Halton Farnworth Hornets arlfc - Fixture SRL Regional European Games Tournaments

SRL Regional & European Games Tournaments - Match Results - Season 2005/2006....... Onwards

Season 2005/2006 REGIONAL TOURNAMENT
Season 2006/2007 REGIONAL TOURNAMENT
Season 2006/2007 EUROPEAN TOURNAMENT
Season 2007/2008 REGIONAL TOURNAMENT
Season 2008/2009 REGIONAL TOURNAMENT
Season 2005/2006 REGIONAL TOURNAMENT

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SEASON 2005/2006 - REGIONAL

'Thank You' the BRITISH RED CROSS (see photograph - CLICK HERE) for your partnership working with the HFH Club, and attending each of the SRL Rugby Tournament Events. HFH Management Committee.

UPDATE05 [06-03-06]

[Games held Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th March 2006 at Wilmere Lane Playing Fields]

Wilmere Lane was a picturesque scene with darkness receding, snow still falling and a silence, which echoed slowly around the open field area.

The silence was incidentally broken by the odd mobile caller asking if the Student Games were still 'on'. As the half hours turned to hours, the calls began to increase, as did the frantic activity of Halton Farnworth Hornets volunteers.

Undoubtedly, without the concerted efforts of the HFH volunteers, this tournament would have been a 'none event'. It is through the determined efforts of each and every one of the HFH volunteers, that his tournament went ahead.

The arrival of the students, team managers, coaches and supporters, heightened the feverish temperament of the HFH volunteers as the whispers began to emerge from the early arriving bodies that the weather had won the day.

Little did they know of the HFH volunteers resolve and shear grit & determination to make these games "work"!! Snow was shifted from two pitches and as the beautiful sight of the morning sunshine emerged from behind a disappearing dark sky, the hopes of all concerned were raised substantially.

As the morning drew closer to afternoon, confirmation was received that Sunday's 'Widnes v's Leigh' match had been cancelled because of the weather. This further enhanced the determination to press-on and make sure the Student Games went ahead, since it was now evident that both Plate and Championship finals had to be played at Wilmere Lane on the Sunday.

With kick-off times rescheduled and a different Saturday playing format implemented, the draw was made and the Regional Championships 2006 got under way.

Here are the results from the Saturday games:

Game No1:

WALES 16 - 06 NORTH EAST

Game No2:

SCOTLAND 05 - 04 IRELAND

Game No3:

MIDLANDS 10 - 20 NORTH WEST

Game No4:

YORKSHIRE 26 - 00 SOUTH

Plate No1 Semi:

MIDLANDS 20 - 16 SOUTH

Plate No2 Semi:

NORTH EAST 20 - 04 IRELAND

Championship No1 Semi:

YORKSHIRE 13 - 06 NORTH WEST

Championship No2 Semi:

WALES 22 - 06 SCOTLAND

Here are the results from the Sunday games:

3rd/4th Play-offs:

SCOTLAND 12 - 04 NORTH WEST

7th/8th Play-offs

SOUTH 16 - 04 IRELAND

PLATE FINAL:

NORTH EAST 18 - 06 MIDLANDS

CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL:

YORKSHIRE 26 - 12 WALES

The hosting and successful conclusion of the Student Regional Championship Games 2006 by Halton Farnworth Hornets should hold the club in high esteem.

The preparation work, the organising work and the "coming together" work, all played their part in producing a proud performance by all concerned. Until we meet again next year, congratulations to Yorkshire and commiserations to Wales.

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Season 2006/2007 REGIONAL TOURNAMENT

SEASON 2006/2007 - REGIONAL

TEAM COLOURS:

Ireland [green] - Midlands [blue/yellow stripe] - North East [gold] - North West [red] - Scotland [navy] - South [sky blue] - Wales [black] - Yorkshire [white].

Halton Farnworth Hornets arlfc were privileged to be asked to host the Student Rugby League Regional Championship Games once again.

