Orrell St James 10 v Widnes St Maries 50
09.10.10
Widnes St Maries started there Lancashire Cup campaign with an convincing win over their Division two counterpart's. It wasn't all plain sailing as it was the Wigan side who took an early lead with two well worked tries. 10-0 down St Maries who had earlier lost their two Half Backs and Hooker who were required by the NCL Maries Team, picked their game up. It was Scrum Half Jammy Rowlands who started to boss the game. Rowlands and Stand off Mark Birmingham linked up well to send Adam Prendagast up field. From the resulting play St Maries were on the score sheet as Tez McCabe received a lovely pass from Dave Laughton to dive over. Again the Maries attacked the Orrell line after some hard yards by New boy Danny Holt and Captain Tony Kirwan. The Ball was put through hands to Wing man Liam Ward who cut inside and somehow released the ball to Loose Forward Prendagast who ghosted over. Karl O'Doherty converted from the touch line beautifully to level the game. Once again Maries Half Backs linked up and a great pass to Holt took the Maries side in front. A Couple of Minutes before half time St Maries increased their lead as Ward again went down the left hand side, beating two Men to go in the corner. Half Time 18-10 to the visitors. St Maries kept up the pressure, within two minutes they were in again. It was Adam Prendagast grabbing his second picking the ball up from the scrum and powering over. The next try went to powerful forward McCabe as he carried three Men over the line with him to grab his second try also. O'Doherty converting both tries. Orrell put pressure on the Widnes side, but the Widnesian defence was on top form. Next try came from Shaun Allen who covered every blade of grass on the pitch, Allen received a pass from Birmingham for the score. Once again O'Doherty converted.It was O'doherty himself scoring the next try as he ran a great line to race in under the post. St Maries were dominating and when Rowlands fed the ball to Full Back Mike Smith who won the 50 yard foot race to score. The game almost over, just time for one last score and it was Allen scoring his second to take the tally to 50-10. Man Of The Match went to Mike Smith closely followed by Adam Prendagast and Shaun Allen. Widnes St Maries will now face Bank Quay Bulls in the next round.
1 MIKE SMITH 2 LIAM WARD 3 RICHIE O'ROURKE 4 KARL O'DOHERTY 5 DAVE LAUGHTON 6 MARK BIRMINGHAM 7 JAMIE ROWLANDS 8 TONY KIRWAN 9 SHAUN ALLEN 10 TONY KIRWAN 11 TEZ MCCABE 12 DANNY HOLT 13 ADAM PRENDAGAST 14 JAMES KIRWAN 15 PAUL WHITLEY 16 CHRIS FENLON DANNY RUTH |
Widnes St Maries 40 v Askam 6
02.10.10
Widnes St Maries looked to bounce back after last weeks disappointing display away to Dalton. It was again another big Cumbrian side they faced in Askam, who are tipped by many for promotion this season.
St Maries were on top for the first 10 minutes and the Cumbrians barely made it out of their half. This pressure paid off for the hosts as some great work by Adam Prendergast made hard yards and sent the Maries down field. Scrum Half Danny Wood then hit a great line but was brilliantly tackled 10 metres out. Some individual skill by stand off Craig Dourley saw him dive under the sticks for the first Widnes score, which he converted himself. The Maries began to really dominate with some strong running by Alan Ditchfield and Shaun Allen; it was the latter who made a break with second rower Karl O'Doherty supporting who fed wing man Liam Ward to score in the corner. St Maries had to defend next and did so really well near to their own line. Recently announced Athena Security Player of the Month Danny Magee made a tackle regaining possession for his side. Again the Widnes side put the pressure on and again the impressive Wood and Ditchfield were involved feeding powerhouse centre Andy Benson who took on two then passed to his wing man Mike Fairclough who went in for the next try. Askam then picked up their game and some really great player by the Cumbrian stand off was awarded with a try. Maries again attacking well spread the ball through hands and once again O'Doherty found Ward who won a foot race to the line. Then on the stroke of half time the game was marred by a serious injury to St Maries Winger Michael Fairclough who was taken to hospital and referee and both teams decided to move onto another pitch while Mike was treated by paramedics.
The game was now being played on a smaller pitch, but the Widnes side just kept the intensity up and it wasn't long before Ditchfield went in converted by Dourley. A couple of minutes later Prop forward Andy Hibbert bundled over much to the delight of himself and fans a like! Again Dourley converted. Askam never gave in and where very unlucky not to score with a clever chip over. It was player coach Chris Fenlon who cleared up behind his line and powered his way out to keep possession. Then came the try of the game when Mark French on his return after being out so long with injury raced 50 yards to go in for another Maries score. With 5 minutes left a move from a scrum saw the ball go blind, Andy Benson finishing the move with sheer power. Another Dourley conversion took the tally to 40 points.
BEER 'T' YOU Man of the Match went to Scrum Half Danny Wood.
Team: Mike Smith, Liam Ward, Shaun Allen, Andy Benson, Mike Fairclough, Craig Dourley, Danny Wood, Andy Hibbert, Danny Magee, Richie O'Rourke, Adam Prendergast, Karl O’Doherty, Alan Ditchfield
Replacements: Mark French, Anthony Hollins, Jamie Rowlands, Chris Fenlon
DALTON 32 v WIDNES ST MARIES 18
25.09.10
Team: Mike Smith, Liam Ward, Shaun Allen, Ryan Quinn, Chris Fenlon, Craig Dourley, Danny Wood, Tony Kirwan, Danny Magee, Paul Whitley, Adam Prendergast, Karl O'Doherty, Mark Birmingham.
Replacements: James Kirwan, Stuart Helps.
WIDNES ST MARIES 18 v INCE ROSE BRIDGE 12
18.09.10
Widnes St Maries aim was to make it 3 from 3, against a strong defensive Wigan team, they managed to get this but the visitors made them work them all the way. The hosts started well with centre Shaun Allen breaking through after only 5 minutes, Allen was tackled short and Ince defended their line well. Again the Maries were putting pressure on, this time it was Lee Lamb breaking through and from the resulting tackle the impressive Danny Magee scooted over for a try which Craig Dourley converted. Maries continued with some strong play with half backs Matty Viggers and Dourley controlling everything. A forced error gave the Maries another chance; it was once again Lee Lamb who broke, this time to score. The conversion made it 12-0 to the home side. Ince picked their game up and started to ask question of the Maries defence. Tez McCabe and Danny Magee put in some real crunching tackles, the latter forcing an error to the relief of his team mates. Captain Matty Viggers then scored an individual try as he dazzled the Wigan defence weaving between the would be tacklers. 18-0 at half time and the Widnes side hadn't got out of second gear.
Unfortunately for St Maries 2nd gear is where they stayed thanks to the enthusiastic Rose Bridge players. St Maries had now been dragged into a dog fight, and it was Ince who seemed to take advantage, and came close on a couple of occasions. They then scored a well work try taking the score to 18-6. With 5 minutes to go the Bridge went in for another try and gave the Maries a nervous couple of minutes but they hung on to remain undefeated.
Athena Security Man of the Match was Danny Magee, with the captains Man of the Match going to Tez McCabe.
Team: Mike Smith, Liam Ward, Shaun Allen, Lee Lamb, Jake Fraser, Craig Dourley, Matty Viggers, Peter Crosby, Danny Magee, Adam Prendergast, Tez McCabe, Ryan Quinn, Mark Birmingham.
Replacements: James Kirwan, Lee Potter, Jamie Rowlands, Paul Whitley.
ORRELL ST JAMES (WIGAN) 18 v WIDNES ST MARIES 30
11.09.10
Widnes St Maries went into their second game of the season with an already injury plagued squad. 10 from last weeks 17 were missing and it was a real headache for the coaching staff to field a team. Chris Fenlon was forced to play along with youngster Stu Helps. Conditions in the first half were not great for both teams and the small pitch seemed to suit the home side. The game was deadlocked until 20 minutes when Orrell went in after some persistence on the Maries line. The Maries then blew a couple of chances and were also unlucky, centre Danny Magee was held up over the line, and the impressive Tony Haddock could not quite find the right pass after a 30 metre break. The Widnes side were finally rewarded for their hard work, some strong running by 80 minute prop forwards Tony Kirwan and Peter Crosby set up the platform for Danny Wood to find scrum half Matty Viggers with a beautiful pass for a converted try. The score was locked 6-6 at half time.
Straight from kick off in the second half Liam Smith went 60 metres down the field and a fast play the ball enabled Matty Viggers to feed Mark Birmingham who finished well. By this time the Maries took control, especially in defence as the Kirwan brothers Tony and James were putting in some real bone crunching tackles. The next try came from Liam Smith as he stepped one and some how managed to get the ball down quickly followed by another Birmingham try. Orrell hit back with a nice move, St Maries prop Crosby was sin binned after questioning this try, in Peter's own unique way! The 12 men from Widnes then hit back and increased their lead with some good play by hooker Wood and some individual brilliance by loose forward Mark Birmingham. Once again, Orrell kept themselves in the game with another good try. Next, up stepped big wing man Chris Fenlon as he received the ball 40 meters out fended off two would be tacklers and raced for the line. The fullback made a great attempt to stop Fenlon, but his sheer power took him into the corner for the 4 points. The match was then put to bed as Captain Tony Haddock received an excellent pass from Viggers to race in for the Maries final try, converted by Liam Ward. other conversions were by Mike Smith and Craig Dourley. The last 5 minutes tempers ran high and some un-pleasantness were exchanged. The result, 4 Men Sin Binned, 3 from St Maries! Maries 10 men held on to keep the score at 30-18 and make it two wins from two.
LAS Plumbing Man Of The Match went to hooker Danny Wood.
Team: Mike Smith, Liam Ward, Dave Laughton, Danny Magee, Chris Fenlon, Craig Dourley, Matty Viggers, Peter Crosby, Danny Wood, Tony Kirwan, Adam Prendergast, Tony Haddock (Capt), Mark Birmingham.
Replacements: James Kirwan, Jamie Rowlands, Liam Smith, Stuart Helps.
WIDNES ST MARIES 18 v HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS 0
04.09.10
A Widnes derby kicked off the 2010-11 season for Widnes St Maries as they took on Halton Farnworth Hornets at Brentfields. Maries forced an error early on, with the line at there mercy Loose forward Karl O’Doherty could not quite hold on to a loose pass. Farnworth responded and it was veteran Gary Richardson and new signing Dave Patterson who started to control things around the ruck area, with the Hornets forwards running off them well. Maries needed to up their game and once the impressive Richard O'Rourke made a half break it looked to end in a try for Maries winger Chris Cartledge who was superbly tackled short by the Hornets winger. Another error on their own line eventually led to Captain Baz Quinn going over for the first try of the game. Shortly after St Maries were in for a second this time it was Karl O'Doherty who fended off a tackle to go in for a 4 pointer. Farnworth stepped it up and Mike Riley and Stu Davis were hitting the ball up well. St Maries whilst attacking where shocked by the awareness of stand off Patterson as he clutched a Marie’s pass and had 40 yards to race with only the full back to beat, Patterson had support on the inside but elected to go himself only to be stopped by a last gasp tackle by Jake Fraser. 5 Min's later once again Farnworth were putting pressure on the Maries line. Some clever play by Gary Richardson saw him chip a ball to team mate Kyle McGreevey who could not quite keep hold. Half time score 8-0 to the home side.
Farnworth started brightly with Forwards Tim Leech and Tony Fretwell running strong. St Maries knew the next score would be vital and when debutee Liam Ward broke through and chipped on they seemed to have got it, but stand off Craig Dourley could not quite reach the ball as it bounced dead. Strong second row Danny Yates was then high tackled and tempers flared between the teams. It was then Yates from the resulting penalty who bounced off three would be tacklers and go 40 yards only to be stopped short. Acting half and new boy Danny Magee then cleverly passed the ball to powerhouse forward Tony Kirwan who was simply unstoppable from five out, Dourley added the extras. Farnworth never gave up and continued to press forward. Then came the try of the game with only seconds remaining, It was Craig Dourley who started the move which went through five pair of hands before centre Dave 'Dougie' Laughton finished beautifully making the final score 18-0 Man of the match sponsored by 'BEER T YOU' was Danny Yates, pushed all the way by Richard O'Rourke and Mike Riley.
Team: Mike Smith, Chris Cartledge, Dave Laughton, Alan Ditchfield, Liam Ward, Craig Dourley, Jamie Rowlands, Richie O'Rourke, Shaun Allen, Tony Kirwan, Barry Quinn, Danny Yates, Karl O'Doherty.
Replacements: Danny Magee, Ryan Quinn, Jake Fraser, David Lloyd.
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INCE ROSE BRIDGE 2 v WIDNES ST MARIES 20
29.09.10
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9628350@N07/sets/72157624940198393/
report to follow
Scorers:
Tries: Mike Allen, MIke Fairclough, Dave Welsh.
Conversions: Lee Birdseye (2), Shaun Dourley (2).
Team: Dean French, Mike Fairclough, Andy Benson, Danny Yates, Scott Harland, Lee Birdseye, Dave Welsh, Dave Prescott, Anthony Hollins, Leighton Smith, Mike Allen, Mike Gill, Danny Gilmore.
Replacements: Shaun Dourley, Lee Lamb, Gavin Conroy, Craig Lawton.
WIDNES ST MARIES 60 v NORMANTON KNIGHTS 0
25.09.10
Widnes St Maries showed true championship potential as they totally dominated a hard working Normanton side scoring 10 unanswered tries. Last year’s promotion hopefuls were never allowed to settle and the Maries were in total control from the moment that the excellent Andy Hibbert forced his way through to release lively full back Dean French. His try was converted by Whalley White boots Lee Birdseye for the first of his nine successful conversions. Powerful centre Andy Benson who is in the best form of his life at present powered in for the second. Birdseye then turned provider and released stand off Dave Welsh to score quickly followed by a Chris Cartledge individual try. Props Hibbert and Dave Prescott had put the Knights to the sword and if they thought that the change over to Leighton Smith and Lee Lamb would give them a respite they were sadly wrong. Lamb created havoc with an immediate 40 metre break which left tacklers in his wake driving right up to the line. Centre Steve Riley who was bidding farewell prior to going to Afghanistan raced in for the first of his brace and man of the match French brought up the half time score to 36-0.
