Harlequins Rugby League produced a comprehensive victory over Wakefield Trinity Wildcats yesterday at The Stoop, making it two wins from the first three rounds of Super League.
The home side were made to work hard for their victory, the opening twenty minutes of the first half saw a burst of points scoring, a Scott Grix try handed Wakefield an early lead, but shortly after Scott Hill brushed through some weak defence to open the Quins account.
A smart piece of play from hooker Chad Randall put centre Matt Gafa away for the next Quins try, but the good work was undone when the Wildcats found a massive hole in the middle of the Quins defence for Sam Obst, who had come on early for injured hooker Brad Drew, to burst through.
The final twenty minutes of the half saw Quins soak up consistent pressure from the visitors, and were fortunate enough to survive a close scare when powerful centre Ryan Atkins grounded the ball short of the line after Rikki Sheriffe failed to diffuse a towering bomb. The Wildcats bad luck was only to get worse, with former London Broncos centre Tony Martin and skipper Jason Demetriou joining Drew on the sidelines.
Despite the set backs Wakefield started the second-half strongly, utilising the offload to stretch the Quins defence and pick up some easy yards. Jamie Rooney came close to scoring with a surging run, only to find himself pulled down short by the impressive Mark McLinden. But a quick play the ball saw young back-rower Brett Ferres push off some sloppy marker defence to power over.
At 10 – 18 down Quins finally began the fight back; McLinden put centre David Howell in, only to see the effort ruled out for an imaginary forward pass. But the wrong was soon cancelled out when a minute later Kevin Henderson botched a scrum play in front of his own sticks and Chad Randall reacted fastest to poach the try. The lead swung back to Quins when Sheriffe capitalised on opposite number Luke George’s failure to deal with a bomb.
A try from Henry Paul, who ran himself into the ground in defence, put clear space between the two sides. Wakefield were beginning to run out of steam, with the first half injuries restricting them to just one fit interchange player. With a cushion now opened up the Quins had the opportunity to take a few chances, Gafa’s off the cuff kick behind the defence, bounced kindly allowing him to pass inside to Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook who raced away from the flagging Wildcats defence to cap the win.
Coach Brian McDermott will no doubt be impressed by the gritty determination of his side for the second week in a row. Loose forward Paul and prop Danny Ward in particular produced fine performances in both attack and defence. A big concern will be the injury to standoff Hill, who was forced off for the second consecutive game following heavy hits. The former Kangaroo has been growing in influence this term, following a first season with the club subdued by injury and illness.
Critics have predictably raised the issue of crowds as a late kick off, television coverage, the Six Nations and Wakefield’s smaller away support saw the gate drop from over 8,000 against Wigan to just over 3,000 yesterday. However, given the combination of negative factors, the club will probably be thankful that Sky chose to televise a game against a side with a more modest away following, as the potential loss of gate receipts would be much more significant against one of the bigger sides such as Wigan, Leeds or Saints.
Cynics may also question the decision of Sky Sports Boots ‘n’ All programme to use this particular game for it’s preview of 2008 license applications. The combination of factors for this particular game offering a perfect showcase for a predictable, rote like, “journalism by numbers” feature in which Quins gain credit for facilities and development work but get marked down weak crowds. Whether such sloppy regurgitation will actually guide the editorial is yet to be seen, but the odds in favour of it are likely to be very short.
Harlequins RL: 34 (10)
Tries: Hill, Gafa, Randall, Sheriffe, Paul, McCarthy-Scarsbrook
Goals: Purdham 5
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats: 18 (12)
Tries: Grix, Obst, Ferres
Goals: Brough 3
Showing posts with label Match Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Match Review. Show all posts
Sunday, 24 February 2008
Thursday, 21 February 2008
Dons double up on Skolars
Doncaster pulled off their second win in two weeks against London Skolars yesterday, in the return leg of their Northern Rail Cup match-up.
A full report is here.
London Skolars: (4) 22
Tries: Miller, Gibbons, Thorman, Kerr
Goals: Thorman 3
Doncaster: (18) 36
Tries: Brown 2, Cook, Lawton, Lawrie, Woods
Goals: Crook 6
A full report is here.
London Skolars: (4) 22
Tries: Miller, Gibbons, Thorman, Kerr
Goals: Thorman 3
Doncaster: (18) 36
Tries: Brown 2, Cook, Lawton, Lawrie, Woods
Goals: Crook 6
Monday, 18 February 2008
Quins flood Hull FC
Harlequins RL bounced back from their opening weekend defeat by Wigan with a comprehensive win over Hull FC at the KC Stadium yesterday afternoon.
A match report is available here.
Hull FC: (0) 6
Tries: Berrigan
Goals: Tickle
Harlequins RL: (14) 24
Tries: Purdham, Howell, Gafa 2, Randall
Goals: Purdham 2
A match report is available here.
Hull FC: (0) 6
Tries: Berrigan
Goals: Tickle
Harlequins RL: (14) 24
Tries: Purdham, Howell, Gafa 2, Randall
Goals: Purdham 2
Monday, 11 February 2008
Skolars push Crusaders hard
London Skolars first home game of the Northern Rail Cup ended in defeat to last years National League Two champions Celtic Crusaders. The Skolars pushed the visitors hard, in a game that featured appearances from Quins RL players Dwayne Barker and Tony Clubb, both on a short-term loan arrangement between the London clubs.
A match report is here.
London Skolars: (4) 10
Tries: Nowland, Coleman
Goals: Thorman
Celtic Crusaders: (16) 26
Tries: Hannay 2, Quinn, James, Dyer
Goals: Quinn, Van Dijk 2
A match report is here.
London Skolars: (4) 10
Tries: Nowland, Coleman
Goals: Thorman
Celtic Crusaders: (16) 26
Tries: Hannay 2, Quinn, James, Dyer
Goals: Quinn, Van Dijk 2
Sunday, 10 February 2008
Quins collapse flatters Warriors
A collapse in the final thirty minutes saw Harlequins RL hand the advantage, and a flattering final score, to Wigan in yesterday’s season opener at The Stoop. A crowd of over 8000 saw the home side start brightly with Matt Gafa scoring thr first try after just three minutes, Danny Orr quickest to react to a Wigan error drew the defence and put the big winger away.
