Rugby LeagueLatest StoriesRL in NZ: Bennett the NZRL pick for Kiwis coach New Zealand Rugby League has Broncos coach Wayne Bennett lined up to coach the Kiwis following Gary Kemble's resignation. Chairman Ray Haffenden says the board wants to go through the right channels to get Bennett on board January 21st, 2008 12:29 PM RL in NZ: Wiki backs Bennett as new Kiwis coach Former Kiwis skipper Ruben Wiki has thrown his support behind Wayne Bennett being appointed as the new national coach. The Broncos mentor is the leading candidate to take the vacant position, after Gary Kemble stood down on the weekend. Wiki says former Kiwis coach Brian McClennan is his preferred option, but he also supports Bennett. He says Bennett's record speaks for itself and it would be huge for New Zealand if he got the job January 21st, 2008 12:29 PM Sporting Life: QUINS NEW BOYS SET FOR RUN-OUT Harlequins will have new signings Danny Ward, Dwayne Barker and David Howell in action in Tuesday's historic friendly against the London Skolars. The annual pre-season derby will be the first rugby league match to take place in the 'Square Mile', the financial heartbeat of the capital and will be held at Artillery Gardens, near Moorgate, to coincide with an investor day involving leading city companies January 21st, 2008 12:11 PM Sporting Life: BULLS WAIT ON SOLOMONA NEWS Bradford are anxiously awaiting a specialist's report on second rower David Solomona as they count the cost of their pre-season clash with Wigan. The former New Zealand Test forward was carried off on a stretcher four minutes into the second half of yesterday's Paul Deacon testimonial match at Odsal after being hurt while attempting a tackle. The initial diagnosis was knee medial ligament damage, which would mean a six-week lay-off, but there are fears the former Wakefield and New Zealand forward may have also torn his cruciate ligament, which would sideline him for six months. "He's definitely done his medial and it could be worse," said Bradford coach Steve McNamara January 21st, 2008 06:09 AM RL in NZ: Bennett wants a meeting with NZRL Wayne Bennett wants to speak face-to-face with New Zealand Rugby League officials before confirming any interest in the vacant Kiwis coaching role. Bennett has been tipped as favourite to replace Gary Kemble, who resigned at the weekend January 20th, 2008 09:26 PM Sporting Life: DOUBLE BLOW FOR BULLS Bradford have been dealt two major injury blows ahead of the new Super League season, with second rower David Solomona and winger Semi Tadulala both ruled out for a minimum of six weeks. Solomona was carried off on a stretcher four minutes into the second half of today's 28-16 defeat by Wigan in the Paul Deacon testimonial match at Odsal. The initial diagnosis is a knee medial ligament tear, which would mean a six-week lay-off, but there are fears that the former Wakefield and New Zealand forward may have also sustained damage to his cruciate ligament, which would sideline him for six months. "He's definitely done his medial and it could be worse," said Bradford coach Steve McNamara January 20th, 2008 09:10 PM Sporting Life: WARRIORS COME FROM BEHIND TO WIN Samoa centre George Carmont got on the scoresheet on his first appearance for Wigan as the Warriors came from 10-6 down to beat Bradford 28-16 in Paul Deacon's testimonial match at a rain-swept Odsal. Wigan, who recovered a 24-point deficit to win 31-30 on their previous visit to Bradford in September, mastered the difficult conditions to register an impressive victory ahead of the new Super League season January 20th, 2008 09:10 PM News and Star: Brow battlers earn win Amateur Rugby League with Phil Hodgson ACE INSURANCE (EUROPE) BARLA NATIONAL CUP WATH BROW HORNETSa scored a great 28-16 win at Wigan St Judeas in the first round of the ACE Insurance (Europe) BARLA National Cup. Unfortunately, the draw for the second round, due to be held afterwards in Judesa clubhouse, had been cancelled because 20 of the 32 scheduled ties had succumbed to frozen pitches. Hornets, however, remained in celebratory mood, not least because of the stunning nature of the victory over their National Conference League Division One promotion rivals. Wath Brow, who had edged Wigan 27-26 at Parsonas Meadow in the league fixture back in September, once again prevailed in cruel fashion. Three months ago, Hornets had the better of matters