The Knights stubborn defence held out for ten minutes before wingman Mike Fairclough was able to break the tackle and race in for a Shaun Dourley converted try.Dourley took a magnificent kick off the touch line while Birdseye was cleaning his new boots. Further touchdowns flowed then from Benson and Riley with lively hooker Anthony Hollins completing the rout and putting the hosts top of the table.
Athena Security man of the match went to Dean French for an all-round awesome performance in a magnificent team performance with the visitors Dave Dunwell taking their award.
Team: Dean French, Mike Fairclough, Andy Benson, Ste Riley, Chris Cartledge, Lee Birdseye, Dave Welsh, Dave Prescott, Anthony Hollins, Andy Hibbert, Mike Allen, Mike Gill, Danny Gilmore.
Replacements: Shaun Dourley, Lee Lamb, Scott Harland, Leighton Smith.
ECCLES & SALFORD 0 v WIDNES ST MARIES 40
18.09.10
Widnes St Maries showed true championship potential as they totally dominated a never say die Eccles side. It took just 10 mins for the Maries to take the lead with a Mike Allen try, converted by man of the match Lee Birdseye. With Dave Welsh and Anthony Hollins setting a lively platform, powerful centre Andy Benson charged in for a try on 19 minutes. Richie O’Rourke barged over 3 minutes later before the inform Benson scored his second on 27 mins to make the score 0-24 thanks to Birdseye’s 100% conversion rate with the boot. Birdseye did miss a penalty attempt on 37 minutes and also failed to improve Mike Gill’s impressive solo try in the dying seconds of the half giving the visitors an unassailable 28 point lead at the break.
Eccles had a much better second half and restricted the rampant Maries to two quick tries in a 3 min spell, both converted by the impressive Birdseye, the first was scored by the hard working prop David Prescott in 57 minutes, this was quickly followed up by a well worked individual try from Birdseye, who followed his own chip to collect, score and convert. Eccles twice managed goal line drop outs on the 50th and 75th minutes and Richard Openshaw had a try disallowed on 65 minutes for a knock on. But the day belonged to the Maries, whose forwards were far too powerful for the home defence.
Athena Security man of the match went to Birdseye for an all-round awesome performance with the hosts Mike O'Boyle taking their award.
Team: Dean French, Mike Fairclough, Andy Benson, Ste Riley, Chris Cartledge, Lee Birdseye, Dave Welsh, Dave Prescott, Anthony Hollins, Andy Hibbert, Mike Allen, Mike Gill, Danny Gilmore.
Replacements: Shaun Dourley, Richie O’Rourke, Danny Prendergast, Tony Kirwan.
WIDNES ST MARIES 40 v CASTLEFORD PANTHERS 24
11.09.10
Spare a thought for Panthers scrum half Jimmy Clarkson who scored a hat trick of tries but ended up on the losing side. The rampant Maries though never looked like losing their first home game of the season running in 26 points in a breathless 25 minutes. In only the 2nd minute a loose ball was picked up 10 metres out by Fairclough who raced the length of the field to score in the corner. Two minutes later unstoppable centre Andy Benson powered over from a Lee Birdseye pass to give the scrum half his first of six conversions. On 12 minutes, after some good build up play Birdseye put in a smart chip over the oncoming Panthers defence for full back Dean French to pick up and go over wide out, giving Birdseye a difficult but successful conversion. Five minutes later with all of the play going one way Birdseye used the two outstanding props Andy Hibbert & Leighton Smith as decoys to step through the visitors defence with consummate ease to score a self converted try. On the 25 minutes mark came probably the try of the match, after some outstanding interpassing French linked into the line to latch onto a beautiful reverse pass by Dave Welch to outpace the Castleford defence to score in the corner taking the score to a massive 26-0. The Maries eased off and let the visitors back into the game. On 35 minutes, Scott Oldham bamboozled the Maries defence with a smart run from dummy half to score a Clarkson converted try. Right on half time mercurial Clarkson put in a lovely chip over the home defence to re-gather and race 30 yards to score. His conversion closed the half at 26-12.
Straight from the re-start replacement Chris Knowles scored to put Castleford back into the game with Clarkson converting to make the score 26-18. Normal service was resumed on 51 minutes when Welch took on the Castleford defence drawing in 3 players then offloading a beautiful inside pass to the unstoppable Benson to score his 2nd. Ten minutes later after incessant Maries pressure on the visitors line a sloppy pass was scooped up by Clarkson to race the length of the pitch to score, beautifully converted from the touchline by himself. Back came the hosts and after 64 minutes some excellent build up play culminated with Mike Allen crashing over for a Birdseye converted try. Hooker Ross Chalmers scored a controversial double movement try converted by Clarkson to make it 38-24 with only five to go but Birdseye put the game to bed with a converted penalty to make the score 40-24.
The game was well controlled by Chris Barnes (Wigan & Leigh Society) & his touch judges.
Team: Dean French, Mike Fairclough, Andy Benson, Ste Riley, Chris Cartledge, Lee Birdseye, Dave Welsh, Leighton Smith, Anthony Hollins, Andy Hibbert, Mike Allen, Mike Gill, Danny Gilmore.
Replacements: Shaun Dourley, Dave Prescott, Danny Prendergast, David Lloyd.
MILLOM 20 v WIDNES ST MARIES 24
04.09.10
The Maries started off their Division 1 season under coach Will Tilleke with a majestic win at Millom. They showed their intent after only 2 minutes when Mike Fairclough raced away after Dave Welsh scooped up a dropped ball. With the Maries exerting extreme pressure Paul Evans intercepted a long ball and fed Rick Kershaw who responded for Millom on the quarter hour and Evans’s conversion pushed them ahead. Welsh’s penalty on 18minutes tied the scores but Joe Moyes scored again for the hosts to push them ahead on 32 minutes. A powerful run by centre Andy Benson on the break brought the scores level at 10-10.
Evans charged in for a try and conversion swiftly followed by a successful penalty. Benson charged over for his second before Fairclough raced away on the hour to put the Maries level. Shaun Dourley’s conversion was cancelled out by a Millom penalty before Welsh won the game with a late try. Great away win for the Maries scoring 5 tries 3 and without regular goalkicker Lee Birdseye who was sorely missed.
Team: Ste Riley, Mike Fairclough, Andy Benson, Mike Gill, Scott Harland, Adam Flanagan, Dave Welsh, Leighton Smith, Anthony Hollins, Andy Hibbert, Mike Allen, Danny Gilmore, Shaun Dourley. Replacements: Dean French, Dave Prescott, Danny Prendergast, Adam Prendergast.
The Maries National Conference League Div 1 side entertain Castleford Panthers on Saturday next 11.09.10.
Players to meet at 12 noon. Kick off 2.30pm
The North West Counties side travel to Orrell St James (Wigan).
Picture courtesy of Tommy Morris
2009-10
LEIGH MINERS 18 v WIDNES ST MARIES 18
23.02.10
Widnes St Maries grabbed a priceless point in their survival battle with a stunning second half fight back that resulted in them sharing the points in a blizzard. Miners looked to be in control at half time leading 16-0 going into the sheds at the break thanks to tries from Leon Brennan, John Woods and Scott O'Brien, Jonny Youds kicking two goals.
The second half belonged to St Maries with the returning Matty Viggers inspired at scrum half. Showing plenty of enthusiasm and commitment they got themselves back into the game with two tries through Chris Cartledge from a superb Viggers ball and then a cute Viggers chip which saw Lee Birdseye streak away for an own converted try to bring the score to 16-10. Miners kicked a Youds penalty goal to increase there lead to eight but with Maries tails up it was them to score next to bring them within four points, a Kiwi move with Dean French finding Adam Middleton out wide who cut back inside to score. A final try out wide late on when top scorer Sean Conroy fielded a Dave Welsh bomb brought them level and it was nothing more than they deserved after an excellent second half performance. Both teams had drop goal attempts drift wide late on as the score finished all square at 18 all on a cold wintry evening. Miners couldn't have complained if St Maries had won the game scoring 4 tries to their three and after a poor second half performance know they will have to improve if they want to be challenging for honours with the top teams in the league and cup come the end of the season. For St Maries it was a good point gained and a well deserved point in there bid to stay above the NCL drop zone. AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match with an awesome display after 12 months out was Matty Viggers pushed hard by young Dean French and Lee Birdseye.
Team: Dean French, Mike Fairclough, Sean Conroy, Mike Allen, Chris Cartledge, Lee Birdseye, Matty Viggers, Danny Prendergast, Anthony Hollins, Leighton Smith, Lee Lamb, Craig Gallimore, Dave Welsh. Replacements: Adam Middleton, Craig Lawton, Adam Prendergast, Stuart Harland.
Widnes St Marie’s 36 v Skirlaugh 22
13.02.10
Skirlaugh travelled to Widnes hoping to add to Widnes’s relegation woes but where beaten by a side that dug in deep and fought to avoid the drop The game was in general a scrappy affair between two poor sides and not aided by the match official who failed to control the match in any form Skirlaugh opened the scoring after 6 min’s when winger Adrian Wadforth made a great kick return of some 40 metres through the St Marie’s defence to find the supporting 2nd row Matty Bowers who then went the final 30 metres to score a good try After 10mins Skirlaugh suffered a major blow when prop forward Atkinson had to leave the field with a leg injury. After 13 min’s Skirlaugh failed to field a high kick on the last tackle and St Marie’s re-gathered the ball and fed the ball out to the left wing where No 5 Sean Conway squeezed in at the corner, a superb conversion from the touchline by Lee Birdseye gave the home side the lead at 6-4 Four minutes the visitors again spilled a kick through and from the resultant scrum Birdseye slipped a short ball to centre Mike Allen who fed 2nd row Lee Lamb to score a good team try Skirlaugh suffered a further blow when Outstanding Full Back Marc Smith had to leave the field after being knocked out when going for a loose ball with a St Marie’s player who accidentally caught him with his knee which resulted with him being badly concussed Around this time the game developed into a very poor scrappy affair with the referee failing to stamp out high tackles and it looked like it could explode at any time On the stroke of high time Skirlaugh got back into the match when good work by Bowers down the right hand side so him slip a ball out of the backdoor to the supporting Matty Danville who went 30 yards to score a good try with Jordan Precious converting to make the score 12 – 10 to the home side at the break
Widnes St Marie’s started the 2nd half in superb fashion increasing their lead after only 3 min’s when after Skirlaugh had given away a penalty winger Mike Fairclough went over after a magnificent run and scored by the corner flag yet another magnificent touchline conversion by Lee Birdseye gave the Marie’s an 18 – 10 lead Widnes went further ahead in the 49th minute when after yet another one on one ball steal saw a kick over the defence hacked on and a fortuitous rebound off the Skirlaugh full back saw scrum half Dean French score near the post with Birdseye converting to make the score 24 –10 Skirlaugh then threw everything at the St Marie’s defence and for the next 10 min’s camped in the St Maries 25 metre zone and where held up over the line on 2 occasions they could just not score until Widnes conceded 2 successive penalties and a great short ball from skipper Sean Wildbore playing in the unaccustomed position of hooker slipped a fine short ball to centre Kirk Abel to score with a conversion from Jordan Precious made the score 24 - 16 to St Marie’s After sustaining all the Skirlaugh pressure for the last 20 min’s the home side then scored 2 tries in 5 min’s to take the game away from the visitors. On 70 min’s prop Danny Prendergast crashed over near the post with the reliable Birdseye adding the extras Widnes then made the game safe when after a great break by Craig Gallimore so the ball shipped across to the left wing for Conway to score his 2nd try again converted by Birdseye. Birdseye rounded off the scoring for the home side when he kicked a penalty to give them 36 points Skirlaugh had the last score when on the last plat of the game Matty Danville intercepted to go 80 meters and score under the post this was converted by Adie Wadsworth to make the final score 36-22 in the home sides favour
This result for the Marie’s side will have given them hope that they can avoid the drop for Skirlaugh it’s a time to go away re-group and try to get back to that early season form
AJC Engineering man of the match was Lee Birdseye with Sean Conroy and Dean French pushing hard.
Team: Danny Sharples, Mike Fairclough, Mike Gill, Sean Conroy, Mike Allen, Lee Birdseye, Dean French, Danny Prendergast, Anthony Hollins, Leighton Smith, Lee Lamb, Craig Gallimore, Dave Welsh. Replacements: Graeme Buck, Mark Birmingham, Tony Kirwan, Stuart Harland.
WIDNES ST MARIES 18 v ELLAND 17
30.01.10
Widnes St Maries BARLA National Cup run continues but only just. The excellent Elland side from Halifax looked to have won the game but for an injury time winner from Lee Birdseye.
After the very poor show against Myton last week when the Maries crashed out of the Carnegie Challenge Cup a much improved performance was required and though not at their best they achieved this. The hosts started the better with prop Dave Prescott making a 30 metre break to feed Andy Donoghue. Dave Welsh on his return after working abroad took his pass but his ball to Mike Gill went to ground. Welsh the combined with AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match Lee Birdseye to send Prescott away again and this time he powered over giving Birdseye an easy conversion for the first of his 10 point haul. With the outstanding stand off Junaid Malik directing play Elland were soon back on terms. He did an audacious chip through which bounced invitingly for the supporting Oliver Fairbank to squeeze over. Phil Taylor’s conversion levelled the scores. Anthony Hollins, Birdseye and Welsh combined to put Danny Sharples through but last ditch tackling kept him out. Dehran Gibson then created space for Liam Manning to squeeze over at the corner pushing the visitors back ahead after 20 minutes. Mark Birmingham on his debut was putting in some strong runs and had considerably stiffened up the Maries in the middle. One such break put Andy Benson through who brought in Mike Allen but his ball out wide was dropped with the line beckoning. At the other end Dean French diffused a high bomb behind the line then his last ditch tackle stopped Ben Bottomly from scoring and keeping the visitors lead to only 6-10 at the break.