Wigan hit back with a try from centre Darrell Goulding and Pat Richards tagged on the conversion plus a couple of penalties to give the visitors a 6 point advantage with twenty five minutes gone.
Mark McLinden popped up with a spectacular try three minutes later, and Henry Paul added the extra two points to square things. A try from Michael McIllorum was cancelled out by a Scott Hill effort, with Richards and Paul trading conversions, leaving the score at 16 a piece going in to half-time.
Quins came out of the break firing, a try and two goals for Paul firmly handing them the initiative and when the impressive Matt Gafa added a second try on fifty minutes they appeared to be cruising to victory. However as happened so many times last season the team’s fragility didn’t take long to be exposed Harrison Hansen shrugged off some weak defence to score the try that sparked the comeback. The impressive Goulding added his second try, and when Iafeta Paleaaesina drove over with a typical block busting run the game had firmly swung to Wigan’s favour.
When McIllorum added his second try five minutes from time the result was inevitable, although the unusually quiet Trent Barrett added a drop-goal shortly afterwards to make sure. New Warriors fullback Richie Mathers benefited from some dubious officiating for the final try of the game, hooker Mickey Higham made a smart break only to be tackled short, but with the referee was caught up in back play he popped the ball inside to Mathers instead of playing it.
The incident was symptomatic of referee Gareth Hewer’s game, the official who usually controls National League matches struggled with the ruck areas, frequently retreating before the tackle had completed resulting in a number of calls which appeared to be little more than guesses. Unfortunatley for Quins these “50/50 calls” had a habit of favouring their opponents.
Quins coach Brian McDermott can take encouragement from the way his side competed for the first hour, but the capitulation in the closing stages does not bode well. Debutants Gareth Haggerty and Danny Ward both produced encouraging performances, whilst Scott Hill and Danny Orr looked to be finding some understanding in the halves, it was however captain Rob Purdham and winger Matt Gafa who produced the most notable performances.
Harlequins RL: (16) 28
Tries: Gafa 2, McLinden, Hill, Paul
Goals: Paul 4
Wigan Warriors: (16) 47
Tries: Goulding 2, McIlorum 2, Hansen, Paleaaesina, Mathers
Goals: Richards 9 Drop Goals: Barrett
Wigan hit back with a try from centre Darrell Goulding and Pat Richards tagged on the conversion plus a couple of penalties to give the visitors a 6 point advantage with twenty five minutes gone.
Mark McLinden popped up with a spectacular try three minutes later, and Henry Paul added the extra two points to square things. A try from Michael McIllorum was cancelled out by a Scott Hill effort, with Richards and Paul trading conversions, leaving the score at 16 a piece going in to half-time.
Quins came out of the break firing, a try and two goals for Paul firmly handing them the initiative and when the impressive Matt Gafa added a second try on fifty minutes they appeared to be cruising to victory. However as happened so many times last season the team’s fragility didn’t take long to be exposed Harrison Hansen shrugged off some weak defence to score the try that sparked the comeback. The impressive Goulding added his second try, and when Iafeta Paleaaesina drove over with a typical block busting run the game had firmly swung to Wigan’s favour.
When McIllorum added his second try five minutes from time the result was inevitable, although the unusually quiet Trent Barrett added a drop-goal shortly afterwards to make sure. New Warriors fullback Richie Mathers benefited from some dubious officiating for the final try of the game, hooker Mickey Higham made a smart break only to be tackled short, but with the referee was caught up in back play he popped the ball inside to Mathers instead of playing it.
The incident was symptomatic of referee Gareth Hewer’s game, the official who usually controls National League matches struggled with the ruck areas, frequently retreating before the tackle had completed resulting in a number of calls which appeared to be little more than guesses. Unfortunatley for Quins these “50/50 calls” had a habit of favouring their opponents.
Quins coach Brian McDermott can take encouragement from the way his side competed for the first hour, but the capitulation in the closing stages does not bode well. Debutants Gareth Haggerty and Danny Ward both produced encouraging performances, whilst Scott Hill and Danny Orr looked to be finding some understanding in the halves, it was however captain Rob Purdham and winger Matt Gafa who produced the most notable performances.
Harlequins RL: (16) 28
Tries: Gafa 2, McLinden, Hill, Paul
Goals: Paul 4
Wigan Warriors: (16) 47
Tries: Goulding 2, McIlorum 2, Hansen, Paleaaesina, Mathers
Goals: Richards 9 Drop Goals: Barrett
Saturday, 2 February 2008
Skolars take a lesson from Dons
London Skolars opened their Northern Rail Cup campaign yesterday with a defeat away at fellow National League Two side Doncaster.
A match report can be found here.
Doncaster: (12) 32
Tries: Bauer, Hart, Benson 2, J Brown, Gale
Goals: Crook 3, Gale
London Skolars: (6) 10
Tries: Chan
Goals: Thorman
A match report can be found here.
Doncaster: (12) 32
Tries: Bauer, Hart, Benson 2, J Brown, Gale
Goals: Crook 3, Gale
London Skolars: (6) 10
Tries: Chan
Goals: Thorman
Monday, 28 January 2008
Celtic Crusaders down Quins in experimental match
Fears that Harlequins RL would go into the new underdone were underpinned on Saturday when the team went down 28 – 6 to National League One new boys Celtic Crusaders. The match, played at Brewery Field in Bridgend, was Quins final scheduled pre-season run-out.
Played as four fifteen minute long quarters, with unlimited substitutions from an extended squad, the Quins side started brightly before the home side ran away with the game. Head coach Brian McDermott was not disheartened by the result, suggesting that there were many positives to take from the game.
Although it is inevitable that some fans will read too much into the result, it’s worth remembering that pre-season trial games are intended for coaches to experiment with their line-ups, to practice patterns learned in training, and are rarely reliable indicators of performance in the competition proper. However, the Crusaders will take heart from the strength of their performance as they look to build on their promotion from National League Two last season, starting with their first Northern Rail Cup tie against Sheffield Eagles on Friday.
A full match report is available here.
