Good afternoon everyone and welcome to today’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup third round tie against West Hull. With the restructuring of the competition in 2015 I must confess that the fact the third round draw was going to be entirely open caught me unawares however the pairing of a number of amateur sides means that there are great opportunities for teams from the NCL and other amateur leagues to progress to the fourth round and a potential draw against some giants of the game. West Hull and ourselves have fine pedigree in the competition, with Wests having conquered Highfield, York and in the more distant past Halifax, whilst our best effort thus far saw us make round four in 1999. Today offers us a realistic opportunity of matching that feat however in our way stand the best side in the amateur game at present, with Mark Hewitt’s side completing an unprecedented quadruple last year and boasting ominous overtones of their dominance of previous decades. This is one of the stand-out ties of round three and it should be a fine spectacle today. Amongst the audience will be some special guests including representatives from our main sponsors Welch Mill Carpets, Leigh Cables and JR & Avacab. They will be joined by Alex Murphy OBE, an RFL Hall of Famer whose name is inextricable linked to Leigh and the Challenge Cup, and Colour Sergeant nd Carl Ruffley of the Duke of Lancaster 2 Battalion, who coordinated the fantastic pre-season training camp for the open age squad. We hope all our guests enjoy their afternoon. Today also sees the launch of our new-look programme for 2015 and as always if you have any feedback, comments or would like to contribute then please let me know. It’s my hope that you find this an enjoyable and informative read and all feedback on this, and on all elements of your matchday experience, is valuable. Next weekend we open our Kingstone Press NCL Premier Division campaign with a home derby against Wigan St Patricks th (2.30pm, Saturday 14 ). The following weekend is the fourth round of the Challenge Cup so regardless of the outcome of today’s game our scheduled league fixture on that day – away at West Hull – will be postponed. Enjoy the game Jeff LEIGH MINERS RANGERS ARLFC off Kirby Road, Twist Lane, Leigh WN7 4EF 01942 671782 President – Rod Raines Vice-President – Lord Smith of Leigh Chairman – Roy Walls Vice Chair / Secretary – Steve Farrell Head Coaches – Allan Coleman & Paul Whitworth Conditioner – Phil Marsden PRO – Jeff Gorse www.leighminersrangers.net @leighminersrl COACHES’ CORNER Good afternoon and welcome to today’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup third round tie against West Hull. It was a quick turnaround after the decision to reinstate us in the Cup to the Walney Central game but we took the reprieve with both hands. It was clear to see Walney are a team who aren’t accustomed to losing games, they had a few in their team who had played against us for Barrow two years ago so it was always going to be a tough contest. Perhaps they weren’t quite up to the pace that we are used to playing at, but after a slow and scrappy period in the first half we responded well, we had lots of options in attack and scored the tries on the back of that. Our new structure this year will take time for everyone to get used to but it will stand us in good stead, and when the chances came our way in that match we executed them well, with Darryl Kay and Haydn Bud Skinkis both standing out. Of course there are areas to work on, we showed at times that we are a decent side but there are things we can improve on particularly on the floor. It was disappointing we let our guard down in the last few minutes and allowed them a few tries, albeit the game was won by that stage. We used the game to rotate the squad and make sure everyone has had some decent game time. Given where it falls in the calendar it is hard not to use the Challenge Cup as part of preseason ahead of the NCL league campaign. We have great numbers at training, over 70 players for the three men’s senior sides and the attitude has been the best since we came in back in 2012. The lads know they have to train hard if they want to get into the squad and then keep their place in the side and we will have some difficult choices to make again this afternoon with perhaps nine or ten quality players who are certainly good enough for NCL Premier rugby having to sit it out this weekend. We have built a strong bond over pre-season and they will be here to support their team-mates, but also putting the pressure on in training to claim their place back in the matchday seventeen. Since the Walney game our pre-season continued with involvement in the Steve Maden