after withstanding a late Judes rally with the help of a Craig Johnstone drop goal. On this occasion, however, the Brow toyed with Wigan in a different manner, seeing off their hosts by battling back from 16-10 down with three tries in the last five minutes. The stunning salvo was inspired by David Currie, whose equalising touchdown was followed by a try for Paul Byers and, in the closing seconds, a cruel clincher by James Toman. Johnstone improved each effort to supplement his conversion of David Petitas first half score. Currie, meanwhile, had crossed early in the final quarter to lay the foundations for the late blast. DISTINGTON staged something of an upset with a 12-8 victory over a Shaw Cross Sharks side that harbours hopes of promotion from the NCLas First Division. The Dewsbury outfit, who won 28-4 in a league game at Wath Brow three months ago, went into the closing stages on level terms but Distington, with prop Trevor Dryden inspirational, booked their passage when a well-timed pass by centre Gavin Martin gave winger Ryan Stoddart the chance to squeeze in at the corner January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM News and Star: 11-TRY THRILLER Halbro BARLA Cumbria Cup Final: Ellenborough Rangers 31 Kells 28 By Phil Hodgson at Derwent Park Ellenborough Rangers and Kells played a huge part in producing one of the finest Cumbria Cup Finals in recent memory. A four-figure crowd at Derwent Park on Saturday witnessed a pulsating exhibition in which each side brushed aside the testing rainswept conditions in an 11-try feast. Kells, who fought back gallantly from 18-0 down late in the first half, will reflect ruefully that six of those tries went to the runners-up. But the fact that all but one touchdown was scored close to the touchline, with all of Elbraas registered close to the posts, proved to be a decisive factor. So was a drop goal landed by Rangers stand-off Steven Stoddart seven minutes from time. Stoddart landed the one-pointer after Kells had battled back gloriously to only 30-28 adrift, and his strategy turned out to be vital in Ellenboroughas bid to lift the Cumbria Cup for the first time since the victory over Egremont in 2004/5. The Whitehaven outfit, still pressing at the close, were awarded a penalty in front of the posts but with the two points on offer no longer of any value were obliged to run the ball. And, with Elbra hanging on desperately on their own line, the hooter sounded to bring the contest to a dramatic close January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM ACE Insurance (Europe) BARLA National Cup A DOUBLE strike from Adam McGlasson edged Seaton Rangers through this tense tie against lowly West Leeds in the first round of BARLAas prestigious knock out competition. Wests, of the Pennine Leagueas Fifth Division, may be unbeaten in league football this season but a victory for the visitors should have been unthinkable against the reigning John Smithas Cumberland League champions. In the event, Rangers narrowly escaped becoming the fall guys in what would have been one of the greatest upsets in National Cup history. The visitors led 4-2 at the interval, having restricted Seaton to a Duncan Moyle penalty, and it took a more focused effort in the second period for the home side to secure an 18-12 win. Rangers, who will visit Warrington side Crosfields (who are currently battling against finishing in the bottom two in the National Conference League) on Saturday, January 19, prevailed through two tries for Adam McGlasson with Nicky Williamson also crossing the whitewash and Moyle adding a couple of conversions. Maryport, meanwhile, were unable to sustain a bright start at Halifaxas Ovenden of the National Conference Leagueas Division Two, despite a magnificent display by second row Mark Foster, and returned to Cumbria reflecting on a 52-8 defeat. Centre Lee Ferguson put his side ahead in only the second minute with a well-worked try, and although Ovenden hit back with three touchdowns the Port were still in contention midway through the first half when scrum half Alan Telford bustled over, reducing the deficit to eight points January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM News and Star: Red Rose rout Hensingham SJR BUILDING CONTRACTORS CUMBERLAND CUP BROUGHTON RED ROSE scored 22 points in the first 22 minutes of their clash at HENSINGHAM, and the