Celtic Crusaders: (12) 28
Tries: Blackwood 2, Ballard, Vitalini, Quinn
Goals: Van Dijk 3, Quinn
Harlequins RL: (6) 6
Tries: Hill
Goals: Paul
Played as four fifteen minute long quarters, with unlimited substitutions from an extended squad, the Quins side started brightly before the home side ran away with the game. Head coach Brian McDermott was not disheartened by the result, suggesting that there were many positives to take from the game.
Although it is inevitable that some fans will read too much into the result, it’s worth remembering that pre-season trial games are intended for coaches to experiment with their line-ups, to practice patterns learned in training, and are rarely reliable indicators of performance in the competition proper. However, the Crusaders will take heart from the strength of their performance as they look to build on their promotion from National League Two last season, starting with their first Northern Rail Cup tie against Sheffield Eagles on Friday.
A full match report is available here.
Celtic Crusaders: (12) 28
Tries: Blackwood 2, Ballard, Vitalini, Quinn
Goals: Van Dijk 3, Quinn
Harlequins RL: (6) 6
Tries: Hill
Goals: Paul
Tuesday, 22 January 2008
Quins cruise to victory
Harlequins RL inflicted a 56 points to nil defeat on neighbours London Skolars this afternoon at the Royal Artillery Gardens, Moorgate. A sell out crowd, predominantly made up of local city workers, saw a strong Quins side dominate the annual pre-season London Club Challenge.
Both clubs fielded expanded sides, allowing the coaches to experiment with different combinations, both halves of the game featuring a short break after twenty minutes to allow reconfiguration of the line-ups.
As to be expected from the first pre-season game of the year early exchanges saw some rusty handling, but it took a rejuvenated Scott Hill just four minutes to bag the first try, with a jinking run flat footing the opposition defence. Three minutes later Jon Grayshon’s angled run hit a hole in the Skolars midfield, arcing round to go under the sticks for the second try. Henry Paul added both conversions and the signs looked ominous.
Ten minutes in debutant Quins centre David Howell crossed but was pulled back for a forward pass in the build-up. The respite was short lived when fullback Mark McLinden made a break down the left flank before putting in a smart chip kick behind the retreating Skolars defence, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, operating out of the second-row, was quickest to the loose ball to collect his try.
A reshuffle of creative options saw Danny Orr, Hill and McLinden temporarily giving way to Julien Rinaldi, Michael Worrincy and academy halfback Dylan Skee. Although Quins continued to dominate the game there was a marked difference in the speed of decision-making, with the attacking patterns at times becoming over elaborate and lacking the directness and cutting edge of the first twenty.
Rinaldi was next to pick up a try, scooting from dummy half the ball was stripped from his grasp but bounced kindly allowing him to re-gather and scamper over the line. Skee took over the kicking duties from Paul to add the conversion.
Just after the half hour mark Skolars centre Dene Miller produced his side’s best chance, a well worked move from the back of the scrum saw him slice through the Quins defence, only to be called back by a harsh forward pass call.
Young Quins winger Will Sharp, recently promoted to the first team squad, piled on the agony for Skolars, coming in field to burrow his way over a minute shy of the break. Skee converted to close the first half at 30 – 0.
Quins returned from the break all guns blazing, centre Tony Clubb’s powerful run saw him cross for a try in the left hand corner, followed in quick succession by two almost identical tries from winger Rikki Sheriffe on the opposite side. Skee added two conversions from three attempts and it looked as if the floodgates had burst on the Skolars.
Goals: Paul 3, Skee 5
Both clubs fielded expanded sides, allowing the coaches to experiment with different combinations, both halves of the game featuring a short break after twenty minutes to allow reconfiguration of the line-ups.
As to be expected from the first pre-season game of the year early exchanges saw some rusty handling, but it took a rejuvenated Scott Hill just four minutes to bag the first try, with a jinking run flat footing the opposition defence. Three minutes later Jon Grayshon’s angled run hit a hole in the Skolars midfield, arcing round to go under the sticks for the second try. Henry Paul added both conversions and the signs looked ominous.
Ten minutes in debutant Quins centre David Howell crossed but was pulled back for a forward pass in the build-up. The respite was short lived when fullback Mark McLinden made a break down the left flank before putting in a smart chip kick behind the retreating Skolars defence, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, operating out of the second-row, was quickest to the loose ball to collect his try.
A reshuffle of creative options saw Danny Orr, Hill and McLinden temporarily giving way to Julien Rinaldi, Michael Worrincy and academy halfback Dylan Skee. Although Quins continued to dominate the game there was a marked difference in the speed of decision-making, with the attacking patterns at times becoming over elaborate and lacking the directness and cutting edge of the first twenty.
Rinaldi was next to pick up a try, scooting from dummy half the ball was stripped from his grasp but bounced kindly allowing him to re-gather and scamper over the line. Skee took over the kicking duties from Paul to add the conversion.
Just after the half hour mark Skolars centre Dene Miller produced his side’s best chance, a well worked move from the back of the scrum saw him slice through the Quins defence, only to be called back by a harsh forward pass call.
Young Quins winger Will Sharp, recently promoted to the first team squad, piled on the agony for Skolars, coming in field to burrow his way over a minute shy of the break. Skee converted to close the first half at 30 – 0.
Quins returned from the break all guns blazing, centre Tony Clubb’s powerful run saw him cross for a try in the left hand corner, followed in quick succession by two almost identical tries from winger Rikki Sheriffe on the opposite side. Skee added two conversions from three attempts and it looked as if the floodgates had burst on the Skolars.
However, the National League Two side managed to compose themselves, putting in a solid defensive spell to shut out Quins for almost a quarter of an hour, till Orr’s lively performance was rewarded with a try on the hour mark.
At 50 – 0 it appeared the Skolars were dead and buried, but the final quarter saw Quins ease off allowing the North London side to produce some of their best attacking rugby of the afternoon. Unfortunately despite stepping up the tempo the Skolars lacked the cutting edge needed to breach the Quins parsimonious defence, several promising attacks breaking down on the final play. Ultimately the second half finished in the same fashion as the first with a ruthless late score from Quins, Dwayne Barker’s storming run connected with Worrincy’s deft flick pass to crash over just before the final hooter.
