran McDonnell was adjudged to have held down he was given a spell in the sin bin for his troubles. Heysham capitalised on this going in under the sticks with a well worked move. St Maries then went close when young winger Shaun Field was just pushed into touch before he could ground the ball. Captain Liam McCann was everywhere and his defence lifted the Widnes side as one of his crunching tackles forced a knock on. Just before half time under 18's player Dominic Smith was introduced, and when the Maries where on the back foot he put in one of the tackles of the game. The half time score was 12-6 to St Maries.
The second half started as the first finished with some big hits coming from both sides. Praise has to go to St Maries loose forward Richie O'Rourke who tackled everything, twice stopping certain scores with last ditch tackles. 17 year old Prendergast was heavily involved and was breaking holes in the defence with every drive reminiscent of his father Paul, so long a Maries stalwart. Stu Harland then came close just being held up to give the opportunity to scrum half Sean Dawson to dive over on the last tackle taking the score to 16-6. Harland was again involved as he shot through a gap and dummied the full back wonderfully to score a try which Middleton converted. Heysham never gave up and some great defence from Peter Crosby, Lee Lamb and Ryan Quinn stopped them from going in. Then came the try of the game as Athena Security Man of the match Adam Prendergast once again hit a gap and managed to feed Mike Smith who drew the full back to send Chris Cartledge under the sticks for a score that Jamie Rowlands converted to end the match.
Team: Chris Cartledge, Shaun Field, Kieran Mc Donnell, Andy Friar, Adam Middleton, Mike Smith, Shaun Dawson, Peter Crosby, Shaun Allen, Liam McCann, Adam Prendergast, Ryan Quinn, Ritchie O’Rourke. Replacements: Jamie Rowlands, Stuart Harland, Lee Lamb.
Athena Security Man of the Match was Adam Prendergast, pushed all of the way by Ritchie O’Rourke, Mike Smith and Shaun Dawson.
LEIGH MINERS 29 v WIDNES ST MARIES 20
28.03.09
Widnes St Maries knew that they had to beat Leigh Miners if they had any chance of winning the league. The Widnes side actually scored 5 tries to the home sides 4 and if they converted all of their goal attempts they'd have took the points. It wasn't to be and the Miners took the Division 3 championship. The Maries started the brighter and looked to have scored within first 5 minutes when second row Ritchie O'Rourke dove over only for the referee to rule he was held up. The Miners then went ahead 2-0 with a penalty conversion. Shortly after this captain Mike Smith fed Jamie Walsh beautifully who race 30 meters to score. 2 minutes later Smith was involved again when he linked up with full back Chris Cartledge from the base of the scrum, and the scrum half finished a move that he had started making the score 8-2 to the visitors. Leigh hit back with another penalty by their impressive stand off who shortly afterwards scored a wonderful solo try which gave the Leigh side a 2 point advantage. With 5 minutes remaining in the first half St Maries seemed to fall asleep and they let in 2 converted tries, this making the score 22-8 at half time.
Leigh where in within the first 5 minutes again, however controversy surrounded this try as St Maries scrum half seemed to ground the ball behind his own line, but to the astonishment of both teams a try was awarded. The Maries where now 20 points adrift and knew they would have to score next if they had any chance and they did just that through stand off Mike Smith who fended off 3 would be tacklers to score. The Maries were again on top and under 18's player Adam Prendergast was cutting holes in the Leigh defence every time he touched the ball. Some last ditched defence stopped the Maries on a couple of occasions and the Marie's started to look frustrated. Once again Prendergast found a hole offloading to Shaun Allen who found second row Lee Lamb who made a charge for the corner, winger Sean Field made an excellent inside run which was enough to weaken the defence leaving Lamb with a one on one and there was no contest as Lamb powered over the line to score. Leigh nearly went in shortly after this, but a try saving tackle by Sean Field and Peter Crosby put this to a halt. There were plenty of big shots coming in from both sides but pick of the bunch was a Lee Lamb bone cruncher on his opposite number, who did really well to get back up. The Miners where 12 points ahead and cleverly dropped a goal. This meant the Maries would have to score 3 times with only 15 minutes remaining. Unfortunately the Maries could only manage 1 more score, Adam Middleton and Stu Harland combined to put Lee Lamb in for his second.
Athena Security Man of the Match was Mike Smith closely followed by Adam Prendergast and Shaun Allen.