testimonial game at the Sports Village. We had done some video reviews following the Walney game to identify the areas we needed to work on ahead of this test against the Centurions selection and right from the word go we saw this work being put into practice by the players. It was a fantastic effort by the lads against a team including full-time players and some of the top youngsters at the Leigh Centurions club (above right) and it showcased the club and the team in a fantastic light. It took a real effort by Leigh to nudge in front from the last play after we had chances ourselves to go ahead, so there are plenty of positives to take from the experience. We need to take that into this afternoon’s game. We weren’t expecting an open draw but it’s a great tie as it turns out. It would be a hard ask facing a semi-professional side the week before the league season kicks off but instead we can relish the opportunity to test ourselves against the very best in the amateur game. West Hull are the team to beat, we look forward to the match and we know we have the quality in the squad to give a full account of ourselves. We are still trying to find the balanced team and this is a great test of where we are at and what we still need to work on – essentially it is a case of starting the league season a week early. We should have a good crowd on, it will bring money into the club, and in particular we would like to welcome our special guests today, our main sponsors Welch Mill Carpets, Leigh Cables and JR / Avacab and of course also Alex Murphy OBE and Colour Sergeant Carl Ruffley from the Duke of Lancaster regiment who was invaluable support in our pre-season preparations. The Alliance team went down to an unlucky defeat last weekend but it was great to see so many people supporting the great cause in the Lloyd Pugsley Memorial Match, raising money for local junior rugby. Also mention to the women’s team who have been working hard in the last few months to develop girls’ rugby at the club, running a series of promotional events and preparing to host taster sessions, it is all part and parcel of making sure we continue to progress and improve for the future across all elements of the game. Enjoy the match Allan and Paul THE VIEW FROM THE FRONT ROW Good afternoon and welcome to Twist Lane for our Ladbrokes Challenge Cup third round game against West Hull in what is sure to be a cracker of a cup tie between two of the big guns in the amateur game. I'm sure West Hull will agree that a game like this is perfect preparation for the start of the NCL next weekend, having good competitive games against sides at the same level is always ideal in the lead up to the season rather than playing in friendlies where the opposition aren't as good and lacks intensity or playing a semi-professional side in the Cup and getting a drubbing or doing well and fading late on. Games against higher opposition always take it out of you no matter who you play and we have found at Miners after playing pro sides that we always seem to be flat the week after, the last thing we want going into the opening weekend of the league season, especially when it's a battle of the borough home fixture against Wigan St Pats. Normally in the third round you expect to be drawn against a professional side but with the rules being changed this year to an open draw it gives the amateurs who have been paired together a great chance of making the fourth round to face one of the big boys such as Leigh Centurions and Bradford Bulls. For the sides that do make it through it also helps their club financially with the prize money starting to creep up. Looking at our draw I don't think we could have had any better amateur side coming to Twist Lane this afternoon, for me West Hull are the main force at the moment in the NCL and to win everything on offer last year was some achievement. They have started the year again by winning silverware in the Steve Prescott Charity Shield and with the squad they have got at present they will be confident of defending their trophies again this year and I'm sure they will be looking to dominate the amateur game like they did in the late 1990s and early 2000s. On to us and it's been a good tough pre-season with plenty numbers down at training, we have been working our training around Blackbrook Royals u-14s thanks to Allan Coleman, moving training to Monday and Wednesday to fit with them, but now I'm hearing that with the lighter evenings they are moving their training to Monday and Wednesdays so we're being moved to Tuesday and Thursdays to again suit them! There are a good few new lads in the squad this year and it's good to see plenty of competition for places with lads wanting to be in the