In the final analysis Quins simply had too much power and pace for their part-time neighbours, Skolars deserve full credit for maintaining the commitment to keep the tie competitive throughout and can feel very unlucky not to have put any points on the scoreboard.
The Quins coaching staff will be pleased to see the match pass off without any serious injuries, with debutants Barker, Howell and Ward all slotting in well. However, questions will be raised about whether today’s game and the friendly against Celtic Crusaders on Saturday will leave the side match hardened enough going into the season opener against Wigan on February 9th.
London Skolars: (0) 0
Tries:
Goals:
Harlequins RL: (30) 56
Tries: Hill, Grayshon, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Rinaldi, Sharp, Clubb, Sheriffe 2, Orr,
Goals: Paul 3, Skee 5
* Photos reproduced by kind permission of Steph Kaye
Sunday, 16 September 2007
Jones signs-off with a win
Retiring scrumhalf Stacey Jones inspired Les Catalans to a victory over Quins yesterday in Perpignan. The Kiwi legend ensured that the Dragons finished the season with a victory over the Quins following defeats in the three previous meetings this campaign, as well as the distinction of claiming at least one victory over every other side in the competition.
A match report is here.
Catalans Dragons: (18) 30
Tries: Stacul, Wilson 2, Greenshields 2
Goals: Jones 5
Harlequins RL: (4) 14
Tries: Sykes 2, Clubb
Goals: Sykes
A match report is here.
Catalans Dragons: (18) 30
Tries: Stacul, Wilson 2, Greenshields 2
Goals: Jones 5
Harlequins RL: (4) 14
Tries: Sykes 2, Clubb
Goals: Sykes
Monday, 10 September 2007
Skolars breakthrough season ends on low note
London Skolars ended what has been a breakthrough season with a narrow defeat away at Oldham. Despite the defeat the season saw the north London based outfit finish in their highest ever position, with a record eight wins in the National League Two competition.
A match report is here.
Oldham: (22) 28
Tries: Ford 2, Morton, Hoyle, Hodson
Goals: Morton 4
London Skolars: (6) 26
Tries: Tozer, Maitua, Simms 2, Nowland
Goals: Thorman 3
A match report is here.
Oldham: (22) 28
Tries: Ford 2, Morton, Hoyle, Hodson
Goals: Morton 4
London Skolars: (6) 26
Tries: Tozer, Maitua, Simms 2, Nowland
Goals: Thorman 3
Sunday, 9 September 2007
Quins heap misery on doomed Salford
Harlequins RL picked off bottom club Salford yesterday in their final home game of the season. The Reds are almost certain to be relegated at the end of the season, providing the eventual winner of National League One meets the criteria for promotion to the Super League.
Quins still remain mathematically capable of squeezing into the playoffs, but the likelihood is extremely unlikely, with a win in their final game away at Les Catalans next week still leaving them reliant on other results.
A match report is here.
Harlequins RL: (10) 22
Tries: R Sheriffe 2, L McCarthy-Scarsbrook, J Rinaldi
Goals: P Sykes 3
Salford: (10) 16
Tries: L Dorn, J Wilshere, R Barnett
Goals: D Hodgson, J Wilshere
Quins still remain mathematically capable of squeezing into the playoffs, but the likelihood is extremely unlikely, with a win in their final game away at Les Catalans next week still leaving them reliant on other results.
A match report is here.
Harlequins RL: (10) 22
Tries: R Sheriffe 2, L McCarthy-Scarsbrook, J Rinaldi
Goals: P Sykes 3
Salford: (10) 16
Tries: L Dorn, J Wilshere, R Barnett
Goals: D Hodgson, J Wilshere
Saturday, 1 September 2007
Return to St Helens fails to inspire Quins
Harlequins RL brought their UK based away travels for the season to an end with a disappointing defeat away to league leaders St Helens yesterday. A brace of tries for winger Ricki Sheriffe did little to soften the blow as the London outfit simply lacked the power to compete with the reigning champions. In an ironic twist Quins began the Super League season with an encouraging win over St Helens on the same ground back in February whilst yesterday’s defeat all but ended any hope Quins had of making the end of season playoffs.
A match report is here.
St Helens: (12) 32
Tries: Cayless, Graham, Wellens, Flannery, Gilmour
Goals: Tyrer 6
Harlequins RL: (10) 10
Tries: Sheriffe 2
Goals: Paul
A match report is here.
St Helens: (12) 32
Tries: Cayless, Graham, Wellens, Flannery, Gilmour
Goals: Tyrer 6
Harlequins RL: (10) 10
Tries: Sheriffe 2
Goals: Paul
Monday, 27 August 2007
Saints make it two in a row
There was to be no fairytale ending to Saturday’s Challenge Cup Final as St Helens finally overcame the plucky underdogs from Perpignan to claim back to back victories in the competition. However, there was much to be positive about as the game returned to its spiritual home, even if there is still much room to improve the experience.
For half an hour the game was a tight affair, the Catalans can consider themselves a little unlucky to see Jason Crocker’s touchdown chalked off by the video referee in what was an extremely tight call, but there was no doubt about the brilliance of James Roby’s opening try as the young hooker weaved his way through a mesmerised Dragons defence. To their credit the Catalans hit back almost immediately through Younes Khattabi and they could do little about the missed forward pass that gifted Saints winger Ade Gardner a try just before halftime and his team a slightly undeserved 12 – 4 lead going into the break.
In the second-half the power of the Saints pack and the speed of the backline took its toll on a Dragons outfit who started to wilt in the wide open spaces of the Wembley pitch. Saints fullback Paul Wellens put daylight between the two sides just after the break with an opportunist try capitalising on an error from opposite number Clint Greenshields. Youngster Paul Clough effectively ended the match as a contest ten minutes later, capping a strong run with a try.
To their credit the Catalans never gave up hope and when winger Justin Murphy pounced on an uncharacteristic error from Wellens to race away for a classic poachers try it was just reward for their efforts. Any fears of a collapse failed to materialise, although a second try from Gardner underlined the dominance of a St Helens side that ultimately never looked like losing the game.
The decision to jointly award the Lance Todd Trophy for the man of the match jointly to Paul Wellens and Leon Pryce, the first time such an award has been made, raised mant eyebrows. Whilst Wellens had a fine game, it was Saints standoff Pryce who had the single biggest impact on the proceedings, with a highly influential display in attack.