HARESFINCH 18 v WIDNES ST MARIES 40
07.03.09
Widnes St Maries continued there push for promotion with this hard fought victory. Haresfinch took an early lead with a penalty kick, but Maries Captain Mike Smith ghousted through the Haresfinch defence to score under the sticks to take his side into the lead.Some ill discipline then lead to a try for Haresfinch, which was quickly cancelled out by a Maries try this time by Rob Lamb who was playing for the first time since September. It was Lamb again who linked up with Jamie Rowlands and Mike Smith which eventually led to a try in the corner for Kie McDonnell. Chris Cartledge converted to take the score to 16-8 to the Widnes side.Just before half time Substitute Jamie Rowlands scored a great individual try which was again converted by Cartledge.
Haresfinch started the second half the better and went in for two quick tries taking the score 22-18, game on! The Maries again responded and some good forward work by Carl Leech and Liam McCann lend to another Jamie Rowlands try. The next try was scored by Rob Lamb who knocked four would be tacklers on his way to the line, with the conversion the score was now 32-18. Haresfinch never gave up and some excellent Maries defence saw the St Helens men held up short a couple of times. Then came the try of the game as Mike Smith fed the ball wide to speedy winger Craig Knight who ran 80 metres to score. Two Minutes later the other winger Jamie Walsh went in for a try of his own and ensured the Maries would take the points. Man of the Match was Jamie Rowlands who pushed close by Carl Leech and Mike Smith.
TEAM- 1 Chris Cartledge 2 Jamie Walsh 3 Jez Whitfield 4 Kie McDonnell 5 Craig Knight 6 Mike Smith(c) 7 Chris Barr 8 Tony Hannon 9 Ryan Quinn 10 Liam McCann 11 Stu Harland 12 Carl Leech 13 Rob Lamb 14 Jamie Rowlands 15 Peter Crosby 16 Paul Whitley 17 Tony Haddock
WIDNES ST MARIES 22 v GOLBORNE PARKSIDE 22
28.02.09
Golborne started this game the better asking question of the Maries defence in the first 15 minutes. Widnes St Maries defence held out as Golborne couldn't find a way over even with 18 tackles on the run. Once the Maries got into the game they started to play some real good rugby which eventually paid off when an excellent move started by Ryan Millington was finished by centre Sean Bennett. Some ill discipline then allowed Golborne to kick a couple of goals to level the score. Shortly after this second row Stu Harland powered his way over giving advantage back to the home team. Once again ill discipline was the key as
The hosts had two men sin binned. Right on half time Golborne went in at the corner and with the conversion Golborne where leading at half time 10-8.
The Maries started the second half well and where unlucky not to score a couple of times. Then the Maries failed to deal with a long punt down field and this resulted with Golborne going in for another try. The home side where now 8 points a drift and had to take the game to Golborne. Some good forward work by captain Tony Hannon set up the move of the game as Ryan Millington provided the pass to Jez Whitfield who finished well. Millington was again involved and grabbed a try for himself, with Craig Dourley adding the extras this gave the home side a 2 point advantage. A couple of minutes later Dourley added a penalty. With five minutes remaining Golborne where piling the pressure on, Athena Security man of the match Mark Hardman was everywhere in defence, but some how the Golborne second row picked a gap to score with the extras taking the score to 22-20 to the visitors. With under a minute left the Maries where awarded a penalty 40 yards out and Dourley kept his nerve to share the points.
22-22 final score.
TEAM: 1 Chris Cartledge 2 Craig Knight 3 Sean Bennett 4 Jez Whitfield 5 Mike Stevenson 6 Mike Smith 7 Ryan Millington 8 Tony Hannon(c) 9 Craig Dourley 10 Andrew Donough 11 Stu Harland 12 Barry Quinn 13 Mark Hardman Replacements: 14 Jamie Rowlands 15 Tony Haddock 16 Richie O'Rourke 17 Scott Harland
WIDNES ST MARIES 22 v HINDPOOL 10
14.02.09
Widnes St Maries carry on their unbeaten run but not without a massive fright from the game Hindpool side who travelled from Barrow with only 12 men. Lee Lamb and Jez Whitfield combined to put in Athena Security man of the match youngster Shaun Allen for the first try after only 6 minutes. Allen turned provider with an excellent pass to Martin Scott who scored out wide. Adam Middleton made no mistake with both conversions and with 12 points on the board in only 10 minutes the writing was on the wall. However the visitors then got off the bus and played some excellent attacking football and determined defence to keep the Maries scoreless up to the break. Burns, Martin and Rickleton were outstanding for the Cumbrians. Whitfield was unstoppable and further tries should have come from Middleton and Mike Smith but good defence and bad luck kept them out.
