SWINTON LIONS coach Anthony Murray has been able to draw breath after a busy and eventful season, but is already thinking about 2027 and how to drive his side up the standings.
A 66-18 defeat away to London Broncos left the Lions 17th in the final table with 13 points and the coach, who has agreed a contract extension to 2028, reflecting on a number of losses far narrower.
Experienced Murray took the reins after the departure of Paul Wood in late March, having spent a short time as his assistant following his resignation at Whitehaven in early March, when he said increased work commitments were making the commute from his Wigan home to Cumbria more difficult.
Murray, 49, who has also coached the other two Cumbrian clubs Barrow and Workington as well as North Wales (two spells) and Gloucestershire All Golds, three times conjured successive Swinton wins.
However each of those spells was followed by a slender defeat – 36-32 at Rochdale, 30-22 at Halifax and 32-28 at Goole.
London’s 1895 Cup final involvement meant Swinton had a blank weekend before completing their fixtures.
“Realistically, it was always a big ask going down there. particularly when the clubs around us had wrapped up their season,” he said.
“But fair play to the lads, they did it and as ever showed plenty of commitment and effort.
“But we kept turning the ball over early in the tackle count, and we have to learn how to be tighter and smarter, and finish our sets in the area of the pitch we want to be in.”