home side never quite recovered, despite a valiant fight back. Matters, indeed, got worse for Hensingham, Broughton stretching their advantage to 28 points before Mark Pearson opened the account with a try. Jamie Sharp added a try and three goals and Reece Fox touched down January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM News and Star: Elbra and Brow ease through CARNEGIE CHALLENGE CUP By Phil Hodgson ELLENBOROUGH RANGERS were viewed in some quarters as underdogs in their preliminary round tie against Wigan St Judeas of the National Conference Leagueas First Division. Judes, who have only lost twice away games this season, certainly represented a tough challenge, and the pendulum had possibly swung towards the visitors when three penalties by Elbra stand off Stephen Stoddart were wiped out by a converted try on the stroke of half time January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM News and Star: League is two-horse race THE battle for the JOHN SMITHaS CUMBERLAND LEAGUE title may have been narrowed down to a two-horse race between KELLS and Ellenborough Rangers. SEATON, who were beaten 34-8 at Kells on Saturday, and Hensingham have both now lost three games, and with Kells still boasting a 100 per cent record and Elbra having lost only one match, it could be difficult for any other side to force its way into the frame. Seaton had to settle for a try by Gareth Key and a couple of Duncan Moyle goals, while the leaders closed with two tries apiece for Stephen McGrady and Ryan Robb, Carl Schofield and Greg Lofthouse also crossing the whitewash January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM Amateur rugby league PAST players from Derwent Park Rangers and Westfield Wildcats have been lined up to play in a charity rugby league match January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM News and Star: Ex-Town prop Mally returns EGREMONT welcome Askam to Gillfoot Park tomorrow knowing that better times may be just around the corner in the National Conference. Rangers lost their opening three fixtures before putting together a winning streak that saw them rocket up the Division Two table, only to falter a little in recent weeks under the strain of a string of injuries. But ex-Workington Town prop Mally Caton, Darren Block, Lee Park, who have all suffered knee problems, plus Rhys Davies (dislocated elbow), are all likely to be back in contention next month January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM COACH Peter Smith is aiming to complete a Derwent Park double within 24 hours this weekend. His Kells side face Ellenborough in the Halbro Cumbria Cup final tomorrow at 2pm, and the Haven No 2 returns to the Workington stadium at noon on Sunday, hoping to round off the weekend with a win over Town in the Ike Southward Memorial Trophy. Ellenborough knocked hosts Kells out of the Amateur Cup 16-10 last month, though both line ups will look dramatically different tomorrow. Ellenborough will welcome back Barrie Murdock, David Whitworth and Stephen Stoddart, while Kells will boast a string of ex-Haven and Town pros January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM News and Star: Hunt for national honours MARYPORT and Seaton Rangers go in pursuit of national glory tomorrow a hoping the weather wonat intervene again. Before the Christmas break Seaton made the trip to West Leeds only to find the game had been called-off. As a consequence the Yorkshire club were ordered to forfeit ground advantage and they will be travelling up to west Cumbria tomorrow. Maryport were saved an unnecessary journey to Ovenden in Halifax when they were informed on the Friday night that the ground was unplayable January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM News and Star: We blew cup final KELLS will be anxious to erase the memory of last Saturdayas Cumbria Cup final defeat by Ellenborough when they return to League action tomorrow. The current First Division leaders travel to Wath Brow intent on continuing their impressive League form into 2008. Coach Peter Smith was disappointed to lose 31-28 in a humdinger of a final but was happy with the effort put in by his players. aWe paid the price for a slow start and the first 20 minutes definitely cost us the game as we were always chasing from that point onwards. aWe just didnat get out of the blocks but after that slow start we