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Challenge cup 1st round (News)
Friday, February 26, 2010
Report from this years opening game in the challenge cup.
Featherstone Lions v Army 23rd Jan 10For the second successive year the Army were drawn away to the Lions.
The weather was freezing but the conditions were an improvement on the year previous, where it was difficult to see who was playing for who at the end of the game, as both teams were covered from head to toe in mud.
The Army played their first game under the new head coach Andy Sanger who started the game well, with their new look side. Debutants Sammy Speight on the wing showing strength going forward and rugby union ,forward Hoppe playing in the centre potentially being a great prospect later in the year when he gains some experience at the 13 a side game.
After a good opening 10 minutes, the Army suffered from giving away territory with some handling errors and the home team didn't hang about getting some points on the board.
But this didn't deter the young Army side with strong running and a great off load from Army skipper Gareth Lodge playing at prop causing the lions problems every time he got his hands on the ball.
The Army couldn't seem to capitalise as they mounted pressure and seem to give the ball away cheaply after good approach work, just as the lions seemed to be on the rack another cheap turnover or penalty.
This allowed the lions to go further in front with another try before halftime, at the break the Army at two tries down, had it all to do. But with some good chat from the coaches at the break the Army came out fighting and pulled a score back, great defence from Andy Kay showing some of the bigger guys how size doesnt matter with some great lifting tackles. Stu Butters and Rob Smart provided some calm in the new side and Smarty scored the decisive try at the end to win the game. Skipper Gareth Lodge was voted man of the match but there was strong performers in Smarty, Col Mckensie, and Kay. The Army look forward to the next round on Sat 13th Feb away against Warrington Wizzards who narrowly beat the RAF 28-24.
The Army's merchandising machine julie hullatt,daryl cooper and clare were on hand selling replica shirts Hoodies and polos at the match, raising money for the soldiers league charities.
Also at the game money was raised for Help for Heroes via the Featherstone club.
Soldiers league presentative Jeremey Bethall presented a £500 cheque to the local British Legion, please find photos attached.
