Twenty sixth in the IMG gradings / ratings issued today.
As my school report said on many occasions "Room for improvement!"
Decent position for you mob I would suggest.
Spelly.
Our pre-season friendly has been announced, and we're at Saints on Saturday, 20 January, with a 2:00pm start.
I would imagine that Wellens will put the kids out, as he did in last term's equivalent.
Eight days later, Colwyn Bay awaits, as we (yet again) hit the Wembley trail.
Season ticket in my wallet, and the new home and away shirts are paid for, with delivery expected mid Jan.
I (optimistically) said before a ball was kicked in the last campaign that "Anything above than twelfth, will be a bonus." In the end we finished tenth, so....................
For 2024, I'm (again optimistically) going for "Ninth or better is a must!"
I can't see past Wakey for promotion, but I predicted the same about Fev last year, and they ****** up again, leading to a mass exit through the POR revolving door, so who knows?
Bring it on!
Spelly.
Our pre-season friendly has been announced, and we're at Saints on Saturday, 20 January, with a 2:00pm start.
I would imagine that Wellens will put the kids out, as he did in last term's equivalent.
Eight days later, Colwyn Bay awaits, as we (yet again) hit the Wembley trail.
Season ticket in my wallet, and the new home and away shirts are paid for, with delivery expected mid Jan.
I (optimistically) said before a ball was kicked in the last campaign that "Anything above than twelfth, will be a bonus." In the end we finished tenth, so....................
For 2024, I'm (again optimistically) going for "Ninth or better is a must!"
I can't see past Wakey for promotion, but I predicted the same about Fev last year, and they ****** up again, leading to a mass exit through the POR revolving door, so who knows?
Bring it on!
Spelly.
Further to this (and not surprisingly) it's been announced today that we're DRd with Saints again.
Last term (as it should) it worked well both ways, in particular with George Delaney, who went back to the TWS a better player than he came after a spell with us, and is now a regular in Wellens' first team squad.
Spelly.
Saints-ish 18-28 Lions at a cold TWS this aft.
We looked comfortable for thirty-nine minutes, but not for the first, second, or third time, we conceded right on the interval hooter!
They scored again early doors after the interval, but we steadied the ship from then on. and ran out deserved winners.
Not getting carried away by any means, as it was only a friendly, and the "real" season starts next week with a trip to Colwyn Bay in the 1895.
Spelly.
Well the (proper) season starts tomorrow, and the 1895 Cup takes us to the seaside, with the Crusaders hosting us at Colwyn Bay.
Setting off reasonably early for a bite in Spoon's, before heading to the stadium, and hopefully a win, before Coleman and Co return to Heywood Road.
Report to follow.
Spelly.
Crusaders 12-40 Lions this aft, and a comfortable win, without excelling ourselves.
There was a strong wind blowing end to end, which we had at our backs first, and we led 24-0 at the interval.
Carl Forster, their player-coach was sin-binned for tripping, then within only a few minutes after coming on as a sub, Jono Smith was red carded for (so I'm told) saying something foul and abusive to Mr Mikalauskas, so they played more than half a game, a man short.
Although well beaten, the hosts kept battling away, and were awarded for their endeavours with a couple of late tries.
Unsurprisingly, Coleman was there spying on his team's next two opponents, but I would imagine he learned precious little.
See you next week!
Spelly.
West Hull at home for us in the Cup, and...............
If we win that, we're at home again to either Oldham or Barrow.
Wembley once more awaits!
Interestingly, there's three all amateur ties in the third round, with one of 'em being an all London clash of Hammersmith Hill Hoists hosting Wests Warriors.
Spelly.
We have signed Brad Hammond after successful trial period, and has been give squad number 28.
He is the son of former Chemic Karle.
Spelly.
I wish you well against West Hull today, spelly.
Lions 50-6 West Hull today, a comfortable win for us, with the potential of a banana skin avoided.
A few changes from the team that beat you last week, with the likes of Roby and Patton watching the action from the stands.
The result was never in doubt, and they were looking a tired side from the hour mark.
So (touch wood) that's only four tries conceded in our three competitive games so far, and the road to Wembley remains open on two fronts.
No fixture next week, as it's our bye in the 1895, then in a fortnight, we welcome the 'Yeds to Heywood Road in the next round of the Challenge Cup.
Well done on your win.
Spelly.
I've sorted this year's walk, and it's 23 June when we host Barrow, so could you help please?
Any contribution would be greatly appreciated with the monies as usual, being split 50-50 between the MND, and Blood Cancer UK'
donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/swinton-lions-sponsored-walk-1 or............
77-19-10 32413168
No donation is too small, and thank you in advance!
Spelly.
Lions 28-12 'Yeds at a nippy Heywood Road this evening, and two routes to the national stadium are still there.
Awesome defence again was the catalyst for our win, with Dec Patton in the majority of the moves when we had possession, together with his five from five from the tee.
They'd already beaten Championship teams 'Fax, and the Raiders, so came with confidence, but we sent 'em home with their tales between their legs.
The highlight of the game, was when Jake Spedding scorched about 70 metres for a four-pointer that'll defo be a contender for try of the season!
Sheff at home in a fortnight is our next appointment in this comp, but meantime we have a trip to Odsal next week, in the quarters of the 1895.
Spelly.
Great defence again Spelly. Reminded me very much of the 1895 game against us.
Great win for you, spelly, and a well deserved one at that.
Our cup-tie with Sheff, has been switched to the Saturday at 12.30 for BBC broadcasting, but..............
A certain wendyball team will be kicking off at the same time, about four miles away, and that's on the box too!
Can't see the "house full" signs going up at Heywood Road that day!
Spelly.