Hindpool scored to really frighten the Maries before Middleton scored a great individual try. Martin scored a Burns converted try to pull the visitors to only 6 behind. On the 75th minute with Hindpool looking the likelier of the two to score Smith intercepted and went 90 metres to score. Stu Hartland’s towering kick off the line secured a win for the nervy Maries.
Shaun Allen was Athena Security man of the match with wingman Adam Middleton and Captain Mike Smith closest contenders in a superb advert for amateur rugby league.
Team;-. Chris Cartledge; Martin Scott, Ritchie O’Rourke, Jez Whitfield; Adam Middleton; Mike Smith; Jamie Rowlands; Peter Crosby; Shaun Allen; Tony Hannon; Ryan Quinn; Stuart Harland; Lee Lamb. Replacements: -Rees Done; Barry Quinn; Tony Haddock; Adam Prendergast.
ORRELL ST JAMES 0 v WIDNES ST MARIES 16
31.01.09
Widnes St Maries nilled their Wigan rivals to record their ninth win on the run and move into the top three in Division 3. Orrell showed early why they had only lost twice this season when the centre broke through after a good cross-field move only to drop the ball at the line. The Maries response was instantaneous when Chris Cartledge scored a Shaun Dourley converted try out wide after great approach work from Mike Stevenson, captain Lee Lamb and Athena Security man of the match Craig Millington. Stevenson increased the lead on 14 minutes after Ste Riley Dourley and Millington had created the space. Lamb powered over on 18 minutes when Tony Hannon, Dourley and Millington combined to mesmerise the home defence for the big loose forward to power over. Peter Crosby, Paul Whitley, Dourley and Riley broke through only for the chip to stick in the heavy mud. Sill Orrell came back and were unlucky when Dandy and Stevens combined to put them through only to knock on when scoring seemed inevitable. The hosts through everything at the Maries for 15 minutes but thanks to resolute defence with Crosby, Stuart Harland, Lamb, Ryan and Barry Quinn outstanding they held out to the break at 16-0.
Silly penalties kept the Wiganers in with a chance when the visitors tried to close the game down. Sean Benson scored what appeared to be a good try only to be pulled back. Riley then Shaun Allen went close but still the hosts held out. Dourley, Lamb and Crosby lost the chase to ground a chip through then Bennett seared 40 metres to release Jez Whitfield who was tackled with the line begging. Allen “scored” only to have it wiped of for a forward pass and the Orrell side held out to the whistle. To hold out the Maries attack and keep then scoreless for the last 62 minutes shows the determination in the Orrell side and the visitors were ecstatic to take both points of one of the best sides they have played this season.
Craig Millington was Athena Security man of the match with wingman Sean Bennett and second row Ryan Quinn closest contenders in a superb advert for amateur rugby league. Hooker Dandy was man of the match for Orrell.
Team;-. Ste Riley; Mike Stevenson; Chris Cartledge; Jez Whitfield; Sean Bennett; Craig Millington, Shaun Dourley, Peter Crosby; Shaun Allen; Tony Hannon; Ryan Quinn; Stuart Harland; Lee Lamb. Replacements: - Adam Middleton; Barry Quinn; Paul Whitley; Jamie Rowlands.
WIDNES ST MARIES 36 v ROCHDALE MAYFIELD 06
24.01.09
Widnes St Marie's made it eight back to back wins with this impressive display against Rochdale Mayfield. The game started pretty slowly but when Craig Millington and Craig Knight both scored in quick succession St Maries looked like they meant business. Sub Stu Harland came on and linked up with the impressive Ryan Millington to score. A beautiful move by half backs Mike Smith and Bobbie Goulding ended in Harland feeding Jez Whitfield to score under the post for a converted try. Harland then gave an excellent ball to Adam Middleton who raced in for another converted try making it 28-0 at half time.
Harland went in for his second just after the break as a cricket score looked to be on the cards, but some excellent defence by Rochdale was finally rewarded with a try of their own. As the pitch got heavier the game was more of a forwards battle with good performances from Liam McCann and Jamie Rowlands. Athena Security Man of the Match Ryan Millington didn't put a foot wrong all day, same with his brother Craig who put a lovely weighted kick to corner for speedy winger Knight to go in for his second and the last try of the afternoon.
