National Conference Premier League Coaches
ANDY RUANE 07708-165320
BARRY QUINN 07815-838594
DES DOURLEY 07939-991122
LEE BIRDSEYE 07955-865838
Picture courtesy of Tommy Morris
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 Smith.
