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Southport Summon Form for Cup Game
SOUTHPORT Rugby League club put themselves on the map with a fantastic performance last week in the National Cup, despite many squad players not being fielded in the side as Coach Doug Parkin went for the smaller but more mobile pack – which almost paid off.
Wigton piled on the pressure from the beginning giving the local side’s
defense something to think about as the big Cumbrian forwards attacked the Southport end. Time and time again the green and gold drove up the pitch but the Southport
defense held.
Southport’s only downfall on the day was the lack of cohesion and typically lack of ball control as they continually lost the early in the set of six and in there own half. At one point having to defend four sets of six and still Wigton could not break the line.
When Southport did start to control the ball they looked good going forward causing problems for the visitors with runs from Newton and heart with their blistering pace.
A couple of times Southport were held short as Wigton came onto the attack great ball handling brought a well earned try out wide with the conversion going just wide. Centers Chris Dresher and Paul Jameison were causing problems with their pace.
Southport’s turn to put some good rugby together with halfbacks Roy Finch-Spencer and Sean Connolly pushing the Southport forwards all the way and the big yards were now coming from the home side. A good attack and with most of the Southport team handling ended in a try for Chris Brown with Kevin Hall’s conversion Southport now had a two point lead. With the strong wind at their backs more points would have been better but 6-4 up at the break was not so bad.
Wigton came out all guns blazing in the second half with to score with only five minutes gone. It was harder for the
defense for Southport and they stood up well. A lot of good attacking play was coming from both sides with tiredness now starting to show mistakes were coming from both sides.
A split between the two teams using the full width of the pitch created good moving play, and again the somewhat errant ball control from the Southport side gave way to another try from the Cumbrian side.
Ten points adrift fifteen minutes left on the clock and Southport had it all to do now. Southport now had to throw everything into the attack and they did Robbie Fawcett in at full back for the first time came into the line winger Vinny Roberts held just short second row John Horrochs went in for a try only to be disallowed. Time now running out and Southport could not manage any more points. All in all this was a good game of Rugby League with the slightly better team on the day winning.
A surprising resurgence of form returns another mouth-watering prospect for their next game.
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- MAKING A SPLASH IN WALTON!
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- AMBITIOUS proposals have been unveiled for a new multi million pound leisure centre for Walton.
A planning application has been submitted for the scheme, which will be built on the site of Queens Drive baths.
The £4 million project is being funded by the city council and the New Opportunities Fund, and forms part of the redevelopment of Alsop High School. It will be a dual-use facility for both pupils and the local community, and is expected to open at the end of 2005. The new state-of-the-art facility will include a 25 metre swimming pool, a fitness suite and gymnasium with hi-tech sports equipment.
Councillor Warren Bradley, Executive Member for Leisure and Culture, said:- "This is fantastic news for the people of Walton. For far too long they have had to make do with a swimming pool which was well past its sell by date, had suffered decades of under investment and as a result was beyond repair.
This council is committed to ensuring that people in every part of this city have access to first class leisure facilities. They help bind communities together and provide youngsters with a positive and healthy alternative to hanging around street corners.''
The baths is to close its doors for the final time next week following a health and safety inspection.
It is hoped this will enable work on dismantling the complex to begin earlier, following consideration of the planning application.
Local Dare
Devil’s Take up Breast Cancer Plight
A TEAM of fearless fundraisers from Iceland stores across Merseyside are in training for the journey of a lifetime - a seven day trek across South Africa - in aid of Iceland charity of the year, Breast Cancer Campaign.
The team from across Merseyside will join an intrepid team of colleagues from Iceland stores across the UK on the amazing adventure on February 20 - which includes a test of endurance, a three hour climb to ascend 1000ft up the fabulous Table Mountain, kayaking the perimeter of Hout Bay and trekking the Cedarberg mountain range.
It is hoped the intrepid team will raise sponsorship of £125,000 for Breast Cancer Campaign. But it's not all hard work. Courageous fundraisers will be rewarded with the chance to relax and enjoy the spectacular coastal beaches and soak up the African sun on one of their few rest days.
Ann Ellison, team member from Bootle said:- "We have all been working hard to raise money to support Breast Cancer Campaign. The three of us did a sponsored swim to help raise more money and our fitness levels."
Anyone wishing to support the team in their daring efforts for Breast Cancer Campaign should contact the Bootle store on 0151 933 5247.
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