The new Wembley itself provided a magnificent venue for the eighty-four thousand plus crowd (it was noticeable that the empty seats were mainly confined to the Club Wembley areas), although the current absence of entertainment facilities in the area around the stadium compares it unfavourably with last year’s venue in Cardiff. It is to be hoped that planned redevelopment work will provide the surrounding environs will a more fitting location for the carnival atmosphere of the Challenge Cup.
Catalans Dragons: (4) 8
Tries: Khattabi, Murphy
St Helens: (12) 30
Tries: Roby, Gardner 2, Wellens, Clough
Goals: Long 5
For half an hour the game was a tight affair, the Catalans can consider themselves a little unlucky to see Jason Crocker’s touchdown chalked off by the video referee in what was an extremely tight call, but there was no doubt about the brilliance of James Roby’s opening try as the young hooker weaved his way through a mesmerised Dragons defence. To their credit the Catalans hit back almost immediately through Younes Khattabi and they could do little about the missed forward pass that gifted Saints winger Ade Gardner a try just before halftime and his team a slightly undeserved 12 – 4 lead going into the break.
In the second-half the power of the Saints pack and the speed of the backline took its toll on a Dragons outfit who started to wilt in the wide open spaces of the Wembley pitch. Saints fullback Paul Wellens put daylight between the two sides just after the break with an opportunist try capitalising on an error from opposite number Clint Greenshields. Youngster Paul Clough effectively ended the match as a contest ten minutes later, capping a strong run with a try.
To their credit the Catalans never gave up hope and when winger Justin Murphy pounced on an uncharacteristic error from Wellens to race away for a classic poachers try it was just reward for their efforts. Any fears of a collapse failed to materialise, although a second try from Gardner underlined the dominance of a St Helens side that ultimately never looked like losing the game.
The decision to jointly award the Lance Todd Trophy for the man of the match jointly to Paul Wellens and Leon Pryce, the first time such an award has been made, raised mant eyebrows. Whilst Wellens had a fine game, it was Saints standoff Pryce who had the single biggest impact on the proceedings, with a highly influential display in attack.
The new Wembley itself provided a magnificent venue for the eighty-four thousand plus crowd (it was noticeable that the empty seats were mainly confined to the Club Wembley areas), although the current absence of entertainment facilities in the area around the stadium compares it unfavourably with last year’s venue in Cardiff. It is to be hoped that planned redevelopment work will provide the surrounding environs will a more fitting location for the carnival atmosphere of the Challenge Cup.
Catalans Dragons: (4) 8
Tries: Khattabi, Murphy
St Helens: (12) 30
Tries: Roby, Gardner 2, Wellens, Clough
Goals: Long 5
Saturday, 25 August 2007
Skolars playoff dream ends
A New River crowd boosted by visitors in town for the Challenge Cup Final saw London Skolars fall to a disappointing defeat against playoff rivals York City Knights last night. The defeat ends the Skolars chances of making the National League Two playoffs.
A match report is here.
London Skolars: (0) 0
Tries:
Goals:
York: (16) 34
Lowe 3, Sullivan, Godfrey
Goals: McDonald, Liddell, Esders 5
A match report is here.
London Skolars: (0) 0
Tries:
Goals:
York: (16) 34
Lowe 3, Sullivan, Godfrey
Goals: McDonald, Liddell, Esders 5
Monday, 20 August 2007
Skolars boost playoff hopes in Blackpool
London Skolars boosted their National League Two playoff hopes with a win away at Blackpool Panthers yesterday. The side’s eighth win of the season leaves them in seventh place on the ladder, just one point behind York.
The win caps a remarkable run of eight victories in eleven games since the beginning of July, following a difficult start to the season.
Blackpool Panthers: (4) 20
Tries: Sloman, Stoute 3
Goals: Gambles 2
London Skolars: (22) 34
Tries: Hodgkinson, Barker, Thorman, Shears, Louw, Aggrey
Goals: Thorman 5
Sunday, 19 August 2007
Quins drop a point against Wigan
Harlequins RL will feel disappointed today after sharing the points with Wigan Warriors yesterday afternoon, in a game marred by poor officiating. Referee Ben Thaler, who as video referee was at the centre of several controversial decisions against Quins last week, turned in an inconsistent performance that again raises doubt over the success of the RFL’s decision to employ fulltime Super League referees.
It took just four minutes for Thaler’s influence to be felt, ironically missing a clear example of crossing from the Wigan side before compounding the mistake by awarding a penalty against Quins for a one on one ball steal. Wigan fullback Pat Richards wasn’t complaining as he gratefully accepted the two points.
The home side snatched back the lead after a quarter of an hour when second-row Matt Gafa produced a great run to touch down for the Quins. Three minutes later Scott Hill showed his experience to find his way over for the second try and Henry Paul added the conversion to extend the lead to 10 – 2.
It was former Quins halfback Thomas Leuluai who pulled Wigan back into the game just into the second quarter, shrugging off some weak tackles with a powerful run to the line. Richards added the conversion to make it 10 – 8.
On the half hour mark Quins fullback Mark McLinden picked up a controversial try, hooker Chad Randall looked to have knocked on but it was adjudged to have come off a Wigan hand and McLinden was in support to puncture the flat footed Warriors defence. Henry Paul added the conversion, giving the home side a 16 - 8 advantage going into the break.
The second half saw Trent Barrett collect two tries to level the scores at 16 all, but it was the decision of Thaler to disallow a McLinden try for the second week running on the basis of a dubious obstruction call that was to prove crucial to the game. As the half wore on the home crowd became increasingly vocal in their frustrated at the referees apparent unwillingness to keep the visitors on side or to stamp out the frequent holding down in the tackle, but the protestations were in vain.
The final stages saw both sides attempting drop goals to snatch the lead, but none found their mark. It was Quins who arguably squandered the best chances when on successive occasions they shunned opportunities to set-up properly for the one point by running the ball wide in the hope of sneaking a try.
Ultimately a point is of little use to either side, with both now looking outsiders to sneak into a playoff position.