matchday seventeen. They include Harry Gagen who sports a Josh Charnley haircut on the wing, Connor Ratcliffe from Wigan St Judes , who is a lot more interesting than our last Judes recruit Tommy Parkinson! Brad Hargreaves a centre/second row comes down having played previously at Salford, along with Bud Skinkis who returns to the club after a three year spell in athletics. Three young lads have come up from the u18s in Mark Nicholson who proposes to his girlfriend at least a couple of times a month only to be rejected, along with Ben Grimshaw & Charles Tyson who think fighting has only just been invented! Grimshaw known for urinating out of his loft conversion window and Tyson who has a very unusual dress sense! Back to Allan Coleman he nearly had to give Jonny Youds a good hiding last Saturday after Youdsy, who can’t handle his ale and has had a few silver medals in his time (Mark Nicholson) being one of them, started having a drunken rant at future father in law Alan Riding, Coleman stepping in telling Jonny to calm down only to be met with a barrage of abuse from Youds who slammed his pint on the table. Coleman responding with a few home truths to see Jonny storm out of the club with his tail between his legs wearing his awful bubble coat that was last in fashion in the 90s and shouting "I'm done with this club you will never find a better fullback than me" finishing his rant looking at Coleman through the window and sticking up his fingers!!! Since then Jonny has repeatedly apologised to Allan to try and keep hold of his number 1 jersey and I'm told from a very good source (not Heinz or HP) that he has offered to do any electrical work for FREE in the foreseeable future at the Coleman household instead of Tommy Parkinson who has had to do it since moving from St Judes last year so he could be in the team! Good luck to the u18s tomorrow and enjoy today's game Darryl SHIRTS OF DISTINCTION 225 CHAPEL STREET LEIGH, LANCASHIRE WN7 2AP Tel No : - 01942 683900 [email protected] Shirts of Distinction is a family-run business, providing a comprehensive array of printed and embroidered clothing and accessories. Embroidery services – No set up fee, no minimum quantities Printing Services – Company logos, names and much more Sports Kits – Names, numbers and sponsors Alterations – Shortening from £3.00. Zips, repairs, no job too small ACE TRAINING SERVICES Training office 6 Merchants Crescent, Lowton Nr Warrington WA3 2JZ Tel:- 01942 722531 – 07989 080998 [email protected] FROM THE TOUCHLINES In another new feature for 2015, each week we’ll be getting to know some of our most dedicated supporters. This week it’s Allan Banks So when did you first start watching Miners Allan? My first game was the final home game of the 1995/96 season. I think Beverley were the visitors, Miners won and it poured down with rain. What would you pick out as the highlights from your time supporting the club? I cannot decide between beating Bramley at Headingley in 1999 in the Challenge Cup or beating Wath Brow in the Grand Final at Orrell in 2005. Who has been your all-time favourite Miners player? Easy one – Mick Warburton at stand-off. Very close seconds in alphabetic order would be Scott O'Brien at half-back, Darren Pilkington at full-back and Peter Sharpe at full-back. What would you say is the best thing about supporting Miners? Entertainment is guaranteed and nothing is ever certain until the final whistle! And what would you change about the club if you could? Two things actually, firstly better cover for protection from the rain and secondly I wish the ball would get to the wingers more often. Finally, what are your hopes for Miners for 2015? Just as much entertainment as the last 20 years and no serious injury to any player. MINERS RANGERS 26 WALNEY CENTRAL 18 For more details or to make a booking contact Mark or Una on 01942 671782 / 672984 Miners – Muir, Gagen, Thomason, Grimes (T), Skinkis (2T), Doyle, O’Brien (T, 3G), Astley, Farrimond, Kay, Parkinson, Jackson, Rowlands – Ratcliffe (T), Bowers, Hargreaves, Jones Walney – Backhouse, Devereux, Staffieri (T), Larkin (T), Pearce (T), Nicholls, Morrow, Warne, Elliott, McKinley (G), Darby, Holmes, Finch – Vial (T), Furness, Lockhart, McBain THE WOMEN’S TEAM The Miners Rangers women’s team have launched a promotional campaign aimed at getting more women and girls involved in rugby league at the club. With the support of incoming coach Cliff Tamou, and alongside the Leigh Centurions Community Foundation, the ladies are planning a series of taster sessions, school festivals and promotional awareness-raising events over the coming weeks and months with a view to not only increasing the numbers of women playing at open age but also promoting