Lions 32-34 Broncos this aft, and "There's no justice!" springs to mind.
They were coasting at 34-16, but then we got our game in order, and with about ten minutes left, we'd battled back, and were within a couple of points of 'em.
We battered their line, and had three tries disallowed, much to the annoyance of our fans!
One was from a kick not grounded properly, the second for held up, and the third from knock-on over the line. All three would defo had gone to the screen had it been on telly, but when you're bottom of the league, luck seems to desert you. They all looked ok to me, but of course, I'm biased!
Sis tries apiece, with the only diff being (ex-Lion) Hankinson landed five from six with the boot, whilst Ridyard for us missed with a couple, inc the one from the touchline, when we got to within two.
Sheff at the Keepmoat, is our next game at that's a 4.30 kick-off, as it's a double-header with Donny v Keighley, which starts a couple of hours earlier.
Spelly.
Sheff at Donny awaits us tomorrow, in our final away game of this season to be forgotten.
Only pride to play for now, and that particular quality has been lacking more than once during this campaign.
We had a Fans' Forum on Thursday, with captain Rhodri Lloyd in attendance, and he stood up to publicly apologise for what we've had to suffer, adding that he hopes to be a Lion again next year.
The directors said they are "in discussion" with players for 2022, although no names were revealed, or even hinted at, but.....
If (m)any of 'em can secure a contract in the middle tier, they'll obviously be tempted to go for it, and I would imagine tomorrow will signal the penultimate occasion that some will pull on a Lions' shirt.
We were advised that the club is in a "sound financial position" which I found re-assuring.
Spelly.
Sheff 28-34 Lions this aft, and we've doubled our W column!
A see-saw game saw us go 10-0 up, then they scored 22 without reply, either side of the interval. Our turn then to dominate, when we too scored 22 unanswered points to lead 34-22, and we were bouncing in the stands. Their last score was pretty much of an irrelevance, coz the hooter went in between 'em touching down, and taking the con.
There are better sides than the Eagles in the Championship, but after the season we've had, any win in like manna from heaven!
So next (and finally) it's you mob at our place next week, and if we can better the result of Oldham (who are at Dews) we can avoid the ignominy of being basement boys.
As a plug, for those of you coming over, we're producing a bumper issue of a programme, and James of this very message-board, has kindly submitted an article for it. There'll also be summat from someone called Spelly, but don't let that put you off!
Double celebrations for us this weekend, and whilst I'm sure you weren't particularly pleased at the outcome, your nearest and not so dearest did the biz, with a GP win over the Pinks!
See you next week!
Spelly
So who's coming on Sunday?
You'll all be more than welcome, as will your money of course!
For Chemics and Lions,, there's only pride to play for, but I'm sure we'll both want to end the campaign on a positive note, and as I mentioned earlier, we'll be aiming to rid ourselves of the dreaded "cellar dwellers" tag.
We've come up with some woeful performances this term, but that one at your gaff, was particularly horrendous, where you won in a canter!
See you Sunday, and..........
COME ON YOU LIONS!!!
Spelly.
I’ll be there and will buy one of your programmes if they aren’t sold out!
My next (and last) report of the season will be later than normal, and prob won't appear until Monday.
Directly after the bar is cleared tomorrow following the game, we'll be (re)setting the room for our end of season presentation, and before you say it, no, there's not much to celebrate! But.........
The Player-of-the Year has been voted for, as has the try-of-the-season. I have made my choices, but the results are not yet known, and will only be revealed as each trophy is presented.
Leading try scorer is still up for grabs, with Mike Butt on eleven, and Luis Roberts just one behind him.
I'm on duty both in the afternoon, and the evening, meaning I'll be much later getting home than normal, so.............
If you win, don't think I'm hiding!
I'll include my (biased) match report, the results on the evening, plus a resumé of this very troubled season we Lions have had to endure!
Hopefully, I'll see you tomorrow, before I hit the keyboard again on Monday.
Spelly.
Having only ever seen you at Widnes home games, proudly wearing your hat and badges.
You scrub up well with your shirt and tie.
Good luck next season
Pretty sure i had the pleasure of your company for the last 10 minutes of the game today Spelly, Didnt realise it was you until i was on my way home.
Nice to meet you today bud, and good luck to you guys for next season
Thank you the above comments!
Just back home at 22.50, after leaving at 12.30. Long day for a home match!
Firstly, thank you to James for his piece in today's match programme.
No arguments with the result, as you were defo the better team, but not for the first, second, or third time, we conceded right on half time, and that killed it as a contest in my opinion.
Great to meet up again with so many familiar faces, but unless we meet in the cup, we won't be crossing paths next term!
Our last match of the campaign, and much as I love the Lions, I'm glad it's over! The table tells no lies, we're bottom coz we deserve to be, and........................
It's been a season to forget, especially when I predicted a mid table finish for us!
It started so well, with winning away at Bradford in the friendly, then beating both Newcastle and Oldham in the cup. The following week, we played the Roughyeds again, this time at their place, and comfortably bossed the first half, but.................
There must've been summat in the half-time drinks, coz we switched off completely after the interval, didn't trouble the scorers again, and the hosts ran out deserved winners.
L, followed L, after that, until the Dewsbury game, and since then, a draw at home to Oldham, and that win at Sheff last week, were the only times we didn't finish second.
Yes, as I said earlier, I'm glad it's over, and talking to my mates today, I'm far from alone on that front.
Best performance of the season? Right back at the beginning, when we beat Oldham with a bit to spare in the cup-tie.
Worst? York away in the league, but our (non) performance at your gaff runs it close.
Best moment? It just has to be Jack Hansen's try to give us our first league win, after the hooter at Dewsbury.
Worst? Too many to mention!
The awards evening went very well, with the room packed. Mickey Butt picked up three trophies. Also the positive approach by both the coach, and the board, gave the impression that a goodly number of the current squad will be retained, despite relegation, and the uncertainty of what funding we'll receive in 2022. The firm intention (and belief) is to remain in tier three for just one season. Fingers crossed there.
Right, that's me done on the Lions' front for another season, and despite lockdown, I (legally) managed to keep my unbroken run going of not missing a game home or away, for what is now just shy of forty two years.
There's still other matches to attend this year, and I'll defo be at OT for the GF, and at Cas for the Knights v Jamaica, but of course, they'll have their own slot on the General Rugby League page.
Any (re)signings that we announce during the close season, I'll post on here.
Adios for now though.
Spelly.
Good luck John for next year, I’m sure you will be back in no time. 👍
Good luck John for next year, I’m sure you will be back in no time.
Thanks mate - Appreciated!
Spelly.
Did you buy a Golden Gamble ticket on Sunday?
The winning one hasn't been claimed, and there's £175 waiting for whoever holds it,
It's number 4306.
Contact me if it's you, and I'll give you the details of how to collect your winnings.
Spelly.
We've signed Lewis Else from you mob.
Comments please!
Spelly.
Disappointed we haven’t kept him.
Did a good job playing out of position at 9 and deserved his chance to play at 7, in my opinion.
Hard worker.