Elland had been under the cosh for most of the first half yet led by taking their chances and looked to have the tie when Manning went over for a Taylor converted try after only 6 minutes of the re-start. Props Prescott and Leighton Smith were causing the Halifax sides defence all kinds of problems and it was o surprise when the Maries pulled one back. With the defence concentrating on the big men Birdseye side stepped 5 men to go under the sticks. On the 70th minute the scores were level when after a Hollins break, Welsh and Birdseye exchanged quick passes to release Smith and he fed Sharples who courageously went in at the corner. Birdseye’s conversion attempt off the line drifted wide and with the scores level promised an exciting last 10 minutes. Birdseye and Malik saw field goals go wide before a dubious penalty saw Taylor drop the apparent winner just on time. The Maries regained the ball from the kick off and pushed towards the sticks for the point that would have assured extra time. However Mike Fairclough’s charge for the posts was stopped by a high tackle and Birdseye gleefully slotted home the winning points.
Lee Birdseye’s all round game made him the AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match pushed all the way by debutant Mark Birmingham and Dave Welsh.
Team: Jake Fraser, Mike Fairclough, Andy Benson, Mike Allen, Danny Sharples, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Danny Prendergast, Anthony Hollins, Dave Prescott, Andy Donoghue, Lee Lamb, Mike Gill. Replacements: Stuart Harland, Mark Birmingham, Leighton Smith, Dean French.
WIDNES ST MARIES 24 v MYTON WARRIORS 43
St Maries crashed out of the Carnegie Challenge Cup to a Myton side that belied their lowly position in Division 1. Myton scored after only 2 minutes through man of the match Ash James playing at centre when the hosts gifted them possession when they knocked on for the first of many many mistakes. James collected a neat kick from scrum half Kris Walker then converted his own try to claim the first of his 18 point haul. James missed a penalty after 7 minutes when he hit the post but Myton need not worry as prop Alan Dunham powered over on the next set of 6. Yet another Marie’s mistake gifted possession and winger Lee James went in at the corner and Ash James gave them an 18 point lead in as many minutes. A James penalty increased their lead on 32 minutes before second row Mike Allen got the hosts first points when put in by Anthony Hollins and Dean French. Lee Birdseye St Maries man of the match converted the first of his four successes. Back came Myton and Lee James knocked a high ball back for the supporting John Hobman to score in the corner. Winger Mike Johnson intercepted to race away 30 metres in extra time to score giving the visitors a massive 24 point lead after a half they totally dominated.
Danny Sharples was unlucky not to score for the Maries before big centre Andy Benson charged over for a Birdseye assisted try. Just as they got up a head of steam the Maries knocked on again giving Ash James his second try. Aaron Fewlass scored from yet another James intercept as the hosts threw everything at the Hull defence but regular errors and great team work by Myton kept them out until first Danny Prendergast then Dean French went in for Birdseye converted tries. Walker chipped over a field goal before Alec Hobman completed the scoring at the whistle. Well refereed by Leigh official Joe Cobb.
Team: Jake Fraser, Mike Fairclough, Chris Cartledge, Andy Benson, Danny Sharples, Lee Birdseye, Dean French, David Prescott, Danny Wood, Danny Prendergast, Lee Lamb, Mike Allen, Mike Gill.
Replacements: Anthony Hollins, Stuart Harland, Sean Conroy, Leighton Smith.
Man of the match Lee Birdseye (Widnes St Maries) Ash James (Myton)
INCE ROSE BRIDGE 13 v WIDNES ST MARIES 6
28.11.09
Widnes St Maries came out second best in a tremendous defensive game at Wigan. A late field goal from the host’s man of the match Ryan Baker saw the game safe with the Maries throwing everything at the Rose Bridge defence. The visitors had the better of the early stages of the first half with Mike Stevenson going close and good approach work from Dave Prescott, Danny Prendergast and Mike Gill. AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match Dave Welsh was almost through but stopped just short of the line. The hosts then had a period of 20 minutes when they battered the Maries line but only managed to breach it once when centre Craig Sanby ghosted over for a Danny Rigby converted try. The Maries ended the half better with Danny Sharples and debutant Danny Wood going close and Mike Allen being hauled down short from a Gill chip. The Baker boys, Scott Winstanley and Martin Butler had been outstanding for the Bridge. At the break the Maries were happy to go in only 6 points behind having defended for long periods with Andy Donoghue, Wood and Andy Benson prominent in an outstanding defensive stint.
The Maries opened with another good run from Sharples and the introduction of Graeme Buck and Stuart Harland was paying dividends. Prendergast went close as did Wood and Gill with Harland being stopped short twice. The Bridge surged back and after a set of six were the Maries held firm they were debatably awarded a further set of six. Big second row Matty Cunningham surged over to double the hosts lead. Donoghue was held up from the kick off when the Maries thought a try was scored before a clever Welsh chip put in centre Mike Allen for a try that Welsh converted. Stevenson scored only to be adjudged in touch before Prescott and Adam Middleton both went close. Gill put up a towering bomb from which Sharples was just short before both Benson then Welsh were held up with the line beckoning. The Bridge defence held out for a very needy two points cemented by Baker’s late field goal. This was a good show from a Maries side still short of key players. Nice to see Andy Eatock still putting on the boots for Rosebridge.
Dave Welsh’s all round game made him the AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match pushed all the way by debutant Danny Wood and Mike Allen.
Team: Jake Fraser, Mike Stevenson, Andy Benson, Mike Allen, Danny Sharples, Dave Welsh, Dean French, Danny Prendergast, Danny Wood, Dave Prescott, Andy Donoghue, Lee Lamb, Mike Gill. Replacements: Graeme Buck, Stuart Harland, Ryan Quinn, Adam Middleton.
WIDNES ST MARIES 20 v WIGAN ST JUDES 12
21.11.09
Widnes St Maries grabbed the league win they needed with a stronger side than of late but still missing influential players such as Lee Birdseye, Ste Riley, Danny Yates, Andy Hibbert and Mark French to name just a few against our old friends Wigan St Judes.
A magnificent hat trick of tries from young scrum half Dean French helped the Maries turn the tables on the high flying Judes to pull off a sensational win. With league points vital to both sides the visitors were first out of the traps when centre Daryl King swept over in the first minute. On an atrocious day when conversions would be at their most difficult the Judes were off target from their attempt. After 16 minutes the hosts drew level when after good approach work from Dave Welsh, Mike Gill and Sean Conroy young Mike Allen powered over. Four minutes later the Wiganers were back in front when their man of the match Dave Picton scooted through a gap to feed Shaun O’Grady who put Nathan Jones in at the corner. French scored his first two minutes later after a Leighton Smith break and Welsh’s conversion pushed the Maries ahead for the first time. As seems to be the habit with the hosts they allowed St Judes to regain the lead with a John Whalley try right on the half time break sending them in 2 points ahead.
AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match Anthony Hollins was in his usual inspirational form and the visitors struggled to cope with his runs from dummy-half. On 50 minutes French supported Hollins to notch his second followed by the same combination for his hat trick four minutes later. Andy Donoghue and Lee Lamb were now running the Judes ragged and they used everything at their disposal to keep the Maries out for the last 15 minutes despite many near misses. It was a top performance from the Maries which pushes them level with their opponents who were striving to stay in the top six. A win away at Ince Rose Bridge is now required to cement their place in a very competitive mid table.
Anthony Hollins all round game made him the AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match pushed all the way by hat trick hero young Dean French.
Team: Jake Fraser, Mike Fairclough, Andy Benson, Mike Allen, Sean Conroy, Dave Welsh, Dean French, Leighton Smith, Anthony Hollins, Dave Prescott, Andy Donoghue, Lee Lamb, Mike Gill. Replacements: Danny Prendergast, Craig Gallimore, Graeme Buck, Danny Sharples.
WIDNES ST MARIES 22 v EAST HULL 14
07.11.09
Widnes St Maries grabbed the league win they needed in yet another relegation dogfight. On a day when winter rugby returned with a vengeance the hosts had too much for their Hull visitors. The win inches the Maries clear of the drop zone but increases the pressure on the once glorious Easts side. The two sides put on a gripping display with the result in doubt until the 78th minute when Lee Birdseye converted a penalty.
The Maries powered into an early lead after only 4 minutes when Dale Bloomfield majestically strode in at the corner. A one on one steal by inspirational hooker Anthony Hollins saw the hosts break down the East’s attack and Andy Benson, not for the first time, powered through the Hull defence to release the stand off to go in out wide. As so often happens the visitors scored immediately when prop Lee Brown fed Mark Moore to go over. Michael Doherty’s conversion pushed them ahead. Yet another 40-20 from Birdseye pushed the visitors back and both Danny Smith and Mike Gill went close before Benson grounded only to be adjudged to have knocked on. Docherty missed a penalty after 18 minutes for a high shot in an end to end session were Dave Prescott, Benson and Bloomfield all went close. The Hull defence was breached 2 minutes to the break when Benson, Bloomfield, Birdseye freed fullback Chris Cartledge who was stopped inches short. Birdseye swung out a delightful ball for Young Player of the Year Adam Prendergast to power over which with Birdseye’s conversion put the Maries ahead 10-6 at the break.
Typically the Maries surrendered their lead after only 2 minutes when Hull man of the match Gary Weymes went over for a Docherty converted try after excellent approach work from Ste Coates and Jamie Edwards. Birdseye’s chip to the in goal was diffused by Weymes before Bloomfield and Hollins put Gill in at the corner to renew the hosts lead. Docherty levelled with an easy penalty just before the hour then Hollins once again stole one on one, released Birdseye whose drop goal was pushed up in the air by fullback Shaun Painter only for big Andy Benson to power over. Birdseye’s conversion pushed the Maries ahead. Both sides threw everything at their opponents for 20 minutes with Cartledge and Dean French pulling of try saving tackles before a Birdseye penalty just before time. Andy Benson on the sixth could not get over so dropped for goal. Painter knocked on and Carl Puckering failed to get the ball 10 metres from the resultant drop out giving Birdseye his easiest kick of the day.
Anthony Hollins all round game including 2 vital one on one steals made him the AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match pushed all the way by Andy Benson.
Team: Chris Cartledge, Sean Conroy, Andy Benson, Danny Smith, Dean French, Dale Bloomfield, Lee Birdseye, Andy Donahue, Anthony Hollins, Dave Prescott, Danny Prendergast, Lee Lamb, Mike Gill. Replacements: Adam Prendergast, Craig Gallimore, Graeme Buck, Andy Friar.
OULTON 18 v WIDNES ST MARIES 16
31.10.09
Bottom placed Oulton Raiders snatched a very controversial win from Widnes St Maries who after a casual start looked like taking 3 valuable points. Both sides desperately needed the points to ease relegation fears and the Raiders showed their intent from the start. In the fourth minute centre Gavin Wood scorched down the wing to score a superb solo effort. Wood again split the visitors defence after 17 minutes to send scrum half Nicky Dobson in under the sticks for a Matty Handforth converted try. With AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match Lee Birdseye once again in outstanding form the Maries got into the game at last. Danny Yates, Dave Prescott and Andy Donohue worked the ball up field to release Sean Conroy who powered over but Birdseye surprisingly missed the conversion. Danny Smith, Anthony Hollins and Mike Gill exchange quick passes to release Dale Bloomfield to score what is hoped will be the first of many tries for St Maries. Birdseye made no mistake with the conversion to draw the visitors level on 30 minutes. Birdseye and Handforth exchanged penalties to leave the scores level at 12-12 at the break.
Oulton man of the match Wood again proved illusive on the re-start and scored his second try. This was to be the host’s only points until the dying minutes. Quick hands by Birdseye, Gill and Smith almost broke the defence before Dave Welsh powered home to level the scores with 15 minutes left. It was all the Maries with Oulton holding on for dear life. Yates went close before the hosts had fullback Scott McDonald red carded for a deliberate trip with the Maries clear through. The visitors were absolutely dumfounded when the official merely awarded a penalty instead of a penalty try. Worse was to come with the Maries all over the Raiders and looking good for the points they were penalised in front of the sticks for offside and Handforth gleefully chipped over the winner on the final whistle.
Lee Birdseye’s all round game once again made him the AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match.
Team: Chris Cartledge, Sean Conroy, Dale Bloomfield, Danny Smith, Mike Fairclough, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Andy Donahue, Anthony Hollins, Dave Prescott, Danny Prendergast, Danny Yates, Mike Gill. Replacements: Dean French, Craig Gallimore, Graeme Buck, Andy Friar.
SKIRLAUGH 15 v WIDNES ST MARIES 15
24.10.09
Widnes St Maries under strength side shocked the league leaders who have just had 5 players selected for the Great Britain Lions side and in the eyes of everyone there should have come home with both points. Weakened by the loss of Dave Welsh, Dale Bloomfield, Ste Riley, Danny Sharples, Andy Benson, Mark French, Jake Fraser, Lee Lamb, Danny Burgen, Leighton Smith and Andy Donohue the makeshift team dug deep and performed 80 minutes of heroics sticking religiously to the game plan. Andy Hibbert forced an immediate knock on under the hosts sticks and Dave Prescott, Hibbert and Craig Gallimore worked the ball to the line but AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match Lee Birdseye’s chip on the sixth was hacked clear by Skirlaugh’s Adrian Wadforth. Jordan Precious kicked the ball long and in the very wet conditions the ball was dropped. Sean Wildbore, Precious and John Young worked the ball wide before Precious chipped for alert centre Kirk Abel to score right in the corner. The league leaders made another of their many mistakes when they were offside from the towering Birdseye kick. Again the Maries ran the ball instead of taking another easy 2 points and were held out by resolute defence by the Hull side. Mike Allen and Hibbert forced the ball away from the line to create space for Birdseye to take the first of his 40-20 kicks. Mike Gill drove in but was stopped by a high shot. This time the Maries scrum half took the 2 points on offer. Birdseye peppered the unlucky Skirlaugh fullback with yet another high ball which he again dropped but the official played on. Prescott forced a knock on then Hibbert and Danny Prendergast forced the hosts defence back with awesome pressure. Prescott forced another handover before the visitors received yet another penalty, this time for ripping out, to allow Birdseye to level the scores on the half hour. It was all St Maries and Danny Smith raced clear, went 60 metres and unselfishly moved the ball out wide with the line glaring only for the Maries winger to be forced into touch. Prescott, Gill, Danny Yates and Birdseye worked the ball back up field and after yet another 40-20 they were rewarded just before the break when young Dean French collected Birdseye’s chip to power over in the corner. If he had not done enough Birdseye converted off the line in atrocious conditions to send the Maries in on a high 10-4 in the lead.