HEYSHAM ATOMS 20 v WIDNES ST MARIES 28
17.01.09
Widnes St Maries kept their promotion hope alive with this impressive victory over a very strong Heysham side. St Maries started like a house on fire with two tries in the first ten minutes. The first coming from Bobbie Goulding as he step two men to score under the sticks. Goulding was again involved in the next score as a fine pass sent Jez Whitfield away, who raced fifty yards to score. It looked to be an easy day as the Maries where dominating, but Heysham had other ideas as they took the game to the Maries and a couple of good plays seen them close the gap to within two points. Maries responded in style and some great play by Jamie Rowlands and Mike Smith ended with Adam Middleton powering over in the corner. With only a minute to go the half time ill discipline from the Widnes side enable Heysham to score and take the score to 16-16 at half time.
The Atoms started the stronger and asked questions of the Maries defence. Liam McCann and Sean Dawson where everywhere and tackling everything, but it was only a matter of time before Heysham went in for another unconverted try. St Maries had to step it up and forwards Tony Hannon and Peter Crosby set a platform for the halfbacks. Smith and Goulding linked up to put Jamie Rowlands deep into the hosts half, Goulding then found full back Cartledge who somehow put Ryan Quinn in under the post with a wonder pass. Goulding converted to take the score to 22-20 to the Widnes side with ten minutes remaining. The game really could of gone either way but when Athena Security Man of the Match Mike Smith sent Jez Whitfield in for his seconds the points where coming home with the Men from Widnes.
WIDNES ST MARIES 16 v DALTON 4
13.12.08
In atrocious conditions the Maries ground out a fifth successive win to go up into 3rd place in Division 3. The Cumbrian visitors surprised the hosts with an early score despite heroics from fullback Chris Cartledge, hooker Ryan Quinn and props Andy Hibbert and Paul Borg. Solid defence from Borg, Hibbert, Martin Scott and Lee Lamb kept the visitors at bay. With Bobbie Goulding, Sean Dawson and Craig Millington probing and Myter Fabrications man of the match Stu Harland, Lee Lamb, Borg and Mike Lamb battering away at a huge defence the inevitable equaliser came just before the break. Goulding’s clever ball found winger Chris Fenlon who sped from his own half to the defending 20 metre line, drew the full back and released Mike Lamb who put Dawson in to level at the break.
Adam Middleton and Borg opened up the Dalton defence for Harland to power over. Goulding stretched the lead with a penalty to 6 points and Lee Lamb and Harland both went close. Millington sealed a big win with a Goulding converted try. Great effort by the returning Ste O'Brien, Paul Whitley and Shaun Allen.
Myter Fabrications man of the match the outstanding Stu Harland was pushed all the way by Sean Dawson and Bobbie Goulding.
Team: Chris Cartledge, Adam Middleton, Mike Lamb, Craig Millington, Martin Scott, Sean Dawson, Bobbie Goulding, Andy Hibbert, Ryan Quinn, Paul Borg, Stuart Harland, Barry Quinn, Lee Lamb.
Replacements: Chris Fenlon, Shaun Allen, Paul Whitley and Ste O'Brien.
WIDNES ST MARIES 18 v BLACKPOOL STANLEY 0
06.12.08
Blackpool had to concede defeat as they were unable to raise a team.
WIDNES ST MARIES 32 v ORRELL ST JAMES 4
29.11.08
WIDNES ST MARIES 35 v BLACKBROOK A 2
22.11.08
Widnes St Maries beat Blackbrook A to progress to the next round of the North West Counties Challenge Cup.
Try scorers Lee Lamb, Karl O'Doherty, Ryan Millington, Ryan Quinn, Mike Stevenson (2).
Man of the match Bobbie Goulding 4 goals plus 1 field goal and 1 conversion from Ryan Quinn.
Team: Mike Stevenson, Adam Middleton, Brian Done, Karl O'Doherty, Chris Cartledge, Ryan Millington, Bobbie Goulding, Andy Hibbert, Shaun Dawson, Ryan Quinn, Lee Lamb, Stuart Harland, Andy Donohue.
Replacements: Tony Hannon, Liam McCann, Paul Whitley and Barry Quinn.
BLACKPOOL STANLEY 6 v WIDNES ST MARIES 30
15.11.08
Scott Potter, Ste Riley and coach Chris Fenlon before the win over Haresfinch.