girls’ rugby at junior level. For more information or to get involved at a taster session just contact the club or follow the ladies on Twitter and facebook. Last Sunday the team attended the Leigh Centurions v London Broncos fixture at the Sports Village, giving out leaflets and spreading the word to the 4,500 strong crowd despite the filthy weather conditions. The team kick off their campaign next Sunday 15th with a trip to Brighouse Rangers. Pestokill has been established since 1985 and is a member of the British Pest Control Association. Quality assurance is provided through our ISO 9002 accreditation and Management Strategies. We provide the personal attention that you would expect from a family company whilst providing the support and product range that the National Organisations provide. We service over 14000 clients’ premises throughout the UK. Food related industries are the prime clients however pests will take advantage of any situation and therefore all types of premises need protection. These include Shopping Centres, Airports, food, processors, Bakers’ warehouses offices etc For any enquiries or to contact Pestokill Graveoak East Lancs Road Leigh WN7 3SE 08700 660 999 Email – [email protected] Supporting Leigh Miners Rangers LEIGH MINERS RANGERS Amber and Black Paul Whitworth and Allan Coleman Jonny YOUDS Harry GAGEN Ellis GRIMES Adam THOMASON Haydn Bud SKINKIS Jimmy MUIR Scott O’BRIEN Matt ASTLEY Tom FARRIMOND Darryl KAY Tommy PARKINSON Danny JACKSON Connor RATCLIFFE Dave ROWLANDS Brad HARGREAVES Chris BOWERS Martin GRAY WEST HULL Colours Coach Fullback Right Wing Right Centre Left Centre Left Wing Stand-Off Scrum-Half Open Side Prop Hooker Blind Side Prop Second-Row Second-Row Loose-Forward Substitute Substitute Substitute Substitute Green and Gold Mark Hewitt Brett TURNER Dylan PRICE Callum KING Matt PLUMMER Josh HART Scott PARTIS Ben ARBON Scott HOWLETT Callum WINDLEY Paul SHAW Ricky HOUGH Sam CATOR Dean THOMPSON Louis CROWTHER Jacob MOORE Ashley SHAW Ben PARKER Referee – Jack Smith Touch Judges – Denton Arnold and Craig Smith Match Commissioner – Bob Connolly Jonny Youds – Sponsored by Paul McCarthy Photography Shaun Dowie – Sponsored by the Balmer Family Martin Gray – Sponsored by Roy Walls Danny Jackson – Sponsored by Mick Fairhurst PLAYER SPONSORSHIP £40 FOR THE SEASON – SPEAK TO ANY OF THE COACHES OR COMMITTEE FOR MORE INFORMATION LADBROKES CHALLENGE CUP ROUND THREE Elsewhere Today Elland v Featherstone Lions Two of last season’s promotion winners in the NCL meet at Rochdale Road and whilst a division still separates Elland and their visitors it is the lower-ranked Lions who will be hot favourites after their run to the Conference Trophy semi-finals last term, coupled with their scalping of Siddal in the last round of this competition. Wath Brow Hornets v Newcastle Thunder Brow host the rebranded Thunder at Red Beck Road and perhaps this tie has the whiff of an upset about it although Stanley Gene’s Tynesiders will be welldrilled and packed with his World Cup star compatriots including Jason Tali, Charlie Wabo and Mark Mexico (below left). Whilst the Kumul contingent might find early spring at the Brow somewhat of a culture shock, the ageless Ryan MacDonald, who remarkably played for Bramley in Miners’ cup shock win back in 1999, will feel right at home in his native Cumbria. Oulton Raiders v Normanton Knights Oulton have continued their tremendous 2014 form into the current campaign, albeit with favourable draws in the first two rounds, and local rivals Normanton Knights will do well to inflict a rare defeat on their hosts. As Oulton swept to the Division One title, the Knights faltered to finish fifth, but in their two meetings last term (below, centre) they pushed the Raiders close. It won’t be a formality for Oulton, but they should be too strong for their visitors. Kells v Rochdale Hornets Whitehaven’s Recreation Ground hosts this other Cumbrian tie as Kells host Hornets. Dale have recruited strongly from the amateur game following their demotion from the Championship, with ex-Miners Ryan Smith amongst their new faces, and whilst this won’t be as wild a day as we experienced at The Big Waite last February it will still be a tester for Ian Talbot’s men. London Skolars v Swinton Lions An all-League One clash at New River Stadium where Skolars aim to record only their second-ever win over the Lions. Swinton were generally doughty opponents in their relegation season last term and with ex-Miners Stuart Littler (below right) on board have the quality, but pre-season has been largely forgettable and they could be on the wrong end of the result today. Playing Tomorrow North Wales Crusaders v Widnes West Bank With the Wrexham side’s Simms Cross