showed great character to bring it back to 18-10 at half-time. aWhen the second half started we really needed to score first and when we didnat it was always going to be an uphill struggle January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM News and Star: Roger lands top honour CUMBRIAN rugby league stalwart Roger Blair has been honoured by BARLA with life membership. Now aged 54, Roger has been involved in the sport for over 30 years as player, coach and official. He played for Broughton Moor, Cockermouth and finally Seaton where he won Great Britain recognition a touring Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand in 1978 January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM News and Star: Tough trip to Hunslet amateur rl By Martin Morgan NEWLY-CROWNED Cumbria Cup holders Ellenborough will be cautious after the National Cup draw pitted them against giant-killers Hunslet Old Boys. The Leeds outfit knocked holders Halton Simms Cross out of the competition on Saturday thanks to a last-minute converted try which gifted them a 25-19 win January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM News and Star: AMATEURS NAME SQUAD rugby league A 35-MAN squad has been named for the Cumbrian amateur open age sideas fixture with Workington Town at Derwent Park on Wednesday. The players will be seeking to impress ahead of the forthcoming BARLA County Championship, which will be staged towards the end of the season, but a further prize is on the horizon January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM News and Star: Itas crunch time CHAMPS Seaton travel to Whitehaven to face unbeaten pacesetters Kells tomorrow knowing they cannot afford to drop many more points if they hope to retain the Cumberland League title. Seaton shaded Kells on points difference last season, though Peter Smithas team look to be favourites to snatch the crown this term. They have won all nine of their league games while Seaton have dropped two of their seven, losing at home to Kells and Hensingham January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM By Martin Morgan THE latest chapter in giant-killing Wath Browas glorious Challenge Cup history kicks off tomorrow when they entertain Stanley Rangers in the preliminary round. The Hornetsa cup victims in recent years include Workington Town and Dewsbury Rams, while they have performed with credit against Super League London Broncos and Huddersfield Giants, in addition to top French outfit Toulouse. Joint coach Ian Rooney recalls such exploits with pride but prefers to focus on the present. aThose days are gone. It was great to have them, but we are about the now,a he said. Playmaker Craig Johnstone, who featured in many of Browas past big Challenge Cup triumphs, missed last weekas league defeat at Saddleworth as he was on honeymoon and will be absent again tomorrow, while Michael Maxwell has a serious knee injury January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM News and Star: Glasson eye last 16 amateur rugby league By Martin Morgan GLASSON are eyeing a last-16 slot in the National Cup tomorrow at the expense of Conference Division Two Stanningley. On paper, the odds may be stacked against them, especially away from home, but Glasson have taken heart from the performance of fellow Maryport outfit Ellenborough, who last week knocked Conference First Division Wigan St Judes out of the Challenge Cup. And they will be well-informed tomorrow as coach Steve Maguire has spoken to mid-table Stanningleyas league rivals Millom about their attributes. Assistant coach Chris Fisher said: aWeave heard they have quite a big pack and use forwards off the bench. aThey are quite physical, but we have a young, enthusiastic team, and we think we can cope. a With ex-pros Nicky Crellin, Scott Chilton and Mike Bethwaite, all still to return from injury, Glasson look set to cement their Cumberland Division One status January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM News and Star: Craig plans raid amateur rugby league Martin Morgan THERE is little danger of the West Hull bus driver getting lost on the long, cross-country trip to Wath Brow for tomorrowas National Cup clash a as the Conference Premiers are coached by Whitehaven-born scrum-half Craig Murdock. He hit the headlines as a 19-year-old when the then Hensingham scrum-half turned pro with rugby leagueas