Harlequins RL: (16) 16
Tries: Gafa, Hill, McLinden
Goals: Paul 2
Wigan: (8) 16
Tries: Leuluai, Barrett 2 Goals: Richards 2
It took just four minutes for Thaler’s influence to be felt, ironically missing a clear example of crossing from the Wigan side before compounding the mistake by awarding a penalty against Quins for a one on one ball steal. Wigan fullback Pat Richards wasn’t complaining as he gratefully accepted the two points.
The home side snatched back the lead after a quarter of an hour when second-row Matt Gafa produced a great run to touch down for the Quins. Three minutes later Scott Hill showed his experience to find his way over for the second try and Henry Paul added the conversion to extend the lead to 10 – 2.
It was former Quins halfback Thomas Leuluai who pulled Wigan back into the game just into the second quarter, shrugging off some weak tackles with a powerful run to the line. Richards added the conversion to make it 10 – 8.
On the half hour mark Quins fullback Mark McLinden picked up a controversial try, hooker Chad Randall looked to have knocked on but it was adjudged to have come off a Wigan hand and McLinden was in support to puncture the flat footed Warriors defence. Henry Paul added the conversion, giving the home side a 16 - 8 advantage going into the break.
The second half saw Trent Barrett collect two tries to level the scores at 16 all, but it was the decision of Thaler to disallow a McLinden try for the second week running on the basis of a dubious obstruction call that was to prove crucial to the game. As the half wore on the home crowd became increasingly vocal in their frustrated at the referees apparent unwillingness to keep the visitors on side or to stamp out the frequent holding down in the tackle, but the protestations were in vain.
The final stages saw both sides attempting drop goals to snatch the lead, but none found their mark. It was Quins who arguably squandered the best chances when on successive occasions they shunned opportunities to set-up properly for the one point by running the ball wide in the hope of sneaking a try.
Ultimately a point is of little use to either side, with both now looking outsiders to sneak into a playoff position.
Harlequins RL: (16) 16
Tries: Gafa, Hill, McLinden
Goals: Paul 2
Wigan: (8) 16
Tries: Leuluai, Barrett 2 Goals: Richards 2
St Albans claim RLC Premier South title
St Albans Centurions picked up the 2007 RLC Premier South title yesterday with a hard fought 18 - 10 win against the holding champions South London Storm.
The opening exchanges were a cagey affair, marked by frequent penalties from both sides, St Albans in particular looking rusty after a three-week rest period. So it was no surprise when the Storm put first points on the board through a try from winger Ollie Bloom after eleven minutes. A 40-20 kick from Storm scrumhalf Darren Bartley gave his side the field position to build pressure on the opposition line, before Bloom collected a smart cross field kick from Steve Guan to touch down in the left hand corner.
However, the Storm were to suffer a major setback ten minutes later when influential hooker Luke Bonner picked up a match ending injury attempting to burrow his way over the line.
The Centurions levelled the match on twenty-four minutes when centre Russ Kellaway scored a superb individual try, using some deceptive broken field running to weave his way through the Storm defence.
Storm hit the front again just three minutes from the break when a well-executed passing move saw Bartley deliver the final ball to Paul Bottomley who dove over for the try. Bartley converted to provide a six-point cushion.
The Centurions immediately stepped up the pressure at the other end, and duly earned a penalty for not standing square at the play the ball from the back-peddling Storm defence, providing hooker Richard Smith the opportunity to power his way over under the sticks. Craig Foster added the conversion to send the sides into the break 10 a piece.
The first ten minutes of the second half opened brightly with some end-to-end, free flowing rugby, with both sides dropping the ball in promising positions, before the St Albans side really began to click. Winger Rudi van der Merwe broke free of the Storm defence to race over and end the deadlock. Five minutes later his colleague on the other wing, Ollie Fountain, scored the try of the game with a weaving run through the Storm defence to make it 18 – 10.
At that stage the men from South London looked to be running out of steam, but managed to find a second wind as the game entered its final quarter. Loose forward Mickey Walker looked to have put the game back in contention with a well weighted chip over the Centurions defence on sixty-seven minutes, but the resulting touch down was ruled out by a very harsh offside call.
St Albans dug in and worked their way through the pressure with some solid, percentages rugby league, driving down the middle of the field and turning around South London with some intelligent positional kicking. Five minutes from time Centurions fullback Kristian Warner found himself in the sin-bin for a professional foul on his own ten metre line, but a tiring South London were unable to capitalise on the extra man advantage.
The Centurions will now have a week off before facing Welsh side Bridgend Blue Bulls in Bristol to claim a place in the final of the national competition.
St Albans Centurions: (10) 18
Tries: Kellaway, Smith, van der Merwe, Fountain
Goals: Foster
South London Storm: (10) 10
Tries: Bloom, Bottomley
Goals: Bartley
The opening exchanges were a cagey affair, marked by frequent penalties from both sides, St Albans in particular looking rusty after a three-week rest period. So it was no surprise when the Storm put first points on the board through a try from winger Ollie Bloom after eleven minutes. A 40-20 kick from Storm scrumhalf Darren Bartley gave his side the field position to build pressure on the opposition line, before Bloom collected a smart cross field kick from Steve Guan to touch down in the left hand corner.
However, the Storm were to suffer a major setback ten minutes later when influential hooker Luke Bonner picked up a match ending injury attempting to burrow his way over the line.
The Centurions levelled the match on twenty-four minutes when centre Russ Kellaway scored a superb individual try, using some deceptive broken field running to weave his way through the Storm defence.
Storm hit the front again just three minutes from the break when a well-executed passing move saw Bartley deliver the final ball to Paul Bottomley who dove over for the try. Bartley converted to provide a six-point cushion.
The Centurions immediately stepped up the pressure at the other end, and duly earned a penalty for not standing square at the play the ball from the back-peddling Storm defence, providing hooker Richard Smith the opportunity to power his way over under the sticks. Craig Foster added the conversion to send the sides into the break 10 a piece.
The first ten minutes of the second half opened brightly with some end-to-end, free flowing rugby, with both sides dropping the ball in promising positions, before the St Albans side really began to click. Winger Rudi van der Merwe broke free of the Storm defence to race over and end the deadlock. Five minutes later his colleague on the other wing, Ollie Fountain, scored the try of the game with a weaving run through the Storm defence to make it 18 – 10.