and Warrington connections this could be quite a tasty collision at the Glyndŵr University Racecourse. Crusaders will be strong favourites against the former NCL side West Bank, who returned to the North West Men’s League in 2013. Hemel Stags v Oxford Two slow starters in League One meet at Pennine Way where home advantage could prove decisive for the Stags. Both sides suffered heavy defeats in the League One Cup last weekend and in the five previous meetings Hemel hold a clear advantage, albeit with only a handful of points between the sides on the majority of occasions. Oldham v Coventry Bears These sides meet for the second time in a week and Oldham will be in the mood to dish out more punishment having inflicted a 42-6 defeat upon the Bears in what was their first match in the professional ranks. Ex-Miners man Adam Clay scored twice in that rout, playing on the wing to centre and vicecaptain Sam Gee (below left), another Twist Lane old boy. Barrow v Keighley Cougars Two of last season’s relegated Championship contenders meet in the heavyweight clash of the round. Keighley were perhaps unluckiest to take the drop as the Championship restructured and they opened with purpose last weekend to hammer East Leeds in the League One Cup. Barrow’s links to Leigh Centurions sees another Twist Lane junior, Josh Ward (below right), in action as a Craven Park loanee today. South Wales Scorpions v York City Knights Scorpions were crushed at Rochdale last weekend whilst York racked up 78 at London Skolars and this would seem to be another opportunity for the Minster City men to pile on the points against one of the League One minnows. University of Gloucestershire All Golds v Skirlaugh A repeat of the 2013 clash at the same stage of the competition for these two sides (below centre), with All Golds edging out the Villagers 26-16 at Saltend two years ago after Skirlaugh had led 16-10 at the break thanks to tries for Alex Foster, Tom Saltmer and David Fletcher. The Villagers have edged out Aberdeen and the Navy in the competition thus far but they will find it tough going at the Prince of Wales Stadium. WEST HULL – INTRODUCING THE LIONS Brett Turner (fullback) After an injury-ravaged season or so the erstwhile stand-off returned to the side at the back end of 2014 and has been used at fullback this term. Scott Partis (stand-off) Significant signing in 2014, the ex-East Hull man proved pivotal as Wests swept the board. Dylan Price (wing) Youngster who came in to the side last season and who has impressed to cement his place in the side ever since. Louis Crowther(scrum half) Talented youngster who has been a regular in the first team squad for the last year. Dean Thompson (back row) International stalwart playing at loose or the back row, another of the stars to have come through Wests’ junior ranks. Callum King (centre) One of the latest products of the Wests’ youth supply line, has been handed his chance by Mark Hewitt this year. Scott Howlett (prop) Former Doncaster and Hull KR man who has started the season in rich form, superseding the retired James Garmston Sam Cator (back row) Joined brother Lee in making the move from East to West Hull last season, the talented back-row enjoyed a fine campaign. Matt Plummer (centre) One of the stars of the last campaign, where he predominantly featured at fullback, brings plenty of pace to the Lions’ side. Josh Hart (wing) First choice goalkicker for the Lions, the winger came through the junior ranks at Walter Simpson Park and has been a key figure for Wests. Callum Windley (hooker) Captain of the side, the West Hull youth product has played professionally at Bradford and Doncaster. Paul Shaw (prop) Product of the Wests’ youth set-up who faced Danny Jones and Adam Thomason in the 2008 under-18s Grand Final. Ricky Hough (loose forward) New recruit and former Grand Finalist with Myton before signing for Gateshead Thunder. SPONSORSHIP NEWS With Lee Walls A warm welcome is extended to both our own supporters and to the players, officials and fans of league and cup winning West Hull to Twist Lane for a highly anticipated third round Ladbrokes Challenge Cup game whereby a potential high profile fourth round tie is the prize on offer. The game today promises to be a real spectacle with the all-conquering West Hull looking to progress by overcoming arguably the toughest draw of the round. Obviously, I for one will be hoping we can put an end to their winning ways! The Miners today are using the game as an opportunity to thank our loyal sponsors, supporters, to strengthen new partnerships and also to honour an absolute rugby league legend and a great of the game. Today we have invited our key sponsors to join us, namely Welch Mill who have supported