WIDNES ST MARIES 24 v HARESFINCH 16
08.11.08
Lee Lamb was unlucky early on when released by Stuart Harland and Mark Hardman, before Harland, Andy Donaghue on his debut and Ste Riley opened up the St Helens side’s defence. Jamie Rowlands scurried through before releasing Riley at the line to score. Adam Middleton made no mistake to give the hosts the perfect start to push on from. Unfortunately Haresfinch had not read the script and their man of the match Peter Tracey flew in at the corner. Prop Graham Soums barged over near the sticks and despite heroic defence from Sean Dawson, Rowlands, man of the match Mike Stevenson and Andrew Dearden the visitors scored again through Tracey giving them a 16-6 lead after only 30 minutes. Fortunately this was to be their last score as Mike Smith, Dawson, Middleton, Riley and Stevenson all pulled of try saving tackles. With Paul Whitley, Harland, Ryan Quinn and Stevenson all going close the Maries finished the half the stronger.
Stevenson seared over on the re-start when Smith, Chris Ward, Whitley and Scott Potter helped to push the big St Helens defence back giving the speedy winger room to explode. This was quickly followed by a brace from Chris Barr when released by Dawson then a Rowlands and Smith combination to put the Maries ahead. Dawson, Stevenson, Smith and Rowlands were now running the show and it was now surprise when the excellent Riley powered over for his second try making the game safe.
Myter Fabrications man of the match Mike Stevenson was pushed all the way by Mark Hardman and Ste Riley.
Team:-Ste Riley, Andrew Dearden, Chris Barr, Chris Cartledge, Mike Stevenson, Mike Smith, Sean Dawson, Ryan Quinn, Jamie Rowlands, Stuart Harland, Lee Lamb, Mark Hardman, Andy Donoghue. Replacements: Adam Middleton, Chris Ward, Paul Whitley, Scott Potter.
DALTON v WIDNES ST MARIES
01.11.08 Postponed
WIDNES ST MARIES 16 v SADDLEWORTH RANGERS 22
25.10.08
HINDPOOL 18 v WIDNES ST MARIES 10
18.10.08
WIDNES ST MARIES 06 v LEIGH MINERS RANGERS 20
11.10.08
HALTON SIMMS CROSS 54 v WIDNES ST MARIES 10
20.09.08
Premiership high flyers won the Lancashire Cup Round 2 game despite a brave challenge from the Maries second string. Simmies scored 9 converted tries to the Saints tries from Jamie Rowlands (converted by Jez Whitfield) and Lee Lamb.
PARKSIDE GOLBORNE 12 v WIDNES ST MARIES 10
13.09.08
The hosts kicked dead from the kick off giving the Maries an early advantage and after man of the match Jez Whitfield had gone 40 metres the ball was worked across field by Gary McKeown and Mike Smith for Liam Smith to score in the corner. Parkside replied almost immediately after a dubious knock on decision by a poor official gave Chris Burgess the chance to score. With both tries unconverted it produced a 4-4 scoreline which was to last until the break. The official was disrupting play a many silly penalties occurred stopping the natural flow. Tony Kirwan was through but pulled back, Jamie Rowlands then Whitfield were pulled back before the inevitable happened when an official loses a game Chris Cartledge and loose forward and Parkside man of the match James Wilde were given a 10 minute break. Glynn Holland, McKeown and the impressive Richard O’Rourke went close as the Maries dominated play. Evergreen Simon Prendergast should have scored when it was easier than the pass he tried and Lee Lamb finished the half with another near miss.
Prendergast dummy run opened up the Golborne defence for McKeown and Mark Hardman to create space for Jamie Walsh to nip over for a Cartledge converted try. The Maries looked good value for their 10-4 lead but Parkside would not lie down and Wilde, Danny Byrne, Gary Dooney and Lee Monks were outstanding. After several silly mistakes and needless penalties the visitors were punished when Monks barged over for a James Byrne converted try. Kirwan was held up on the line, Holland almost charged over, Prendergast was hurt in an attempt at the line and O’Rourke went close twice before Byrne’s sucker punch with a penalty for a high tackle 40 metres out.
Man of the match Jez Whitfield was pushed all the way by Mark Hardman and Richard O’Rourke on his debut.
Team:-Jez Whitfield, Liam Smith, Chris Barr, Mark Hardman, Chris Cartledge, Mike Smith, Gary McKeown, Tony Kirwan, Martin Scott, Glynn Holland, David Prescot, Sean Conroy, Jamie Rowlands. Replacements: Richard O’Rourke, Simon Prendergast, Lee Lamb, Ryan Quinn.
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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