At that stage the men from South London looked to be running out of steam, but managed to find a second wind as the game entered its final quarter. Loose forward Mickey Walker looked to have put the game back in contention with a well weighted chip over the Centurions defence on sixty-seven minutes, but the resulting touch down was ruled out by a very harsh offside call.
St Albans dug in and worked their way through the pressure with some solid, percentages rugby league, driving down the middle of the field and turning around South London with some intelligent positional kicking. Five minutes from time Centurions fullback Kristian Warner found himself in the sin-bin for a professional foul on his own ten metre line, but a tiring South London were unable to capitalise on the extra man advantage.
The Centurions will now have a week off before facing Welsh side Bridgend Blue Bulls in Bristol to claim a place in the final of the national competition.
St Albans Centurions: (10) 18
Tries: Kellaway, Smith, van der Merwe, Fountain
Goals: Foster
South London Storm: (10) 10
Tries: Bloom, Bottomley
Goals: Bartley
Sunday, 12 August 2007
Wildcats ease past Quins into top six
Harlequins RL suffered a 28 – 14 reversal away at Wakefield Trinity Wildcats this evening and can rue their luck as a string of dubious decisions swung the result in favour of the home side. The consistency with which controversial decisions went in favour of a solid Wildcats side arguably gave them the momentum with which to build their score, although the Quins only have themselves to blame for the poor handling and decision-making that saw too much possession squandered.
The first dubious decision came courtesy of video referee Ben Thaler after seven minutes when Wakefield standoff Jamie Rooney appeared to push the ball forward over the Quins try line but was given the benefit of the doubt. Mark McLinden subsequently had Quins reply chalked out by Thaler for a very dubious obstruction call.
There were no doubts about Wakefield’s second try from Ryan Atkins on twenty-two minutes, but Paul White’s try ten minutes later was given despite the final ball coming from a telegraphed forward pass ignored by the officials. It was the stroke of half-time before Scott Hill finally got the Quins on the scoreboard with a try in the corner to send the sides in at 14 – 4.
When Quins had a second try chalked out by Thaler after the break for an even more dubious obstruction decision it was clear that this was not to be their night. Fifty-two minutes in Wakefield forward Ned Catic took advantage of some poor play from Quins to pile on the pressure and the visitors looked to be out for the count. However ten minutes later Jon Wells finally found his way over the line, minutes after having a try chalked off in one of the video referee’s few sensible calls of the evening.
Arguably the most controversial moment of the game came after sixty-five minutes when Wakefield prop Ricky Bibey’s forearm smash on standoff Hill left the Quins man dazed with a gashed head that required off field treatment. The incident went unmissed by all the officials, leading to a moment of black humour a couple of minutes later when Julien Rindaldi conceded a penalty for a sloppy high tackle that rode up off the shoulder. It will be interesting to see whether the RFL take a hard line on Bibey given the governing body’s historic inconsistent approach to such offences.
Needing to score points quickly Quins decided to throw the ball around in the final quarter with largely unsuccessful results. Impressive Wakefield centre Atkins added a second try with five minutes to go putting the result beyond any doubt, before Tyrone Smith finally worked his way over for a Quins consolation try in the last minute.
Despite the poor officiating Wakefield proved good value for the win, completing a solid, well drilled performance that capitalised on Quins mistakes. Coach Brian McDermott will be concerned about the amount of possession his side turned over, as well as the injury toll to his already paper thin side which saw skipper Rob Purdham and fellow second-rowers Henry Paul and Lee Hopkins fail to complete the game.
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats: (14) 28
Tries: Rooney, Atkins 2, White, Catic
Goals: Rooney 4
Harlequins RL: (4) 14
Tries: Hill, Wells, Smith
Goals: Orr
The first dubious decision came courtesy of video referee Ben Thaler after seven minutes when Wakefield standoff Jamie Rooney appeared to push the ball forward over the Quins try line but was given the benefit of the doubt. Mark McLinden subsequently had Quins reply chalked out by Thaler for a very dubious obstruction call.
There were no doubts about Wakefield’s second try from Ryan Atkins on twenty-two minutes, but Paul White’s try ten minutes later was given despite the final ball coming from a telegraphed forward pass ignored by the officials. It was the stroke of half-time before Scott Hill finally got the Quins on the scoreboard with a try in the corner to send the sides in at 14 – 4.
When Quins had a second try chalked out by Thaler after the break for an even more dubious obstruction decision it was clear that this was not to be their night. Fifty-two minutes in Wakefield forward Ned Catic took advantage of some poor play from Quins to pile on the pressure and the visitors looked to be out for the count. However ten minutes later Jon Wells finally found his way over the line, minutes after having a try chalked off in one of the video referee’s few sensible calls of the evening.
Arguably the most controversial moment of the game came after sixty-five minutes when Wakefield prop Ricky Bibey’s forearm smash on standoff Hill left the Quins man dazed with a gashed head that required off field treatment. The incident went unmissed by all the officials, leading to a moment of black humour a couple of minutes later when Julien Rindaldi conceded a penalty for a sloppy high tackle that rode up off the shoulder. It will be interesting to see whether the RFL take a hard line on Bibey given the governing body’s historic inconsistent approach to such offences.
Needing to score points quickly Quins decided to throw the ball around in the final quarter with largely unsuccessful results. Impressive Wakefield centre Atkins added a second try with five minutes to go putting the result beyond any doubt, before Tyrone Smith finally worked his way over for a Quins consolation try in the last minute.
Despite the poor officiating Wakefield proved good value for the win, completing a solid, well drilled performance that capitalised on Quins mistakes. Coach Brian McDermott will be concerned about the amount of possession his side turned over, as well as the injury toll to his already paper thin side which saw skipper Rob Purdham and fellow second-rowers Henry Paul and Lee Hopkins fail to complete the game.
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats: (14) 28
Tries: Rooney, Atkins 2, White, Catic
Goals: Rooney 4
Harlequins RL: (4) 14
Tries: Hill, Wells, Smith
Goals: Orr
Storm blow away Skolars in semi-final
A game of two very different halves saw South London Storm blow away London Skolars II yesterday at Storm Park to book a place in the RLC Premier South final next weekend against St Albans Centurions. A brutal and at times bad tempered game saw the Skolars lack of discipline ultimately cost them the game.