biggest club Wigan. And he is well aware of the Hornetsa proud recent history, despite their relegation to Conference Division One last term. aThey have a fantastic set-up and have had a lot of well-deserved success over the last few years,a Murdock said. aItas always nice to see a Cumbrian club do well. aTo be fair, they go in to this game as slight favourites, being at home January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM News and Star: Elbra's tough cup tie ELLENBOROUGH will entertain a second top Conference Division One outfit in the Carnegie Challenge Cup in a fortnight. The Maryport club face pacesetters Saddleworth in round one after dispatching Wigan St Judeas in the preliminary round. Draw - Round one ties to be played on February 2 Skirlaugh v Waterhead, Bradford Dudley Hill v Dewsbury Celtic, Eccles & Salford Juniors v Leigh East, Millom v Milford Marlins , Eastmoor v Queens, Normanton Knights v Edinburgh Eagles, Hull Wyke v York Acorn, Ellenborough Rangers v Saddleworth Rangers, East Hull v Royal Air Force, Thornhill v Leeds Metropolitan University, Bramley Buffaloes v Castleford Panthers, Wigan St Pats v Ovenden, Siddal v Egremont Rangers, Seaton Rangers v Featherstone Lions, Mayfield v Crossfields, Oulton v Oldham St Annes, St Albans Centurions v Hull Dockers, Leigh Miners Rangers v Halton Simms Cross, St Mary's - Twickenham v Warrington Wizards, Castleford Lock Lane v Royal Navy, Ince Rose Bridge v Hunslet Old Boys, British Army v Thatto Heath Crusaders, West Hull v Widnes St Maries, Wath Brow Hornets v Heworth, Askam v West Bowling, Stanningley v Shaw Cross Sharks, Drighlington v Bank Quay Bulls January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM News and Star: Elbra draw top club amateur rl By Martin Morgan ELLENBOROUGH will entertain a second top Conference Division One outfit in the Carnegie Challenge Cup in a fortnight. The Maryport club face pacesetters Saddleworth in round one after dispatching Wigan St Judeas in the preliminary round. Only four points separate Saddleworth and St Judeas, who have two games in hand, but after beating the Wigan outfit 19-6 last week, Ellenborough will be confident of moving a step closer to facing professional opposition January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM By Martin Morgan WORKINGTON TOWN hooker Shaun Lunt and Haven boss Paul Crarey are in the hunt for honours after being short-listed for the RL Express Readers Poll. Lunt is in the running for the NL2 player-of-the year accolade, and is up against Celtic Crusaders pair Tony Duggan and Jace Van Dijk, Stuart Dickens of Featherstone and Oldhamas Neil Roden. Crarey has been recognised for his fine work in guiding Barrow to the League Two play-offs and faces Steve Deakin of Oldham, Celticas John Dixon, David Hobbs of Featherstone, and Latham Skolarsa Latham Tawhai, in the vote for the NL2 coach-of-the-year award January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM News and Star: APS60,000 lotto leak By Martin Morgan WHITEHAVEN are on course in the New Year to plug a huge APS60,000-plus hole in their Pride of Five lottery receipts. The daily draw, which is a massive contributor to club funds, suffered a dramatic dip early this year, with too few members who were dropping out being replaced, causing income to fall. But club director Dave Farrell, who took charge of Havenas lottery in the summer, believes the rejuvenated draw is on track to return to its former levels. aThe target is to get us back to where we were at the back end of 2006,a said Farrell January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM News and Star: Crarey set for 'warfare' By Martin Morgan NEW boss Paul Crarey is bracing himself for derby warfare when he leads Whitehaven in to battle at Workington Town for the first time next week. Crarey is keen to establish early bragging rights over Town, who he expects to pack a big punch at Derwent Park on Sunday week. aItas quite a tight pitch and Workington have some good forwards up there,a he said January 20th, 2008 06:27 PM News and Star: Alan tackles new challenge WHITEHAVENaS community development manager Alan Davidson is to leave the Recre next month after two successful years in which he has spearheaded the clubas off-field efforts January 20th, 2008 06:26 PM News and Star: Hot debut for Chris By Martin Morgan WHITEHAVENaS teenage talent Chris