As was expected the hosts came out with all guns firing and despite a huge tackle from Hibbert, Sean Conroy and Gallimore substitute Tommy Harrison wriggled under to score a Precious converted try to tie the scores. For 20 minutes the visitors soaked up everything that Skirlaugh had to offer and created many chances them self’s. Livewire Anthony Hollins was stopped short and Birdseye was extremely close with 2 penalties from distance before Precious popped over a field goal. Birdseye was not to be outdone and returned the compliment 2 minutes later. Centre Stuart Smith scored a very debatable try on 72 minutes when he first dropped the ball whizzed across by Precious then knocked on when retrieving it and to the Maries amazement dived over in the corner for a try that the official eventually allowed. Still the Maries were not out of it and hammered the home line with the hosts doing their best to repel attack after attack. One such attack ended with Gill and Wildbore being yellow carded for getting a little to eager. Graeme Buck and Andy Friar both went close before Birdseye’s magic created a try for fullback Chris Cartledge who had worked tirelessly all game to dive over. Silence prevailed while Birdseye took the conversion from the touch line. To Skirlaugh’s delight and the Maries despair it inched wide, prompting the Skirlaugh chairperson to admit that they had won a point in a game the Maries deserved to win.
Lee Birdseye’s majestic kicking and all round game made him the AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match with every other Marie’s player pushing him all the way in a superb team performance.
Team: Chris Cartledge, Sean Conroy, Danny Smith, Mike Allen, Dean French, Mike Gill, Lee Birdseye, Andy Hibbert, Anthony Hollins, Dave Prescott, Danny Prendergast, Craig Gallimore, Danny Yates. Replacements: Mike Fairclough, Ryan Quinn, Graeme Buck, Andy Friar.
WIDNES ST MARIES 18 v HULL DOCKERS 8
17.10.09
Widnes St Maries are out of the bottom three after grinding out a win against a dogged Hull Dockers side. The victory hoisted the Maries a point above the drop zone and in a season in which survival is top of the agenda, this was a crucial result in their long term plans. On a perfect day for rugby both sides gave their all with defences at their best. Danny Yates, Ste Riley Craig Gallimore and Dale Bloomfield were outstanding in keeping a keen Dockers side out until the 25th minute when centre Jason Bowsley latched onto a great pass from scrum half Ste Sellars to scorch over. The hosts came back strongly with Danny Sharples going close before the ever alert Anthony Hollins spotted a gap, raced through and fed AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match Lee Birdseye with a perfect ball to score a try that he converted to push the Maries ahead. A Birdseye penalty was the only other score of a first half in which loose forward Mike Jarvis was immense for the visitors but was shaded by the Maries with Yates, Dave Welsh and Hollins outstanding.
Defences were on top form with Yates, Danny Prendergast and Danny Smith working overtime but matched by Aaron Bradley, Sam Bennett and Darren Bunby for the Dockers. On the hour it was all square when winger Gary Noble flew in and a draw was on the cards. However Birdseye at his best converted yet another penalty with only 8 minutes remaining and the game swung back to the Maries. Welsh chipped through for Dave Prescott to follow up and grab the winner with only minutes remaining. Birdseye converted and tagged on another penalty right on time to see the hosts home.
Lee Birdseye’s majestic kicking and all round game made him the AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match with Anthony Hollins and Danny Yates closest contenders. Team: Chris Cartledge, Dale Bloomfield, Sean Conroy, Ste Riley, Danny Sharples, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Danny Prendergast., Anthony Hollins, Lee Lamb, Danny Yates, Craig Gallimore, Danny Smith. Replacements: Mark French, Mike Allen, Dave Prescott, Leighton Smith.
LEIGH EAST 40 v WIDNES ST MARIES 4
10.10.09
An early kick off and the loss of Lee Birdseye, Mike Gill, Andy Donohue, Lee Lamb, Ste Riley, Andy Hibbert and Danny Burgan through various reasons cannot detract from the comprehensive victory by a Leigh side that look like they can take the title this term. The Maries defended well in the first period restricting the hosts to tries from Toby Adamson (23) and Gareth Pemberton (33) to go in with a chance at 12-0 down at the break.
However immediate tries from Carl Redford (42) and Danny Kilshaw (44) broke the visitor’s resistance. Further tries from Mark Ballard (66), Pemberton (78), and exceptional international fullback Ryan Fieldhouse (76) plus 6 Ryan Peters conversions pushed the score steadily away from the Maries. Danny Yates forced his way over on 63 minutes for a consolation Maries try. The only other bright spots for a Maries side that must quickly gain points to get away from the relegation zone was the form of Dave Welsh and Anthony Hollins, the return to near fitness of talisman Dave Prescott and the re-signing of Dale Bloomfield from St Helens.
Dave Welsh was AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match with Anthony Hollins and Dale Bloomfield closest contenders.
Team: Danny Sharples, Mike Fairclough, Dale Bloomfield, Danny Smith, Chris Cartledge, Dave Welsh, Mark French, Danny Prendergast., Anthony Hollins, Leighton Smith, Danny Yates, Sean Conroy, Mike Allen. Replacements: Jake Fraser, Scott Harland, Dave Prescott, Craig Gallimore.
WIDNES ST MARIES 14 v YORK ACORN 20
03.10.09
York Acorn picked up a second consecutive win to step away from the drop zone with an awesome defensive spell. In dreadful conditions it was the steady goal kicking of former York Knight Kyle Palmer that saw them through and with both sides scoring three tries for the second week running goal kicking has cost the Maries points. With the wind taking the ball all over the place mistakes were frequent and referee Lee increased the tension with a series of penalties predominantly for offside. Palmer converted a penalty after 4 minutes before Jamie Wright followed up a Joe Budd burst to score. The Maries hit back with a try from AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match Sean Conroy when he blasted over in the corner after fine approach work from Lee Birdseye, Dave Welsh and Leighton Smith. Birdseye converted a towering conversion off the touchline for his only success of the day when goal kicking was virtually impossible. Winger Jon Waldron sped in on the half hour for a Palmer converted try and despite a 10 minute siege by the Maries with Andy Donahue, Mike Gill and Danny Smith outstanding the score remained the same at the break.
Palmer slotted over a penalty to increase the lead. Gill, Birdseye and Conroy all went close before the Maries hearts were broken on the hour mark when after a fine break by Gareth Lloyd the former Doncaster pro centre Ben Jones flew 80 metres to score under the sticks. The final 20 minutes was all the Maries with them camped on the York line bit despite tries from Danny Yates and a Conroy second the Acorn held out with Palmers 4 conversions taking the spoils.
Sean Conroy was AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match with Welsh and Gill closest contenders.
Team: Jake Fraser, Sean Conroy, Danny Smith, Andy Benson, Chris Cartledge, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Andy Donahue, Mark French, Leighton Smith, Danny Yates, Lee Lamb, Mike Gill. Replacements: Mike Fairclough, Glynn Holland, Craig Gallimore, Danny Prendergast.
WIGAN ST PATRICKS 24 v WIDNES ST MARIES 24
26.09.09
Stand off Lee Birdseye was again in inspired form and was involved in everything good in a game that should have seen the Maries take both away points. Scoring five tries to the hosts four the visitors felt down instead of elated knowing the mighty scalp of the Pats was there to be taken. With Birdseye and Dave Welsh, having his first game of the season, probing, the home defence was broken after only 5 minutes when former Widnes Viking Danny Smith surged through a huge gap. The Maries lost Mike Allen and Andy Hibbert with injuries before the Pats came back when Steve Bennett dummied his way over from acting half back after a surging run from Lancashire winger Ian Schofield. Schofield converted winning the 2 points that would eventually haunt the Maries. Lee Lamb and Andy Donohue punched big holes in the Wigan defence for second row Danny Yates to cruise over after 24 minutes followed by a towering Birdseye conversion. Mike Gill, Welsh, Birdseye and Mark French were running the Pats ragged and were full value for their lead. However right on the break a towering Schofield kick was dropped and he promptly gathered to score. His conversion put the hosts in 12-10 at the break.
Eight minutes into the second stanza Welsh scored his first try after sterling work from Birdseye, Anthony Hollins and Gill only for their hosts to go over through Anthony Hughes. Schofield’s conversion opened up a four point gap. Welsh scored again in the 63rd minute from a superb Birdseye chip scoring a try that Birdseye converted to put the Maries 2 points up. With tensions running high the Pats prop Mel Alker and Maries second row Lee Lamb were red carded for fighting whilst Leighton Smith saw yellow for his involvement. Danny Smith scored his second with only 4 minutes left giving the visitors a six point lead but the Pats threw caution to the wind and Bennett kicked ahead chased, kicked ahead and re-gathered to score for Schofield to convert a pressure cooker leveller much to the dismay of the Maries who had put in a superb team performance that deserved more.
Lee Birdseye was once again AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match with Welsh and Smith closest contenders.
Team;-, Jake Fraser, Sean Conroy, Danny Smith, Mike Allen, Mike Fairclough, Dave Welsh, Lee Birdseye, Andy Donahue, Mark French, Andy Hibbert, Danny Yates, Lee Lamb, Mike Gill.
Replacements: Anthony Hollins, Leighton Smith, Craig Gallimore, Danny Prendergast.
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WIDNES ST MARIES 18 v WEST HULL 10
19.09.09
Stand off Lee Birdseye turned back the clock with and enthralling performance over West Hull. In fantastic form and with a superb kicking game Birdseye was at the heart of everything. The Maries dominated the early stages yet were still pointless after 20 minutes despite two good looking tries by Sean Conroy and Mike Fairclough being marked off for forward passes. Hooker Mark French opened the scoring next to the sticks after good hands from Anthony Hollins and Birdseye. The big Maries pack with Andy Hibbert, Danny Yates and Mike Gill in awesome form were opening up the West’s defence time and time again but they managed to hold out until halftime only 6 points down.
Within 3 minutes of the re-start it looked like the hosts would rue their missed opportunities when the visitors scrum half Matt Johnson scampered over for a Paul Stamp goaled try to level the scores. Birdseye had other ideas though and immediately put centre Danny Smith through a gap and gleefully added on the extras himself. Liam Bowden, Johnson and Dean Thompson were a constant threat and their pressure was rewarded when winger Tom Radley went over on the hour mark. With only a 2 point gap the hosts endured a nervy 15 minutes before Birdseye outpaced the West’s defence to score a superb solo try which he converted to end any feint hopes the Hull side had.
Lee Birdseye was AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match with Gill, Yates and Hibbert closest contenders. The Maries now travel to Wigan St Patricks 26.09.09.
Team;-, Jake Fraser, Sean Conroy, Mike Allen, Danny Smith, Mike Fairclough, Lee Birdseye, Anthony Hollins, Andy Donahue, Mark French, Andy Hibbert, Danny Yates, Lee Lamb, Mike Gill (capt.).
Replacements: Glynn Holland Leighton Smith, Craig Gallimore, Danny Prendergast.
WIDNES ST MARIES 18 v INCE ROSE BRIDGE 22
12.09.09
Ince Rose Bridge picked up their first away win in the NCL top flight but it could have been so different. If Danny Sharples 50th minute try had stood as it should and not been ruled out for a forward pass the hosts would have taken an 8 point lead which in a game as tight as this could have won the points. It was the Maries who struck first when Anthony Hollins scored his fourth try of the campaign when set up by Lee Birdseye and Mike Gill. Bridge hit back when winger Dave Bullough managed to force himself over and the visitors took command. With Ryan Staziker at the heart of everything and the two Baker boys probing away at half back it was all Rose Bridge especially when Sharples was sin binned for a technical offence. Centre Wayne Leyland increased the lead taking advantage of their numerical odds but the hosts 12 men bravely fought back with a try from prop Andy Hibbert. Birdseye’s conversion gave the Maries a 12-10 lead at the break.
The Maries then had two tries in quick succession disallowed only for Tony Baker and Martin Greaves to cross for Rigby goaled tries. The hosts never surrendered and with Hibbert, Gill, Glynn Holland, Hollins and Birdseye outstanding they got a richly deserved try at the death. Too little too late but a good try from one of this season’s star “finds” Lee Lamb. Birdseye’s conversion ensured a twitchy last 5 minutes for Bridge when the Maries stormed their line. Good performance from St Maries but they must realise that their fitness levels must increase to play at this pace week in week out.
Lee Birdseye was AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match with Lamb and Hibbert closest contenders.
Team;- Ste Riley, Danny Sharples, Mike Allen, Sean Conroy, Chris Cartledge, Lee Birdseye, Anthony Hollins, Andy Donahue, Mark French, Andy Hibbert, Glynn Holland, Lee Lamb, Mike Gill.
Replacements: Ryan Quinn, Jake Fraser, Danny Yates, Leighton Smith.
WIGAN ST JUDES 44 v WIDNES ST MARIES 12
05.09.09
After the magnificent win in midweek over Leigh Miners the Maries came down to earth with a massive away defeat. St. Judes opened the game in good style with wingman Liam Foster crossing out wide in their first attack. Dave Picton’s kick was adjudged 40-20 and the ball was whizzed across field by Paul Pendlebury for the winger to stroll in. The Maries replied with a Lee Birdseye penalty for holding down which proved to be their only score of the first half. Some of St Judes approach work was shoddy but it was effective and Pendlebury was the next to cross on twenty five minutes Judes man of the match Picton added the extras. Picton who was having a fine game then crossed himself and converted, right on halftime constant pressure from the Judes attack produced a try for halfback Mark Whittaker, Picton again goaling, 22-2 at half time.