Skolars took an early lead after five minutes when the left wing found himself in space following a poor clearing kick from the Storm. The Storm fullback did well to slowdown the break but was unable to complete the tackle allowing the winger to get up and complete his run into the corner.
It took just three minutes for the Storm to level the scores with Ollie Bloom powering his way over in the opposite corner following a well worked move that saw the ball moved quickly through a series of hands open up a hole in the Skolars defence. Five minutes later Skolars almost regained the lead when a touchdown under the Storm posts from the loose forward was ruled out for a double movement.
It was at this stage of the game that the Skolars discipline started to put them under pressure with a succession of penalties for high shots, flops and niggling play. A quick tap penalty from Storm skipper Al Emerson on eighteen minutes put them back in front, the conversion from Darren Bartley making the score 10 – 4. Minutes later the referees patience with the Skolars underhand tactics finally broke with Todd Egan binned for deliberately interfering at the play the ball. Bartley took almost immediate advantage of the man short in defence to make it 14 – 4.
In the closing ten minutes of the half it looked like the Skolars were finally starting to get their act together, forcing several repeat sets of possession from which they clawed their way back into the game, with two tries and a conversion levelling the scores at 14 a piece. An injury to a Storm player saw the game stopped for several minutes, and when play resumed it was the Skolars who again applied the pressure forcing a knock on just five metres out from the Storm line which gave them the platform to seize a 14 - 18 lead.
The defining moment of the game came as the first half entered a period of injury time; an instinctive trip from Skolars player David Afreh after he was stepped by a Storm player resulted in an instant dismissal. Storm loose forward Mickey Walker crashed over from the penalty and Bartley’s conversion saw the home side head into the break with a 20 – 14 advantage.
The result of Afreh’s dismissal became obvious in the second half as the twelve men of Skolars ran out of steam in the baking afternoon heat. Walker’s forty-fifth minute try effectively sealed the game, as the Skolars lost their composure and stepped up their roughhouse tactics, which only put them under further pressure from the resulting penalties. Four further tries from the Storm followed as the Skolars defence increasingly struggled to fill the holes and the home side exploited the extra space with testing kicks. The Skolars did manage a late consolation try on the stroke of fulltime to leave the final scores at 48 – 24, but it did little to offset the comprehensiveness off the defeat.
Storm are likely to face a much tougher test against minor premiers St Albans when they meet at The Stoop in the curtain raiser to Harlequins RL game against Wigan Warriors. South London fans can take advantage of a special discount offer to see both games by calling Laura Harrison at Quins RL on 020 8410 6098 and quoting "Storm".
South London Storm: (20) 48
London Skolars II: (18) 24
Skolars took an early lead after five minutes when the left wing found himself in space following a poor clearing kick from the Storm. The Storm fullback did well to slowdown the break but was unable to complete the tackle allowing the winger to get up and complete his run into the corner.
It took just three minutes for the Storm to level the scores with Ollie Bloom powering his way over in the opposite corner following a well worked move that saw the ball moved quickly through a series of hands open up a hole in the Skolars defence. Five minutes later Skolars almost regained the lead when a touchdown under the Storm posts from the loose forward was ruled out for a double movement.
It was at this stage of the game that the Skolars discipline started to put them under pressure with a succession of penalties for high shots, flops and niggling play. A quick tap penalty from Storm skipper Al Emerson on eighteen minutes put them back in front, the conversion from Darren Bartley making the score 10 – 4. Minutes later the referees patience with the Skolars underhand tactics finally broke with Todd Egan binned for deliberately interfering at the play the ball. Bartley took almost immediate advantage of the man short in defence to make it 14 – 4.
In the closing ten minutes of the half it looked like the Skolars were finally starting to get their act together, forcing several repeat sets of possession from which they clawed their way back into the game, with two tries and a conversion levelling the scores at 14 a piece. An injury to a Storm player saw the game stopped for several minutes, and when play resumed it was the Skolars who again applied the pressure forcing a knock on just five metres out from the Storm line which gave them the platform to seize a 14 - 18 lead.
The defining moment of the game came as the first half entered a period of injury time; an instinctive trip from Skolars player David Afreh after he was stepped by a Storm player resulted in an instant dismissal. Storm loose forward Mickey Walker crashed over from the penalty and Bartley’s conversion saw the home side head into the break with a 20 – 14 advantage.
The result of Afreh’s dismissal became obvious in the second half as the twelve men of Skolars ran out of steam in the baking afternoon heat. Walker’s forty-fifth minute try effectively sealed the game, as the Skolars lost their composure and stepped up their roughhouse tactics, which only put them under further pressure from the resulting penalties. Four further tries from the Storm followed as the Skolars defence increasingly struggled to fill the holes and the home side exploited the extra space with testing kicks. The Skolars did manage a late consolation try on the stroke of fulltime to leave the final scores at 48 – 24, but it did little to offset the comprehensiveness off the defeat.
Storm are likely to face a much tougher test against minor premiers St Albans when they meet at The Stoop in the curtain raiser to Harlequins RL game against Wigan Warriors. South London fans can take advantage of a special discount offer to see both games by calling Laura Harrison at Quins RL on 020 8410 6098 and quoting "Storm".
South London Storm: (20) 48
London Skolars II: (18) 24
Skolars outclass Thunder at Finchley
London Skolars completed a league double over Gateshead Thunder yesterday, with a 32 – 12 win at Finchley Rugby Club to keep alive their National League Two playoff hopes. The north London based club were forced to play the game away form their usual home at New River Stadium due to an athletics meet but put the hindrance behind them to get the result that leaves them just outside the top six.
A full match report will appear here.
London Skolars: (6) 32
Tries: Aggrey, Shears, Tozer, Lynton, Simms
Goals: Thorman 6
Gateshead Thunder: (8) 12
Tries: Stephenson 2, Peers
A full match report will appear here.
London Skolars: (6) 32
Tries: Aggrey, Shears, Tozer, Lynton, Simms
Goals: Thorman 6
Gateshead Thunder: (8) 12
Tries: Stephenson 2, Peers
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