eclecticsheep

I originally posted this because one of the Mayfield tries late on in the game looked to be extremely close to the line where I was, Im 67 and have run a line for football matches back in the day, Run and me are strangers now, A fellow pensioner at the game had told me on the day that Egremont Rangers were one of the oldest established Rugby League Teams, one of their players got sledged by a small group of the Mayfield youth, some who were actually playing the day after...It was not pleasant nor warranted for even though they lost the Egremont lads played the game hard but fair, I was NOT going to correct the young group of mates anytime soon by the way. I was surprised that the two teams didnt run a line apiece in the spirit of the game, Its a worry to me where our fine game is heading.

I went to a very entertaining and enjoyable game at Mayfield Sport Centre yesterday NCL Premiership Rochdale Mayfield V Egremont Rangers, To my surprise the match was played without Touch Judges, just a ref (with a headcam) who had a good game as it turns out. RFL these young lads deserve better than this, the Amateur game is the lifeblood of RL, please help these Clubs.

Thing I liked about Craven, The Hornets really tried to get in his face, but he sure has some toughness and stood up well...George Hirst is just full on absolutely loved his cameo. Joe Hartley is a battler, Hornets never gave up but were hammered by penalties and six agains, Ref had a good game I thought.

Rather worrying seeing so many kicks bouncing, was it the floodlights?

The play the ball with the foot didnt last long, Cas made a good fist of it but Wigan could have been pinged all the game.

I was Roaring with the Intercept...

...Is doing live commentary right now on Leigh V Huddersfield BBC radio Manchester ( find it on BBC sport RL commentary page...So far he`s GOOD!

Mike Ford knows the pathway to professional sport success...His attitude was single minded determination and practice practice practice...Then he would wander over from the rugby posts on Churchill playing fields and run rings round us on the Football field (Believe it or not...Its True). He put the hard hours in back in the day. I`m delighted hes chosen to put some more in at Oldham RLFC!

What a wonderfully entertaining game of Rugby League that was today....Most enjoyable so far...The young guns of Wigan were a pleasure to watch, enthusiastic, full on committed, lots of talent on show and I started to think that we were going to be second best, and in the first half , at times we were....but the second half the game plan changed the experience shone through and a Ridyard masterclass of kicking plus some superb work by the right hand side offence and Oldham were out of sight...It looked fiercely contested and those young Wigan Lads didnt drop off or give an inch 4 man tackles full on ball returns it was a test indeed for the Roughyeds team as a whole for the game flowed as the young Lady ref had what I consider a fine game ( It may have been her debut) I have to say it but a day like today whets my appetite for all thats good about RL was on show. https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2023/02/12/valiant-warriors-lose-to-roughyeds/ Wigan Academy 22 Oldham RLFC 40

Oldham didnt have the intensity of the week before but, dare I say it , the hornets surprised us with their speed and directness, and they had a couple of big strong forwards who made Oldhams defence work hard and backs who moved the ball well, It made for great entertainment and I just didnt see where the win was coming from because we were out enthused and outplayed for almost 70 minutes BUT an inch perfect Ridyard Kick and a superb take and Victory was snatched from defeat, I was stood with the Hornets fans and we had some fine fun but as I said at the final whistle they contributed to a truly exciting game and we all want to see our neighbours in this fine sport of RL...they are not having the easiest of times lately. Heartbreaking news regarding Lewis Sheridan I hope and Pray he makes a full recovery.

Law Cup next week....

Excellent first run out against a fast Widnes side, Oldham looked sharp and had a fine first half, the game changer was "Goliath of Gath" (Adam Lawton) an immense bloke who came on for Widnes and had a Wow,bar for a knock on...Unstoppable. typical John Kear side in second half they tightened up their defence and pinned Oldham down, Widnes scrum half MOM for me is it Matty Fozard Calvin Wellington looked particularly good but all the lads did well...Ah Van was great! good refereeing and I just hope that the terracing on Whitebank road gets finished soon. I thoroughly enjoyed the Game and a special mention for the most helpful steward who helped me to safely stash my Bike...Thank You! Oldham 20 Widnes 42

He was a fearsome sight coming down the steps at Sheddings taking hits, offloading and staying on his feet, would you take him on face to face?....Neither would I, It was a pleasure to see him play. Old School hard man.