On the turn round St. Maries made a brief comeback and scored two good tries, firstly from winger Chris Cartledge. Athena Security man of the match fullback Ste Riley chipped on the 6th ran and collected. He went 50 metres before releasing the wingman to score. Riley went one better when 5 minutes later he collected an Anthony Hollins pass and raced 80 metres leaving the Judes defence grasping to go under the sticks giving Birdseye an easy conversion. At 22-12 the game could go either way but after a blistering 10 minutes the visitors returned to their dismal form of the first half allowing the hosts to run in four unanswered tries. With John McMullen and Picton steering the team around the park some fine handling Whittaker again crossed Picton obliged with the kick, Pendlebury got his second Gavin Corfield crashed over and Pendlebury completed his hat trick, Picton goaled two of the scores.
Ste Riley was AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match with Hollins and Birdseye closest contenders in a performance best forgotten.
Team;- Ste Riley, Scott Harland, Mark Hardman, Sean Conroy, Chris Cartledge, Lee Birdseye, Anthony Hollins, Danny Prendergast, Jamie Rowlands, Andy Hibbert, Mike Allen, Lee Lamb, Mike Gill. Replacements: Danny Burgan, Ryan Quinn, Andy Benson, Leighton Smith.
WIDNES ST MARIES 20 v LEIGH MINERS RANGERS 14
01.09.09
Widnes St Maries opened their account in the NCL Premier with a hard earned win over high flying Leigh Miners Rangers at Brentfields. They could not have had a better start when prop David Prescott was put clear through by Jamie Rowlands and Anthony Hollins in the first set of six. Lee Birdseye back after 5 months enforced absence combined with Lee Lamb to get to the line to be stopped short. The Miners used a cross field move but winger Linford Weatherby was stopped short by an excellent Jake Fraser tackle. Prescott, captain and Athena Security man of the match Mike Gill worked the ball upfield. Birdseye’s towering kick was won by Hollins who slipped Birdseye in by the sticks giving him an easy conversion. Leigh’s captain Dean Balmer, Liam Coleman, Ryan Smith and Adam Thomason worked the ball quickly back upfield and the awesome Tom Eckersley powered over. Tom Bradbury’s conversion closed the gap to four points. Lamb burst through fed Gill who went close. Leighton Smith saved the Maries try line with a huge stop on Danny Mole and the hosts were struggling to hold the big Miners pack. A penalty for ripping out gave the visitors the opening they needed when Smith whizzed the ball to Weatherby who found Chris Humphrey who stretched over. Kevin Howells powered 30 metres but Danny Prendergast, Hollins and Gill managed to bring him down. Danny Burgan’s break released Fraser who managed to stay in play despite 4 tacklers. Birdseye, Mike Allen and Gill worked it to the line but they knocked on. Burgan burst through again but right on halftime David Rolt intercepted and went 50 metres to score giving them a four point lead at the break.
Birdseye and Gill combined to release Prendergast who was held up short by the resolute Miners defence. Rangers came back but Gill, Burgan and Andy Hibbert combined to force Eckersley into touch. The hosts then ran a penalty for ripping and Birdseye, Andy Donohue and Hollins put Gill in out wide. With the scores level both sets of defences were being tested and it was going to be something special to break the deadlock. This came on the 58th minute when Hollins stole the ball one on one and went 70 metres to score a Birdseye converted try. Sean Conroy completed 3 tackles to defy the marauding Miners and Gill intercepted with a visitors try beckoning. Danny Sharples break took the play 30 metres to the Leigh line but still they held out. Birdseye’s field goal attempt fell short and Burgan and Gill went close before the delighted hosts heard the whistle. Not many sides will keep this Leigh side scoreless for a complete half.
Excellent refereeing from Wigan’s Dave Sharpe and his touch judges.
Captain Mike Gill was AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match by a country mile with Hollins and Birdseye closest contenders in a superb team performance.
Team;- Scott Harland, Jake Fraser, Mark Hardman, Sean Conroy, Danny Sharples, Lee Birdseye, Anthony Hollins, Dave Prescot, Jamie Rowlands, Andy Hibbert, Mike Allen, Lee Lamb, Mike Gill.
Replacements: Danny Burgan, Danny Prendergast, Andy Donohue, Leighton Smith.
WATH BROW HORNETS 20 v WIDNES ST MARIES 10
26.08.09
Widnes St Maries completed their worst fixture of the season with a midweek visit to Workington. On a dark wet miserable evening they came away with immense credit losing at the death 20-10 to a side that has lost only 1 game at home in 2 years. In fact Wath Brow must dread the Maries visit as we have recorded 2 draws in the last 3 visits.
In the opening quarter of the game both sides came up with numerous mistakes slowing the play down but the hosts set up the first noticeable move resulting in Scott Teare going close but stopped by the combination of Leighton Smith and Andy Hibbert. From the restart, the Brow regained position and put the visitors under more pressure but again they held the home side out with some great sliding defences with Hibbert, Danny Connolly, Mike Gill and Lee Lamb outstanding. After weathering the initial onslaught the Maries replied with slick moves from Athena Security man of the match Anthony Hollins and Gill both going close. Burgan, Danny Yates and Mark Hardman combined again to go close. The Maries were then dealt the first blow when Hollins was sin binned with his side well on top for holding down. They managed to hold out until right on half time after a series of penalties when Kevin Thompson burst over the line taking several would-be tacklers with him after a great pass from Mark Troughton, who himself had to work hard to get Thompson into his try scoring position. Ryan Robb tagged on the extras and Wath Brow went in at half time with a 6-0 lead.
Four minutes later, the home side extended their lead after some good ball play between Kyle Lofthouse, Karl Olstrum and Francis King led to Teare crossing the whitewash, leaving Robb an easy conversion in front of sticks to give the Brow a 12-0 lead. Despite not getting “the rub of the green” the Maries hit back with two tries in eight minutes, the second converted to come within two points at 12-10. Lamb surged forward backed up by Jamie Rowlands who released the ball to Gill. His towering kick was taken superbly by debutant Jake Fraser to score out wide. Hollins, Gill and Burgan were running Brow ragged and Burgan’s break saw Hollins chip ahead take the ball and score under the sticks giving Ste Riley an easy conversion. After the hosts had got away with some outrageous high tackles the official came up with another bad decision when he awarded the hosts a penalty for a spear tackle that never was in front of the sticks. Robb duly obliged giving the Cumbrians a little breathing space as the Maries pushed for a win. Connolly who had been impeccable all night was then sin binned for holding down againafter many many requests from the visitors for the Wath Brow misdemeanours to be punished. Inevitably with the Maries pushing for at least an equaliser the Brow scored but again with the help of the official who missed a blatant knock on (it was pitch black) for Robb to jink his way through and seal the points with a conversion for 20-10.
Anthony Hollins was for the second time this season AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match with Connolly and Gill closest contenders. Best for Brow was Kevin Thompson pushed by Lofthouse and Teare.
Team;-Ste Riley, Jake Fraser, Mark Hardman, Danny Connolly, Danny Sharples, Mike Gill, Anthony Hollins, Dave Prescot, Mark French, Leighton Smith, Danny Burgan, Andy Hibbert, Lee Lamb.
Replacements: Jamie Rowlands, Graeme Buck, Ryan Quinn, Danny Yates.
WIDNES ST MARIES 12 v SIDDAL 32
22.08.09
Widnes St Maries now know the enormity of the task ahead this season after a home defeat by last years Champions Siddal. The Halifax outfit were quicker, fitter and better organised than the Maries who cannot complain of the result despite the lack of their recognised halfbacks Birdseye and Welsh. Anthony Hollins stopped an early Siddal move orchestrated by Gareth Jones before they scored in the 6th minute. Scott Harland had Luke Simeunovich’s high kick covered but slipped allowing winger Steve Hope an easy try. The Maries had the best of the game for some 10 minutes but silly penalties cost them dear. After 4 consecutive penalties in the host’s 20 metres they whizzed the ball across field for fullback Brad Attwood to score the first of his hat-trick. Shaun Blackburn was off target with both kicks. The hosts won the ball from the kick off Danny Connolly and Hollins exchanged passes released Andy Benson who was held up at the line and released Alan Ditchfield to score out wide. Harland’s conversion gave the Maries brief hope. Mike Gill’s through kick was diffused and winger Blackburn and Chris Marsh quickly interchanged passes putting captain Nick Smith in under the sticks giving Blackburn the easiest of his four successes. Two quick penalties to the hosts saw them camped on the visitors line with first Mark French then Gill held up. Ste Riley and Mark Hardman went close Benson and Danny Prendergast continued the pressure only for Siddal to work the ball out through Hope with Attwood ghosting in for the killer punch right on half time. As champions do the Halifax side punished the Maries who had switched off expecting the whistle with replacement Peter Howard scoring giving the visitors a 26-6 lead at the break.
Coach Barry Quinn’s half time team talk seemed to have worked when the Maries forced a knock on from the kick off with first Hollins then Gill going close. Benson and Sharples pulled of superb stops on first Hope then Jones before Jones and James Simeunovich combined to put Attwood in for his hat-trick. Hollins, Leighton Smith, Prescot and Lamb all went close but Siddal held out for 20 minutes before Jamie Rowlands and Sharples combined to put hooker and Athena Security man of the match Hollins in for a deserved try which Harland converted. With Siddal content to protect their lead the hosts battered their resolute defence for the final 20 minutes to no avail.
Anthony Hollins was AJC Engineering Solutions man of the match with Benson and Smith closest contenders. Best for Siddal was ex Halifax player Simeone Hoyle pushed by Jones and Attwood.
Team;-Ste Riley, Scott Harland, Andy Benson, Sean Conroy, Danny Sharples, Mike Gill, Mark French, Dave Prescot, Anthony Hollins, Andy Hibbert, Danny Connolly, Alan Ditchfield, Lee Lamb.
Replacements: Mark Hardman, Danny Prendergast, Jamie Rowlands, Leighton Sm
WIDNES ST MARIES 18 v CLOCK FACE MINERS 28
20.03.10
Report to follow
WIDNES ST MARIES 42 v ORRELL ST JAMES 20
13.03.10
Widnes St Maries continue their push for promotion with a win against Wigan’s Orrell St James. They went ahead after only 5 minutes when Shaun Allen and Mike Smith contrived to put Stuart Harland in under the sticks giving Athena Security Man of the Match Karl O’Doherty the easiest of his 4 successful conversions. Orrells first attack was crushed by Adam Middleton, Craig Lawton and Scott Harland with the latter forcing the inevitable knock on. Adam Flanagan raced across field before brining in Will Tilleke. The big prop found Lawton and his excellent ball found Flanagan who duly scored on his comeback. Darren McKinnon relieved the next pressure from the visitors with a 40 metre barnstorming run away from his own line. Smith broke clear to feed O’Doherty who raced to the line. Jamie Rowlands took over and fed Tilleke but he was held up inches short with the line beckoning. Flanagan’s pace again created a try when he released Andy Benson to power over for his first try. Orrell clawed back a try through Martyn Cheetham before McKinnon raced in at the corner to give the Maries a 20-4 half time lead.
McKinnon was to the fore straight from the re-start when he put Danny Yates clear and he and Scott Harland exchanged passes before releasing Smith to surge over. Benson then went 40 metres to score under the sticks giving Scott Harland an easy conversion. Lee Jones was unlucky not to score then released Tilleke who this time did score. Flanagan, Smith and Yates then contrived an opening for Stuart Harland to grab his second try. Orrell then scored 2 Tom Hilton tries at the death both converted by Danny Pike.
Karl O’Doherty was the Athena Security Man of the Match pushed all the way by Mike Smith and Adam Flanagan.
Team: Darren McKinnon, Adam Flanagan, Scott Harland, Andy Benson, Karl O’Doherty, Mike Smith, Jamie Rowlands, Will Tilleke, Shaun Allen, Craig Lawton, Stuart Harland, Adam Middleton, Andy Friar.
Replacements: Tony Kirwan, Danny Yates, Lee Jones, Paul Whitley
INCE ROSE BRIDGE 22 v WIDNES ST MARIES 28
06.03.10
Widnes St Maries made hard work of this game, but to be fair to the Wigan side they never gave up. It looked to be a good day at the office once again for St Maries young star Danny Burgan as in the first 10 minutes he made countless yards, and it was him who clearing the ball from his own line broke a tackle and slipped the ball to powerhouse centre Karl O'Doherty who raced 70 metres to score. Ste Riley converted. 5 minutes later Riley once again converted, this time it was a penalty goal after hooker Danny Wood was high tackled. Then Rose Bridge hit back with a great inside pass that fooled the Maries defence as there big loose forward scored to the right of the sticks. The conversion brought the Wiganers within 2 points. Once again the Maries attack saw them race down the field in one set, and it was on the fourth tackle when hooker Woods fired a pass into Dominic Smith's great angled run, who in turn stepped, dummied and then found Burgan with a great off load. Burgan's try furthered the lead. At Half time the score was 12-6
The introduction of power house forward Tony Kirwan was a great addition as Kirwan's first involvement was a bone crunching shoulder tackle which resulted in a Maries scrum. From the resulting set Kirwan then fended off 5 would be tacklers to score the third, Riley Converted. The Maries were now in control and some excellent play by Shaun Allen, Ryan Quinn and veteran forward Peter Crosby set up a platform for Burgan's grubber kick which was superbly scooped up by Ste Riley for another Maries score. Maries should have really shut up shop, but two excellent tries by Bridge set up a nail biting finish. It was Danny Yates who made the game safe for St Maries with a late try giving them a 10 point cushion.
BEER 'T' YOU Man of the Match was Danny Burgan.
Team: Ste Riley, Ronnie Wharton, Karl O'Doherty, Darren McKinnon, Lee Jones, Mike Smith, Jamie Rowlands, Peter Crosby, Danny Wood, Will Tilleke, Ryan Quinn, Sean Allen, Danny Burgan. Replacements: Dominic Smith, Danny Yates, Paul Whitley, Tony Kirwan.