the club for over 25 years, Leigh Cables, an ever present in terms of supporting the club along with our very own legend John Webster, whose support knows no limits. We also nd extend a very warm welcome to Colour Sergeant Carl Ruffley of the Duke of Lancaster 2 Battalion. A very successful pre-season training camp was hosted by the Battalion where the squad was put through their paces in a training event coordinated by Colour Sergeant Ruffley. We are very much hoping to strengthen our link with the Battalion whereby more mutually beneficial joint ventures will be announced during the forthcoming NCL season. Once again may I thank the Battalion on behalf of the club for their fantastic efforts and hospitality during the weekend training camp. We also would like to welcome a Leigh legend to Twist Lane today, a guy that we can thank for getting us the ‘easy draw’…. Mr Alex Murphy OBE will be guest of honour at the club. I was intending on waxing lyrical about ‘Murph’ however he needs no introduction in this neck of the woods. I thank Alex for accepting the invite and hope that he both enjoys the game and enjoys watching our very own number 7 today…. (no pressure then Scott !) Finally (I promise) and by no means least, I would like to thank one of our most loyal supporters, namely Elaine Jones. Elaine not only follows the Miners to virtually every game we play but works tirelessly in supporting the club in any way she can. It is exceptionally difficult not to mention others in the same breathe, however, I will be looking to thank all of our supporters through this column. Any individuals and or companies looking to get involved in player sponsorship or any other sponsorship / donation no matter what the scale please contact myself or any of the club officials. Furthermore if anyone has any contacts or potential leads or new ideas to follow up please pass these on to me. Enjoy the game…. Come on the MINERS…. Lee Walls WEST HULL LEIGH MINERS RANGERS 2015 The open draw for the Challenge Cup third round has paired two amateur sides who have fine pedigrees in the competition, with Miners crowned Community Club of the Year for their efforts in the 2011 competition and toppling NFP side Bramley in 1999 at Headingley to book our sole fourth round appearance to date against Wests’ neighbours Hull KR. Those exploits, commendable though they are, pale besides our visitors’ record, which saw them set a benchmark for amateur sides in reaching the fifth round in 1996 having defeated Highfield and York. A remarkable 2014 saw Wests reinforce their reputation as the top dogs in the amateur game, sweeping up all four trophies on offer as wily coach Mark Hewitt and his talented side dominated the NCL in league and cup. The early weeks of 2015 have seen a slightly newlook side, following the retirement of several long-serving performers, show they are still a match for anyone, booking their place here today after seeing off Thatto Heath and Hunslet Warriors in the first two rounds, beating East Leeds to retain the Steve Prescott Charity Shield and then pushing semi-professionals North Wales Crusaders hard in the League One Cup last weekend. Both sides will view this tie as a great opportunity to earn a crack at the professional heavyweights in the fourth round, and with the away team having taken the spoils in our last five meetings here and at Walter Simpson Park, Hewitt’s Lions will be in confident mood as they arrive at Twist Lane today. Date Opponents Comp F–A 31st Jan 14th Feb 7th Mar 14th Mar 21st Mar 28th Mar 11th Apr 18th Apr 25th Apr 2nd May 9th May 16th May 23rd May 13th June 20th June 27th June 11th July 18th July 25th July 1st Aug 15th Aug 5th Sep 12th Sep 19th Sep 26th Sep 3rd Oct Hull Dockers WALNEY CENTRAL WEST HULL WIGAN ST PATS West Hull MAYFIELD Oulton Raiders THATTO HEATH WATH BROW UNDERBANK Egremont Rangers Lock Lane SIDDAL Hull Dockers EAST LEEDS Rochdale Mayfield OULTON LOCK LANE Wath Brow Hornets Siddal EGREMONT Wigan St Patricks WEST HULL East Leeds HULL DOCKERS Thatto Heath CCR1 CCR2 CCR3 NCL NCL NCL NCL NCL NCL NCC1 NCL NCL NCL NCL NCL NCL NCL NCL NCL NCL NCL NCL NCL NCL NCL NCL 6-10* 26-18 *Result overturned after Dockers played ineligible player Home games in capitals PLAYER PROFILES – DARRYL KAY Name = Darryl Kay Age = 28 Sponsor = Stumpy's Gym Occupation = Bricklayer Twitter = Darrylkay10 Favourite Position (playing!) = Prop Favourite food = homemade lasagne Favourite drink = Rekorderlig Wild Berries cider Favourite song = The Courteeners - Not Nineteen Forever Best trainer at club = Danny Jones - training unbelievably hard this pre-season trying get rid of his kench, not working though! Worst trainer at club = Adam Thomason - never stops moaning Best