Smith is to make his senior debut in the hothouse atmosphere of the West Cumbrian derby at Derwent Park next week. The Academy hooker was identified as a player with huge potential by Paul Crarey soon after he took over the coaching reins at the Recre. And with ex-Town No 9 Carl Sice unavailable, Smith will get his big break in the Ike Southward Memorial clash January 20th, 2008 06:26 PM News and Star: Makisi ready for action By Martin Morgan TONGAN powerhouse Saia Makisi should be ready for action when he touches down in Whitehaven next month after being invited to train with Aussie NRL outfit Parramatta Eels. The big centre will spend a fortnight in vigorous pre-season training with the Eels ahead of his arrival in England in late January. He will be put through his paces alongside the likes of fellow Tongan international Fuifui MoiMoi and Aussie Test star Nathan Hindmarsh, who made a record 69 tackles in a game against Melbourne Storm last season January 20th, 2008 06:26 PM News and Star: Marc set for derby debut By Martin Morgan TEENAGE debutant Marc Shackley has pledged to shake off the derby jitters and go all out to impress for Whitehaven in the big West Cumbrian clash on Sunday. Shackley, from Egremont, was signed from Warrington last season by the then Haven boss Dave Rotheram, who will be in charge of Workington Town at the weekend. aIt will be my first game for the first-team so Iall be really nervous, but I will just get on with it,a said the 18-year-old. aHopefully Iall play well and be thereabouts January 20th, 2008 06:26 PM News and Star: 'I can take derby heat' By Martin Morgan NEW signing Ade Adebisi wonat be overawed on his Whitehaven debut at Workington Town on Sunday after proving his big-game temperament with a match-winning try in the cauldron of the Hull derby. The winger featured for Hull against bitter rivals Hull KR in front of a massive crowd in their pre-season clash two years ago at the KC Stadium. aI think there were 17,000 people there, and I scored the last try, the winnera said the former Hull man. aHull had most of their star names playing, the likes of Danny Brough and Richard Horne January 20th, 2008 06:26 PM News and Star: HAVEN IN CUP BUST-UP By John Walsh WHITEHAVEN will make a point of presenting the Ike Southward Memorial Trophy on the field at the end of next yearas clash with Workington Town. A war of words has erupted since the game on Sunday when Whitehaven retained the trophy with a 48-0 win at Derwent Park a but there was no silverware in sight. The Whitehaven chairman Des Byrne said: aWorkington hosted the game this time and I donat know why the trophy wasnat presented in front of the crowd as it was for inaugural match at the Recreation Ground January 20th, 2008 06:26 PM By John Walsh FORMER Workington Town coach Ged Stokes is convinced local rivals Whitehaven have signed a winner in Kiwi policeman Karl Edmondson. The 24-year-old foward, who was born in Cumbria before emigrating to New Zealand when he was five, is ready to link up with Haven next wee-end. Stokes is well qualified to discuss Edmondson, for he was in charge of the New Zealand A team which played Cumbria at the Recreation Ground in 2003. Edmondson was a member of that tour squad under Stokes who was subsequently offered the coaching job by Town. Stokes still living at Cockermouth after his out-of-court settlement with Town, is looking forward to seeing Edmondson in British rugby league January 20th, 2008 06:26 PM By Martin Morgan HAVEN hooker Carl Sice has laid down an impressive early marker with new boss Paul Crarey after setting new records in an Aussie-inspired pre-season fitness test. Crarey picked up the test during a short behind-the-scenes stint with NRL outfit Parramatta. And in post-Christmas testing, Sice eclipsed the best mark set at Barrow during Crareyas spell in charge at Craven Park January 20th, 2008 06:26 PM News and Star: Rave reviews for Makisi By Martin Morgan WHITEHAVENaS new Tongan powerhouse Saia Makisi is earning rave reviews Down Under after joining top Aussie outfit Parramatta Eels for a two-week tune-up ahead of his switch to the Recre. Makisi was invited to train with the NRL outfit by club official and ex-Australia Test ace Rod Reddy, a pal of Haven boss Paul Crarey from their days together at Barrow January 20th, 2008 06:26 PM |
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