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North West Counties Division 2 Coaches
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CHRIS FENLON 07769-502085
KEV BUCK 07810-641988
DANNY RUTH 07843-093106
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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
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WIDNES ST MARIES 22 v WIGAN ST JUDES 14
03.10. 09 Lancashire Cup Round 2
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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