WIDNES ST MARIES 18 v LEIGH MINERS RANGERS 8 27.02.10
Widnes St Maries got back on track with a tough win against promotion favourites Leigh Miners. Steve Marsh went over in the corner only to be denied a 2nd minute try by an enormous Paul Whitley tackle. It was all one way in the early stages with halfbacks Craig Wilson and Sean Pendlebury running the Maries defence ragged and would have scored but for dogged defence from Whitley, Peter Crosby, Chris Freeman and young 17 year Tom Costas who belied his young age with some awesome tackling. After 10 minutes and the Maries on attack Pendlebury intercepted and raced 80 metres to score giving Tom Bradbury an easy conversion. Phil Colver appeared to have increased the lead but was pulled back for a forward pass. Danny Burgan and Lee Jones forced Miners man of the match prop Chris Coppell to knock on giving the Maries a platform for their first chance to score. Burgan drove in towards the sticks and fed Jamie Rowlands who jinked through and fed Shaun Allen. The clever hooker fed Dave Welsh but he chip was well kept out by the Miners Simon Ord. Bradbury took the visitors in to an eight point half time lead with a penalty for offside.
Ryan Quinn’s 20 metre drive as the second half opened found Rowlands who raced away before feeding excellent young fullback Dean French. French took the ball through drew the defence before feeding Danny Yates who powered over. Ste Riley converted the first of his three successful kicks. Only four minutes later the hosts hit the front when Welsh and Yates returned the favour for French interchanging passes to allow the young fullback to dart in. On the hour the game went away from the Miners when the Maries scored their third and final try. Whitley charged through an unsuspecting defence to race 30 metres. Costas took over fed Welsh who put French in for his second.
A superb end to end game played in the right spirit and excellently controlled by Richard Griffiths.
Dave Welsh was the Athena Security Man of the Match pushed all the way by Tom Costas and Chris Freeman on debut.
Team: Dean French, Lee Jones, Danny Burgan, Ste Riley, Adam Middleton, Dave Welsh, Jamie Rowlands, Paul Whitley, Shaun Allen, Peter Crosby, Kev Buck, Tom Costas, Chris Freeman. Replacements: Ryan Quinn, Adam Prendergast, Danny Yates, Craig Lawton
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WIGAN ST JUDES 36 v WIDNES ST MARIES 12
20.02.10
After defeat at Leigh Miners the week before St Maries needed to up their game against rival promotion candidates Wigan St Judes. St Judes went in for an early try after some poor discipline allowed the Wigan side to go the Length of the field eventually scoring in the corner. Next it was St Maries who scored as Alan Ditchfield dazzled the Wigan defence and gave a superb ball to loose forward Ste Riley who timed his run to perfection. Riley converted his own try to take the lead. St Judes hit back with a powerful run by the Wiganers Loose forward. Paul Whitley was introduced on the half hour mark and it was him and veteran forward Will Tilleke who caused problems all day in attack. A couple of minutes before half time Riley grabbed another try which again he converted giving the Widnes side a narrow half time lead.
The Second Half was a disaster for St Maries as they lost Dave Laughton and Dom Smith through injury. The Maries Forwards had to work over time, but 5 unanswered tries took the Wigan side into second place in Division 2.
Team: 1 Mike Stevenson, 2 Chris Cartledge, 3 Dave Laughton, 4 Karl O'Doherty, 5 Ronnie Wharton, 6 Alan Ditchfield, 7 Danny Wood, 8 Peter Crosby, 9 Shaun Allen, 10 Graeme Buck, 11 Dominic Smith, 12 Will Tilleke, 13 Ste Riley.
Replacements: 14 Paul Whitley, 15 Ryan Quinn, 16 Andy Friar.
LEIGH MINERS RANGERS 50 v WIDNES ST MARIES 8
13.02.10
St Maries were totally out played by a classy Leigh outfit, from start to finish Leigh dominated and there higher fitness levels were quite apparent. Maries started ok with an outstanding half the pitch effort by youngster Danny Burgan who was awarded Man of the Match. Maries only other score came from another great talent in new signing Dave 'Dougie' Laughton. All in all no complaints from the Widnes side the game was refereed well and Maries were beaten by the better, fitter side!
Team: Darren McKinnon, Dave Laughton, Karl O’Doherty, Andy Friar, Alex Hughes, Mike Smith, Mark French, Peter Crosby, Sean Allen, Craig Lawton, Adam Middleton, Dominic Smith, Danny Burgan. Replacements: Lee Jones, Adam Sadler, Rob Conroy, Paul Whitley.
ADLINGTON RANGERS 18 v WIDNES ST MARIES 16
06.02.10
Widnes St Maries went into the game knowing a win would keep the pressure on their promotion rivals, but mid table Adlington had other ideas. Adlington started and looked the better with some great play in both attack and defence, which eventually got them on the score sheet. Maries finally woke up and it was veteran Kiwi Andy Friar who looked to have put the Widnes side level only for the referee to disallow for a double movement. A couple of minutes later St Maries did level with an excellent try by full back Mike Stevenson. Five minutes before half time St Maries took the lead, Coach Kev Buck who once again was forced into playing due to injuries chipped over for the impressive Dave 'Duggie' Laughton to pick up and score. Buck couldn't make it 2 from 2 as he hit the post with this tricky touch line conversion.
The second half saw Adlington score two excellent full length of the field try's in the first 10 minutes. Adlington sat on there lead as St Maries tried everything to score. Shaun Allen was everywhere and was just held up short after a scampering run from dummy half. The Widnes side looked to be getting frustrated as chances went begging. with only 5 mins remaining it was Captain Peter Crosby who made a half break backed up by Stevenson who scored his second. Adlington hung on to a well deserved home win. The Beer 'T' You man of the match was Shaun Allen.
Team: 1 Mike Stevenson, 2 Ronnie Wharton, 3 Dave Laughton, 4 Karl O'Doherty, 5 Alex Hughes, 6 Mike Smith, 7 Jamie Rowlands, 8 Peter Crosby, 9 Shaun Allen, 10 Dominic Smith, 11 Craig Lawton, 12 Craig Gallimore, 13 Andy Friar. Replacements: 14 Ryan Quinn, 15 Kev Buck, 16 Chris Fenlon, Will Tilleke.
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WIDNES ST MARIES 18 v HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS 8
30.01.10
Widnes St Maries won the home derby against Halton Farnworth Hornets despite an heroic performance from the Hornets who fielded 5 youth players due to injuries and suspensions. Will Tilleke (complete with black 15 deneer sheer tights) and Peter Crosby opened up the visitors defence early on when they created room for first LAS Plumbing Man of the Match Mike Smith then Paul Whitley but the feverish defence kept them out. Sean Conroy and Karl O’Doherty went close before Smith scored only to be ruled out by official Bob Ellis. After 16 minutes Tilleke powered over but the conversion went wide. Conroy and Danny Wood combined to open up the defence for Mike Stevenson to go in but he was adjudged in touch. Caluum Hayes and Phil Smith interchanged passes but the ball went dead as Farnworth strived to get back on terms. Tony Fretwell and Mike Riley were causing problems but the visitor’s man of the match young Jack Williams was in inspirational form and was involved in everything. The Maries managed to hold out Farnworth and even increased their lead right on the break when busy loose forward Conroy, Jamie Rowlands and Mike Smith combined to put in Dave Laughton for a try out wide on his debut.
Mike Stevenson increased the lead when he stormed in after good approach work from Danny Burgan and Tony Kirwan. Wood went close after a great break but still the Hornets came back and they were rewarded for their never give in attitude when Williams and Mike Bowles combined to put young Caluum Hayes in for an unconverted try. Laughton then turned provider when he put Adam Middleton in at the corner. Mike Smith completed the Maries scoring with a towering conversion off the touch line. Still the visitors came back and despite heroic tackling from Dominic Smith and Shaun Allen Graham Dunne crossed the line. A superb end to end game played in the right spirit and excellently controlled by Bob Ellis.
Mike Smith was the LAS Plumbing Man of the Match pushed all the way by Danny Wood, Will Tilleke and Dave Laughton on debut.
Team: Darren McKinnon, Adam Middleton, Karl O’Doherty, Dave Laughton, Mike Stevenson, Mike Smith, Jamie Rowlands, Will Tilleke, Shaun Allen, Peter Crosby, Tony Kirwan, Paul Whitley, Sean Conroy.
Replacements: Danny Wood, Danny Burgan, James Kirwan, Dominic Smith
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Farnworth Team: Gary Barge, Kyle McGreevey, Mike Bourke, Phil Smith, Caluum Hayes, Mike Bowles, Dave Meadows, Chris North, Andy Bowles, Mike Riley, Tony Fretwell, Mike O'Brien, Jack Williames.
Replacements: Graham Dunne and Connor Henry.
BURTONWOOD BRIDGE 0 v WIDNES ST MARIES 12
23.01.10
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Preparation for this game was not ideal for the Widnes side as due to work commitments and injury's it was a real struggle to get 17. Kev Buck was forced out of retirement to play for the first time in almost 3 years. Burtonwood started the brighter and where unlucky not to score. Soon after this St Maries threatened as Danny Yates was held up short and Tony Kirwan also unlucky not to score. Half an hour gone and the game was still scoreless with both teams defending well, there was some real bone crunching tackles going in. Tony Kirwan and Peter Crosby where both working overtime for St Maries. Tempers flared and after some un-pleasantry's Maries where awarded a penalty which Adam Middleton slotted over. This made the score 2-0 at half time.
In the second half it was St Maries who looked the more likely to score and when stand off Kev Buck sent Danny Yates through a gap who in turn found the impressive forward Tony Kirwan who was unstoppable from 10 metres out. Burtonwood almost hit back but some great defence by veteran Will Tilleke forced the Bridge player to lose control. The Maries forwards where really working overtime in both attack and defence. It was the tireless effect of L.A.S Plumbing man of the match Peter Crosby who set up the platform for the next score, both Crosby and James Kirwan made some vital yards before scrum half Jamie Rowlands danced around the would be defenders. Burtonwood tried everything in the last 10 minutes but St Maries defended right until the final whistle.
Peter Crosby was the LAS Plumbing Man of the Match pushed all the way by Jamie Rowlands and Will Tilleke.
Team: Darren McKinnon, Ronnie Wharton, Adam Middleton, Karl O’Doherty, Mike Stevenson, Kev Buck, Jamie Rowlands, Will Tilleke, Shaun Allen, Peter Crosby, Tony Kirwan, Dominic Smith, Danny Yates.
Replacements: Paul Whitley, James Kirwan, Chris Fenlon, Ryan Quinn.
WIDNES ST MARIES 6 v GOLBORNE PARKSIDE 14
21.11.09
Injury plagued St Maries lost their unbeaten tag against bottom side Golborne who were fortune enough to have had the benefit of first team players when their game at Walney was called off. The referee started and continued with some very bizarre decisions. He over ruled his touch judges frequently none more so when in the 10th minute the visitors scored of a pass that was a mile forward. The Maries plugged away with Ryan Quinn and Stuart Harland leading the way. The guile of half backs Mike Smith and Shaun Dourley frequently broke down the Parkside defence only for the last ball to be spilt in the atrocious conditions or for the players from both teams to fall foul of referee decisions. Golborne converted a penalty to go in 6-0 up at the break.
Mike Stevenson took a high ball and made 30 metres before releasing Karl O’Doherty. The big centre brought in Peter Crosby who fed Danny Yates on the final tackle and he made no mistake. Dourley duly converted to tie the scores. Straight from the kick off the visitors re-gained the ball and whizzed the ball across field were loose forward Adam James took a forward pass to score. Despite the pleas of the Maries and the dismay of the young touch judge the score stood. A late penalty to Parkside was the only other score in a game played by two well matched sporting sides spoilt by a ridiculous referee.
Ryan Quinn was the Athena Security Man of the Match pushed all the way by Stuart and Scott Harland and Adam Middleton.
Team: Darren McKinnon, Mike Stevenson, Karl O’Doherty, Adam Middleton, Scott Harland, Mike Smith, Shaun Dourley, Ryan Quinn, Jamie Rowlands, Peter Crosby, Stuart Harland, Dominic Smith, Andy Friar. Replacements: Ronnie Wharton, Danny Yates.
WIDNES ST MARIES 13 v WIGAN ST JUDES 4
07.11.09
Injury plagued St Maries are still unbeaten in Div 2 after this hard fought victory against a real tough Wigan side. The first half hour was a battle of the forwards with some real bone crunching tackles from both sides. St Judes had more of the ball but the resilient Maries defence held them out several times. Danny Ruth came out of retirement for the second time this year and with 5 minutes left in the first half he made an excellent try saving tackle which set up a platform for the Widnes team to get on the scoreboard. It was Great Britain international Mike Allen who grabbed the try running a perfect line to be fed by the impressive David Dourley who also added the extras.
In the second half the weather deteriorated and both teams came up with errors. Credit has to go out to Leighton Smith, Chris Fenlon, Tony Kirwan and Danny Ruth as they all played on with injuries the latter scoring St Maries second with an excellent side step to go under the sticks for a Dourley converted try. A Dourley drop goal had the score at 13-0 in favour of the Widnes side. With 10 minutes left St Judes scored an excellent try but the Maries held on and stay joint top with unbeaten Leigh Miners who they face away next week.
Mike Allen was the Athena Security Man of the Match pushed all the way by Danny Ruth and David Dourley.