dressed at club = Myself - style icon! Worst dressed at club = Tommy Parkinson - favours he gets dressed in dark Ambitions for 2015 = stay fit and injury free, win some silverware! In a new feature for 2015 we look at two memorable matches against our opponents West Hull THE INSIDE LINE Our man on the inside gives us the real low-down on West Hull Brett Turner: the most untrustworthy kid ever, been trying to get in the dream team for nearly a year now #NOCHANCE Josh Hart: likes his lasses in school uniform got the worst banter ever Dan Parker: always in the physio room loves a claim Callum King: a bit of a mongy Dylan Price: good for knocking teeth out apart from that got nowt about him Ian Kerman: best looking player in the West Hull team, leader of the dream team Scott Partis: ex-East Hull playmaker, probably the main reason East Hull folded #noshame Scott Howlett: can’t handle the sister jokes very well Callum Windley: gets man of match nearly every week think his old man picks it Lee Cator: another ex-East Hull player who sent them down Sam Cator: 3rd best looking player in the West Hull team got a lovely bum bag on him member of the dream team Ricky Hough: played for every Hull team, loves a trackie Dean Thompson: known as the Anlaby Road strangler Matty Plummer: hands like cow’s tits Ryan Steen: got his head on the wrong way round Tom Radley: ugliest player in NCL Louis Crowther : 2nd best looking in the West Hull team, member of the dream team Paul Shaw: greediest man ever, looks like Butch Dingle Ash Shaw: first season in first team got a nice keg on him Lee Roberts: same gags week in week out, nickname baggy neck Aidan Morton: nickname the Titty Man as he’s known for buying birds fake breasts then gets sacked off a few weeks later #ollithebutcher Mark Hewitt: always getting choked out by James Garmston on a night out 68 and 1 Yo Windley (right): loves a selfie A DAY TO REMEMBER… We go back just as far as last July to recall a famous victory at Walter Simpson Park, our third in succession at what had long been a graveyard for Miners, and Wests’ only home defeat in what turned out to be a phenomenal season for the Lions. On a humid afternoon Miners opened the scoring through Danny Jackson and extended the lead when Shaun Dowie nipped in after Wests spilled a Jimmy Muir bomb, Jonny Youds with one conversion. The home side reduced arrears when Dan Parker scored a try converted by Ian Kerman and minutes into the second half were back on terms when Sam Cator scored off Kerman’s clever kick in-goal. However Miners restored the lead which they wouldn’t relinquish when Tommy Parkinson charged up the middle and offloaded for Youds to finish off before Matty Meaden dived over from close range to make it a twoscore lead. In the closing stages the outstanding Parkinson drove over from close range to seal the victory, 28-10. It was but a minor blip for Wests though as they completed a clean sweep of trophies by claiming the League Leaders, Challenge Trophy and Grand Final crowns to add to the Charity Shield which they had won against ourselves in pre-season. …AND ONE TO FORGET It’s fair to say we are quite spoiled for choice in this category, but one of our th heaviest home defeats of all time stands out as a particular lowlight. 8 September 2001 saw the NCL Premier Division begin to take shape following the busy early rounds of fixtures and defending champions West Hull arrived in familiar form to the top of the table. Miners were destined to have a great season ourselves but this was a black day as Wests rattled up a 49-8 mauling. Four players scored braces for the Lions – Stuart Leake, Glyn Jones, Terry Lynn and Brian Newby, with Carl Moore scoring the other try. Miners had scant consolation with James Arkwright our sole tryscorer and, in a more evenly-contested first half, Steve Flannery and Mark Hudspith adding goals before Wests ran riot after the interval. For the record, the two teams were :Miners – James Arkwright, Steve Clarke, Howard Newton, Mark Sarsfield, Craig Graham, Mick Warburton, Sean Phoenix, Danny Flannery, Roy Stott, Mick Leach, Chris Flynn, Steve Flannery, Craig Wilson Subs – Mark Hudspith, Shane Hindley, Ian Wilcox, Jon Light Wests – Lee Moreton, Stuart Leake, Carl Moore, Adam Sissons, Glyn Jones, Chris Verity, Terry Lynn, Lee Horsfield, Pete Stephenson, Gavin Last, Scott Fletcher, Brian Newby, Wayne Harris Subs – David Roe, Paul Watts, Paul Roberts, Mark Cooke To add to the club’s woes James Arkwright suffered what proved to be a careerending injury in this game. Remarkably given this thrashing the two sides went on to meet in the inaugural Grand Final at Spotland come the end of the season.
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