Team: Danny Ruth, Adam Middleton, Sean Allen, Karl O’Doherty, Liam Smith, David Dourley, Lee Campbell, Leighton Smith, Jamie Rowlands, Ryan Quinn, Stuart Harland, Barry Quinn, Mike Allen. Replacements: Dominic Smith, Tony Kirwan, Martin Dyas, Chris Fenlon
WIDNES ST MARIES 16 v BANK QUAY BULLS.66
31.10.09
Widnes St Maries NWC side lost heavily 16-66 in the Lancashire Cup to a very good Bank Quay Bulls side from Warrington who now face Halton Simms Cross in the semi-final. The Bulls shook the hosts when in the first set of 6 Frankie Bird sped along the wing and raced under the posts giving Anthony Braide the easiest of his 9 conversions. The elusive Mike Smith snapped up a loose ball to race 80 metres to score out wide. Despite heroic defence from Athena Security Man of the Match Darren McKinnon and Jamie Rowlands scrum half Darren Cragg scored from the re-start when the Maries defence dropped a high ball. Nick Braide scored after 20 minutes to push the visitors 10 points ahead. Lee Lamb scored but was called back for a forward and the Bulls had what looked like a good try disallowed for the same reason before the Maries closed the gap. Andy Benson, Sean Bennett, Stuart Harland and David Dourley interchanged passes to work the ball to the sticks were Jamie Rowlands was on hand to dummy over. Harland’s conversion appeared to give the hosts hope but Bank came straight back with two tries to go in at the break 10-26.
Despite sterling performances from certain players none the least Smith and McKinnon the Warrington visitor’s superior fitness told in the second half with 7 further tries from Bird (2), Wes Lawton, Phil Braddish, Jonno Smith, Scot Davidson and Alan Clare. A try from Benson converted by Dave Dourley was the Maries only consolation.
Darren McKinnon was the Athena Security Man of the Match pushed all the way by Leighton Smith and Mike Smith.
Team: Darren McKinnon, Adam Middleton, Andy Benson, Ste Riley, Liam Smith, David Dourley, Mike Smith, Leighton Smith, Jamie Rowlands, Will Tilleke, Stuart Harland, Lee Lamb, Sean Bennett. Replacements: Sean Allen, Barry Quinn, Adam Prendergast, Chris Fenlon.
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WIDNES ST MARIES 30 v ADLINGTON RANGERS 16
24.10.09
Photos of this game courtesy of Leeds Viking at http://public.fotki.com/LeedsViking/amateur-rugby-leagu/
Widnes St Maries North West Counties Division 2 side remain unbeaten after a win against a stubborn and sizable Chorley outfit. It took the Maries 15 minutes to breach their defence after a deadlock between the two powerhouse packs. Leighton Smith, Alan Ditchfield and Athena Security Man of the Match and under 18 star Danny Burgan tipped the scales and with ferocious tackling from Dave Welsh and Tony Kirwan the game swung in favour of the hosts. Leighton Smith was the scorer after a barn storming run to the line carrying defenders with him to score a Jez Whitfield converted try. With the visitors forwards still running strong the game turned again when they levelled the scores after 32 minutes. Andy Benson, Adam Middleton, Mike Smith, Welsh and Burgan exchanged quick passes across field were the supporting Karl O’Doherty was on hand to score a Whitfield converted try to push the Maries ahead 12-6.
With the big men tiring in the heavy conditions hooker Jamie Rowlands and Ditchfield back after injury used their brain and guile to open up the Rangers defence time and time again. Rowlands ghosted from behind his big pack weaved into the middle making yards off the backs of Leighton Smith and Stuart Harland, Ditchfield sped in field released Mike Smith whose cultured pass found Welsh who gave a delightful ball to fullback Darren McKinnon to score. Evergreen Kinney raced under the sticks making Whitfield’s conversion a formality. The undoubted class of the Maries shone through and they were only thwarted by bad luck and a little impatience. Strong tough running for both Chris Fenlon and Middleton saw them go close but cruelly the visitors got the benefit of a dreadful bounce to score. Adam Prendergast scored after an impressive and destructive run when with agile feet he which belied his size. The Widnes Youth player of the year powered over giving Whitfield his fourth conversion out of four. Still Adlington came back and scored after a kick and chase. The pick of the tries was then scored by Mike Smith who after sterling work from Ditchfield and Welsh took the ball off Burgan after a powerhouse run then danced in beating 3 defenders. Welsh duly converted to finish the game at 30-16.
Danny Burgan was the Athena Security Man of the Match pushed all the way by Adam Prendergast and Jamie Rowlands.
Team: Darren McKinnon, Adam Middleton, Karl O’Doherty, Andy Benson, Jez Whitfield, Dave Welsh, Mike Smith, Leighton Smith, Jamie Rowlands, Tony Kirwan, Stuart Harland, Danny Burgan, Alan Ditchfield. Replacements: Dominic Smith, Barry Quinn, Adam Prendergast, Chris Fenlon.
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WIDNES ST MARIES 36 v WATERHEAD 16
17.10.09
St Maries North West Counties side powered through to a Lancashire Cup Quarter Final tie against Bank Quay Bulls in a fortnights time with an impressive win over a dogged Waterhead side. Mike Fairclough led the scoring with 2 tries and Andy Friar, Andy Benson, Scott Harland, Mike Smith and Dean French one a piece. Powerful wingman Fairclough simply ran through the Waterhead defence to score out wide. After some great support play in the middle of the field by Adam Flanagan and Karl O’Doherty Mike Smith swung the ball out wide to Andy Benson who powered over with 3 defenders still hanging onto him. Great movement in the middle of the field by Andy Friar and Ryan Quinn saw a ball back inside for Scott Harland to cut through the defence and score by the post. Mike Smith scored the try of the day with a superb individual try cutting through the defence and outpacing the winger and full back to score. Dean French received the ball in his own 20 and raced around the static Waterhead defence to score under the post for a length of the field try. Shaun Dourley successfully converted 4 tries.
Mike Smith was the Athena Security Man of the Match pushed all the way by Mike Fairclough and Andy Benson.
Team: Darren McKinnon, Mike Fairclough, Karl O’Doherty, Adam Flanagan, Scott Harland, Mike Smith, Dean French, Peter Crosby, Shaun Dourley, Stuart Harland, Andy Benson, Ryan Quinn, Andy Friar. Replacements: Dominic Smith, Adam Middleton, Jamie Rowlands, Jez Whitfield.
http://public.fotki.com/LeedsViking/amateur-rugby-leagu/widnes-st-maries-v--13/
WIDNES ST MARIES 28 v BURTONWOOD BRIDGE 14
10.10.09
Six wins out of six. Despite having to make 7 changes through first team call ups the Maries won a tough encounter against a dogged Burtonwood side that will upset many sides this season. Tony Haddock, who was to be taken to hospital near the end with a dislocated shoulder was tearing the Bridge defence to pieces from the off and won three penalties in quick succession as the visitors struggled to stop him. Captain Mike Smith, the returning Adam Flanagan, Ben Smith and Haddock were all stopped close to the line before the first score after 14 minutes. Graeme Buck’s big hit forced a knock on and from the resultant scrum Ben Smith fed Andy Friar who powered home in the corner despite the attention of Andrew Forber, Craig Eves and Darren Reid. David Dourley's towering touchline conversion was the first and best of his tally of 4. Dourley sped 30 metres on the re-start to feed Mike Smith who released Haddock but his attempt was called back. Bridge man of the match Steve Houghton made the first of his many breaks supported by Richard St Pier and Liam Kirkham but the hosts stood firm with Ben Smith and Haddock outstanding until the 26th minute when with the Maries waiting for a knock on James Rafferty ran 80 metres to score a Steve Lamb converted try. Bridge crossed the line again but magnificent work from Jamie Rowlands and Ben Smith held the player up. Shaun Field streaked away fed Ben Smith but the Bridge defence held him out. Lamb pushed Bridge ahead after 36 minutes with a penalty for a high shot but the hosts bounced back to lead 12-8 at the break. Two huge Dominic Smith hits and one from Rob Lamb forced a knock on. Friar, Lamb and Dourley worked the ball up field before Lamb re-took the ball and powered over near the sticks.
Haddock, Andy Benson and Ben Smith went close on the re-start but still Bridge came back. Rowlands pulled off an enormous stop on their winger Gary Cunningham who looked to be in the clear. Field took a good ball on the run fed Friar who was stopped close to the line. The ball was whizzed across field via Benson, Peter Crosby, Ben Smith, and Mike Smith for Flanagan to race in. This appeared to deflate the visitors and the Maries enjoyed the final 20 minutes playing some superb rugby. Rowlands made a break fed Dominic Smith who released Mike Smith to score. Stuart Harland drove in hard gaining 30 metres fed Buck who released Lamb but Reid and Houghton got back to stop the big prop. Mike Smith chipped the Bridge defence and Dominic Smith kicked it on for Mike Smith to score his second and draw level with Friar as joint top scorer this season. Still Bridge were not finished and Houghton’s break saw Barry Walsh score a Lamb converted try despite the attentions of Ben Smith, Rowlands and Crosby.
Adam Flanagan on his return was the Athena Security Man of the Match pushed all the way by Tony Haddock and Mike Smith.
Team: Adam Flanagan, Adam Middleton, Andy Benson, Andy Friar, Shaun Field, Dave Dourley, Mike Smith, Ben Smith, Jamie Rowlands, Peter Crosby, Tony Haddock, Stuart Harland, Graeme Buck. Replacements: Tony Kirwan, Rob Lamb, Dominic Smith, Ryan Quinn
For photographs of the above game courtesy of Leeds Viking click on
http://public.fotki.com/LeedsViking/amateur-rugby-leagu/widnes-st-maries-v--13/
WIDNES ST MARIES 22 v WIGAN ST JUDES 14
03.10. 09 Lancashire Cup Round 2
.
St Maries won a really tough battle against a big well drilled St Judes side and go through to the third round of the Lancashire Cup and now meet Waterhead at home in 2 weeks time. The visitors almost scored in the first set of six when O’Grady then Moore were held up by Darren McKinnon, Scott Harland and Peter Crosby. McKinnon performed yet another heroic stop before David Dourley, Mike Smith and Ben Smith engineered the ball to the other end but were stopped at the death. Danny Sharples, Mike Smith and a huge Tony Kirwan hit stopped Judes from scoring before the impressive Stuart Harland battled his way down field. Still the Judes came back and scored a deserved try after 12 minutes when lively stand off Watson burrowed over on the sixth tackle giving Lowe an easy conversion. Sharples again saved the Maries near the line before another enormous Kirwan hit made Clayton drop the ball when about to score. Shaun Dourley, Mike Smith and Jamie Rowlands at last put together some decent passes allowing winger Sharples to race in. Shaun Dourley converted as towering kick in gale force winds to level the scores with 20 minutes gone. The Wigan side enjoyed a series of good but fruitless attacks before Lowe chipped over a penalty for holding down taking them in a deserved 2 points ahead at the break.
David Dourley, McKinnon, Shaun Dourley and Mike Smith combined to force the opposing winger over the dead ball on the re-start. The visitors kick out was taken back by Ben Smith and Tony Haddock who were both held up short. Ben Smith released Rowlands who was pulled back before an excellent cross field move with Craig Dourley and Stuart Harland prominent saw David Dourley coast in. Brother Shaun was out of luck with his kick which the wind took back to him. Sean Allen made a good break releasing Adam Middleton but he was stopped by an elbow to the jaw. Thornhill scored for the visitors on the hour when he raced 30 metres to put the St Judes back in front. Sharples then scored one of the tries of his career when he took David Dourleys short kick off and raced joyfully in under the posts. The Judes visibly wilted and their fate was sealed two minutes later when the 3 Dourley brothers combined to put Kirwan in who rampaged through the Wigan defence. David Dourleys two conversions finished the scoring in an excellent tussle of the two Saints superbly refereed by local official John Farrell.
Danny Sharples was the L.A.S Plumbing Man of the Match pushed all the way by Tony Haddock and Stuart Harland.
Team: Darren McKinnon, Danny Sharples, Sean Allen, Adam Middleton, Scott Harland, Mike Smith, Dave Dourley, Ben Smith, Shaun Dourley, Peter Crosby, Tony Haddock, Ryan Quinn, Jamie Rowlands. Replacements: Paul Kirwan, Tony Kirwan, Craig Dourley, Stuart Harland.
.
ORRELL ST JAMES 14 v WIDNES ST MARIES 29
26.09.09
St Maries knew this would be a tough game and it didn't help being stuck in traffic and only getting to Wigan 10 minutes before kick off. Orrell took advantage of this and went in early with some great work by their halfbacks. It was then the turn of the Maries halfbacks when Mike Smith linked well with scrum half Dave Dourley who placed a kick for winger Chris Cartledge to go in for the score. Then the forwards showed their power and class with the ever improving Tony Haddock, Graeme Buck and Will Tilleke busting holes in the Wigan Defence. Ryan Quinn opened up the Wigan defence with Mike Smith for Haddock to make the hole for veteran forward Tilleke to crash in from close range. The next Maries score was similar to the first as Dourley again found Cartledge with a well placed kick to take the score to 16-4 to the visitors at half time.
The Maries started how they had finished and were unlucky not to score a couple of times through Jamie Rowlands, Adam Middleton and Dourley. Graeme Buck, Dominic Smith and Ben Smith were all making important yards and the introduction of Tony Kirwan only added to this. Orrell had a couple of players carried of in a matter of minutes due to a couple of real bone crunching tackles first by Tony Kirwan and then by younger brother James. However Orrell responded well and went in for a converted try reducing the deficit to just 6 points. Orrell were really on top now and looked to have scored only for a great last ditch tackle by full back Darren McKinnon. When the Widnes side finally managed to get near the Orrell line it was Dourley who dropped a goal to make the lead 7 points. This was then cancelled out by a great Orrell try. With under 10 minutes left the game could have gone either way, but again it was Dourley involved as he stepped clear to send in Mike Smith who finished well and to make sure of the points Mike Smith scored again this time with a solo effort that saw him race over 60 metres.
Dave Dourley was the L.A.S Plumbing Man of the Match pushed all the way by Tony Haddock and Mike Smith
Team: Darren McKinnon, Chris Cartledge, Andy Friar, Adam Middleton, Liam Smith, Mike Smith, Dave Dourley, Graeme Buck, Jamie Rowlands, Will Tilleke, Dom Smith, Tony Haddock, Ryan Quinn. Replacements: James Kirwan, Tony Kirwan, Ben Smith, Ronnie Wharton
.
WIDNES ST MARIES 32 v INCE ROSE BRIDGE 10
19.09.09
The Maries remain unbeaten in one of the strongest NWC leagues for years after a superb home win over their Wigan opposition. With 9 changes from their win at West Bank Swans it was a superb all round performance with Andy Friar (2), Danny Ruth, Danny Burgan and Athena Security man of the match Tony Haddock getting over the whitewash with young David Dourley (5) and evergreen Will Tilleke getting the conversions.
Team: Darren McKinnon, Danny Ruth, Andy Friar, Danny Burgan, Adam Middleton, David Dourley, Mike Smith, Will Tilleke, Sean Allen, Peter Crosby, Ryan Quinn, Dominic Smith, Jamie Rowlands.
Replacements: Tony Haddock, Chris Fenlon, James Kirwan, Daniel Scott.
The Athena Security man of the match for the Maries went to Tony Haddock pushed all the way by skipper Mike Smith and centre Andy Friar.
WEST BANK SWAN 12 WIDNES ST MARIES 18
12.09.09
The first of 6 division 2 Widnes derby games did not disappoint at a sun soaked Leigh Rec. A healthy crowd saw St Maries come away with the spoils despite the fine efforts of a young Swans side still finding their feet. The game started explosively, Maries got the ball over the touchline with a bounce from the kick off, and from the resulting scrum, scored a Shaun Dourley converted try through Mike Fairclough in the corner. Peter Crosby, Graeme Buck and Danny Burgan took the play to the Swan’s line before referee Dave Webster awarded a penalty to the visitors for a grapple tackle. Dourley duly converted. St Maries were throwing the ball around at every opportunity with Mike Smith, Andy Barr and Craig Gallimore to the fore, but the host defence was brave and the efforts of Steve Vowles, Chris Rusling and captain Anthony Elwell were keeping the Maries at bay. The Swans, starved of field position were managing to get up to the Maries danger zone but poor composure resulted in several turnovers early in the tackle count. The introduction of Phil Ogilvie spurred the Swans on and Chris Syers and Peter Mark were hitting the ball at pace gaining yards, then, after a tap penalty, Ste Cowell dropped a superb ball to Jason Green who, despite the attention of 3 Maries players managed to ground the ball for his 2nd of the season. Dave Patterson added the conversion. After 25 minutes some quick scoots from Thorogood, Pierce and Allen gained the Swans a penalty, and Patterson elected to attempt to level the scores, however, the wind caught the ball and it missed. Mike Smith drove away hard from his own line and found David Dourley who released Danny Smith. Smith’s ball to Gallimore was dropped bringing the half to an end at 6-8.
The second half continued at relentless pace, and Danny Bellfield, Woodward and Mullarky were active in attack and defence. Buck and Gallimore went close, David Dourley and Danny Smith contrived an opening for Adam Middleton brought he was brought back for a knock on. After yet another silly Marie’s penalty the Swans again elected to take a shot at goal. Despite the cheers from the Swans crowd, to the bemusement of all of their players, the referee disallowed the kick. This decision proved crucial and the Maries soon went over. Fairclough and Danny Smith combined to release Danny Burgan who powered over for a Dourley converted try. Daniel Scott scored the game breaker on 75 minutes when he side stepped a mesmerized tired Swans defence to score out wide. With Dourley’s conversion going wide the 12 point gap was a bridge too far for the hosts. However, eager to finish with a flurry Patterson got the ball dead with a bounce from the kick off, and from the resulting drop out, scrum half Cowell went over for his first ever try, following the successful conversion, the referee called an end to a great game of rugby, played with all the passion of the derby game, but equally with good sportsmanship.
Swans: Mike Mullarky, Andrew Woodward, Keith Pierce, Steve Vowles, Lee Thorogood, Dave Patterson, Ste Cowell, Chris Rusling, Phil Ogilvie, Chris Syers, Jason Green, Anthony Elwell, Peter Mark. Replacements: Kieran Allen, Danny Bellfield, Ste Dwyer, Chris Whittle.
Maries: Mike Smith, Liam Smith, Andy Barr, Danny Burgan, Mike Fairclough, David Dourley, Shaun Dourley, Graeme Buck, Sean Allen, Peter Crosby, Craig Gallimore, Jamie Rowlands, Danny Smith.
Replacements: Rob Lamb, Tony Haddock, Adam Middleton, Daniel Scott.
The Athena Security man of the match for the Maries went to fullback Mike Smith with the Cheshire Oak Bacon man of the match for the Swan going to Chris Syers.
.
WIDNES ST MARIES 28 v THATTO HEATH 20
05.09.09
St Maries started their life in division 2 facing one of the teams tipped for the title.St Maries defence was awesome in the first ten minutes with Glynn Holland and Sean Bennett leading the way with some crunching tackles. Thatto Heath were first to score however as a clever little kick over resulted in a try. Maries replied almost immediately when Danny Smith stepped around one to draw the man to send Dean French in. Again the St Helens side attacked and came up with a try when some good work by the hooker sent the stand off in taking the score to 10-6 to the visitors. Once again St Maries replied and once again it was French scoring with a moment of magic, though apparently tackled he wiggled out to score, Shaun Dourley once again added the extras. Big forward Rob Lamb was then introduced and with his first touch of the ball he powered through three defenders flicking the ball out to centre Andy Friar who finished well. On the stroke of half time Thatto went in again taking the score to 16-16 half time.
Thatto started the brighter in the second half and put a lot of pressure on the Maries which eventually ended with a try. The game then got a little heated and some un-pleasantries where thrown but then both sides got back to playing rugby. French played a nice little chip towards the post which bounced kindly round the Thatto full back for Danny Smith to pick up and go in for a Dourley converted try. Thatto heath were back on top again and look close to scoring but two excellent try saving tackles by Maries full back Darren McKinnon kept the score 22-20 to the home side. The Maries poor discipline let them down and it was another try saving tackle that stopped Thatto from taking the lead. This time it was new Kiwi Andy Friar who crunched the opposite centre who lost the ball. From the resulting scrum St Maries made there way up field with a great break from second row Glynn Holland. This play ended with another French chip over, and once again it was Smith who pounced to get his second and when Dourley converted this took the score to 28-20 at the finish.
1 Darren McKinnon, 2 Dean French, 3. Andy Friar, 4. Danny Smith, 5 Adam Middleton (capt) 6 David Dourley, 7 Shaun Dourley, 8 Graeme Buck, 9 Sean Allen, 10 Peter Crosby, 11 Stuart Harland, 12 Glynn Holland, 13 Sean Bennett. Replacements: 14 Rob Lamb, 15 Tony Haddock, 16 Dom Smith, 17 Craig Gallimore
2009-10 FIXTURES FOR BOTH NATIONAL CONFERENCE PREMIER DIVISION Widnes St Maries
AND NORTH WEST COUNTIES DIVISION 2 Widnes St Maries
| 22-Aug |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
12 |
v |
Siddal |
32 |
|
| 26-Aug |
Wath Brow Hornets |
20 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
10 |
|
| 01-Sep |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
20 |
v |
Leigh Miners Rangers |
14 |
|
| 05-Sep |
Wigan St Judes |
44 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
12 |
|
|
Widnes St Maries NWC |
28 |
v |
Thatto Heath |
20 |
|
| 12-Sep |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
18 |
v |
Ince Rose Bridge |
22 |
|
|
West Bank Swans |
12 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NWC |
18 |
|
| 19-Sep |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
18 |
v |
West Hull |
10 |
|
|
Widnes St Maries NWC |
32 |
v |
Ince Rose Bridge |
10 |
|
| 26-Sep |
Wigan St Patricks |
24 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
24 |
|
|
Orrell St James |
14 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NWC |
29 |
|
| 03-Oct |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
14 |
v |
York Acorn |
20 |
|
|
Widnes St Maries NWC |
22 |
v |
St Judes Lan/Cup Rd 2 |
14 |
|
| 10-Oct |
Leigh East |
40 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
04 |
|
|
Widnes St Maries NWC |
28 |
v |
Burtonwood bridge |
14 |
|
| 17-Oct |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
18 |
v |
Hull Dockers |
08 |
|
|
Widnes St Maries NWC |
36 |
v |
Waterhead Lanc Cup Rd 3 |
16 |
|
| 24-Oct |
Skirlaugh (Hull) |
15 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
15 |
|
|
Widnes St Maries NWC |
30 |
v |
Adlington Rangers |
16 |
|
| 31-Oct |
Oulton Raiders (Leeds) F/L |
18 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
16 |
|
|
Widnes St Maries NWC |
16 |
v |
Bank Quay Bulls Lancs Cup 4 |
66 |
|
| 07-Nov |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
22 |
v |
East Hull |
14 |
|
|
Widnes St Maries NWC |
13 |
v |
Wigan St Judes |
04 |
|
| 14-Nov |
Siddall (Halifax) |
68 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
00 |
|
|
Widnes St Maries NWC |
Post |
v |
Leigh Miners Rangers |
Post |
|
| 21-Nov |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
22 |
v |
Wigan St Judes |
12 |
|
|
Widnes St Maries NWC |
06 |
v |
Golborne Parkside A |
14 |
|
| 28-Nov |
Ince Rose Bridge (F/L) |
13 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
06 |
|
|
Golborne Parkside A |
Post |
v |
Widnes St Maries NWC |
Post |
|
| 05-Dec |
West Hull (F/L) |
36 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
0 |
|
|
Thatto Heath |
Post |
v |
Widnes St Maries NWC |
Post |
|
| 12-Dec |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
24 |
v |
Wigan St Patricks |
32 |
|
|
Widnes St Maries NWC |
40 |
v |
West Bank Swans |
06 |
|
| 19-Dec |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
Post |
v |
Wath Brow Hornets |
Post |
|
|
Ince Rose Bridge |
Post |
v |
Widnes St Maries NWC |
Post |
|
| 26-Dec |
Xmas Break |
|
|
|
|
|
| 02-Jan |
Xmas Break |
|
|
|
|
|
| 09-Jan |
Widnes St Maries CC Prelim |
Post |
v |
Myton Warriors (Hull) |
Post |
|
|
Widnes St Maries NWC |
Post |
v |
Orrell St James |
Post |
|
| 16-Jan |
Widnes St Maries GMB Cup |
Post |
v |
Elland |
Post |
|
|
Widnes St Maries NWC |
Post |
v |
Clock Face Miners |
Post |
|
| 23-Jan |
Widnes St Maries CC Prelim |
24 |
v |
Myton Warriors (Hull) |
43 |
|
|
Burtonwood Bridge |
0 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NWC |
12 |
|
| 30-Jan |
Widnes St Maries GMB Cup |
18 |
v |
Elland (Halifax) |
17 |
|
|
Widnes St Maries NWC |
18 |
v |
Halton Farnworth |
8 |
|
| 06-Feb |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
22 |
v |
Wath Brow Hornets |
42 |
|
|
Adlington Rangers |
16 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NWC |
18 |
|
| 13-Feb |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
36 |
v |
Skirlaugh (Hull) |
22 |
|
| 20-Feb |
Hunslet Warriors |
38 |
v |
Widnes St Maries GMB Cup |
6 |
|
|
Wigan St Judes |
36 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NWC |
12 |
|
| 23-Feb |
Leigh Miners Rangers |
18 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
18 |
|
| 27-Feb |
Widnes St Maries NWC |
18 |
v |
Leigh Miners Rangers |
8 |
|
| 06-Mar |
York Acorn |
54 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
16 |
|
|
Ince Rose Bridge |
22 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NWC |
28 |
|
| 13-Mar |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
22 |
v |
Oulton Raiders |
30 |
|
|
Widnes St Maries NWC |
42 |
v |
Orrell St James |
20 |
|
| 20-Mar |
Hull Dockers |
26 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
0 |
|
|
Widnes St Maries NWC |
18 |
v |
Clockface Miners (St Helens) |
28 |
|
| 27-Mar |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
0 |
v |
Leigh East |
18 |
|
|
Clockface Miners (St Helens) |
18 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NWC |
0 |
|
| 03-Apr |
East Hull |
58 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
0 |
|
|
Halton Farnworth Hornets |
10 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NWC |
14 |
|
| 07-Apr |
Widnes Tigers Widnes Cup |
8 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NWC |
16 |
|
| 14-Apr |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
44 |
v |
Halton Farnworth Hornets Widnes Cup |
0 |
|
| 17-Apr |
Thatto Heath (St Helens) |
16 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NWC |
24 |
|
| 21-Apr |
Widnes St Maries NWC Wid Cup |
12 |
v |
Widnes St Maries NCL |
32 |
|
| 1st-May |
Golborne Parkside |
|
v |
Widnes St Maries NWC |
|
2.30pm |
| 3rd-May |
Widnes Cup Final |
|
|
Stobart Stadium |
|
3.00pm |
| |
Widnes St Maries U12 Wid Cup |
|
v |
Widnes Moorfield U 12 Curtain Raiser |
|
|
Widnes Masters won their first game 4 tries to 2 against Leigh East with Terry Owen (2), Bobbie Goulding and Esene Faimalo the try scorers.
The National Conference League will start a Summer Competition on June 6th 2009 with a view to switching to Summer rugby. The inaugral North West Division includes ourselves, Leigh East, Thatto Heath and Eccles & Salford.
|
TONY HANNON R.I.P.
Widnes St Maries are devastated to announce the sad loss of Tony.
Our sympathy goes to all family and friends.
Former Widnes St Maries, Wigan, Widnes and Bradford winger David Myers was killed in an accident on the M6 on Monday October 20th 2008. Cheshire Police have confirmed that he died when his van hit a bridge support at 8.49pm. Widnes St Maries held a minutes silence at all games last weekend as a mark of respect to David's memory and to express our deepest sympathy to David's partner and family. |
| |
|
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
http://public.fotki.com/LeedsViking/amateur-rugby-leagu/widnes-st-maries-v--7/
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
http://public.fotki.com/LeedsViking/amateur-rugby-leagu/widnes-st-maries-v--5/
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
Match photos (courtesy of Steve McIntyre) link now on Gallery
Steve can be contacted at leedsviking@googlemail.com
or http://www.leedsviking.com)
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 Dawso
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