This year the SRL Tournament had been brought forward to Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th January 2007.

This had been necessary in order to accommodate the Student Rugby League Universities European Cup being held during the April Easter week period, in Halton.

The SRL Regional Championship Games 2007 did, as last year, consist of eight University teams representing Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the North West, North East, Yorkshire and finally the South and the Midlands.

So on Saturday 27th January, eight Regional University teams visited Wilmere Lane Playing Fields, the home of the Halton Farnworth Hornets arlfc, to commence the preliminary knock-out stages of the Annual Championship Games.

The format for the Saturday games was arranged slightly different to that used for the 2006 Championships. The draw was made at 12:00pm by Matt Jeffery (SRL Manager) and was witnessed by the Regional Team Managers. What followed was eight games of no stop rugby league.

Here are the results from the Saturday games:

Game 1:

YORKSHIRE 20 - 04 SOUTH

Game 2:

WALES 13 - 12 IRELAND

[At full time it was 12 a piece, so extra time was played for the "golden point". It was Wales who were fortunate enough to get a drop goal and win the game.]

Game 3:

NORTH WEST 50 - 00 MIDLANDS

Game 4:

SCOTLAND 00 - 08 NORTH EAST

The next round was a simple Winners Game 1 play Winners Game 2, and Winners Game 3 play Winners Game 4. This was the Championship path.

Losers Game 1 played Losers Game 2, and Losers Game 3 played Losers Game 4. This was the Plate winners path.

The next round was the Plate Semi:

Game 1:

SOUTH 20 - 04 IRELAND

Game 2:

MIDLANDS 16 - 00 SCOTLAND

The next round was the Championship Semi:

Game 1:

YORKSHIRE 28 - 00 WALES

Game 2:

NORTH WEST 26 - 06 NORTH EAST

This concluded Saturday's games at Wilmere Lane Playing Fields, with the remaining games to be played Sunday.

Each Regional University team played two games of rugby league, with every game furiously contested and with no bars held! Each team was 'up' for these Championships and the crunching tackles made the supports curl in pain. Yes, this was no walk in the park, and every game showed how much amateur rugby league has progressed in the university institutions.

This was only day one of the Championship Games and battered and bruised bodies were evident in almost every direction you looked. The teams own Physio's were always on hand to attend to immediate casualties. For the unfortunate players who had to leave the field of play, the British Red Cross were on hand to assess the players injuries.

Five university players were taken to hospital on day one.

Saturday evening, all the players, management and officials sat down for a meal and entertainment at the Halton Stadium.

Day two, and the positional play-offs got under way. These were played at Leigh Recreational Ground with kick-off times of 11:00am and 12:00pm, respectively.

Here are the results from the Sunday games:

7th & 8th Position:

IRELAND 04 - 04 SCOTLAND

5th & 6th Position:

WALES 13 - 12 NORTH EAST

Then it was to the Halton Stadium for the 'Finals'. First to play were the 'Plate' winners with a 1:00pm Kick-off time. The result was:

Plate Final:
SOUTH 06 - 24 MIDLANDS

Championship Final:

At 2:00pm the Championship game took place between YORKSHIRE and the NORTH WEST.

As expected, this was a tough competitive game with Yorkshire the firm favourites and eager to retain the cup they won last year. It was no surprise when Yorkshire took the lead and looked dangerous with each attack.

As the game progressed into the second half it looked as though Yorkshire would be able to repel the North West's attacks but on the final whistle the scores stood level at 08 - 08 a piece. This meant the "Golden Point" rule would have to be played.

After a few minutes break, the extra time got under way. This would consist of ten minutes each way or the first team to score a point would be crowned Regional Championship winners. With the North West now in their ascendancy, the aura of the game switched their way. With Yorkshire attempting drop goals for the one pointer, the North West kept the ball in their hands and a fine across field passing movement, and some astute positional play, gave the North West a well deserved try.

With all the North West players embracing one another with their success, the crowd applauded a great entertaining final.

The North West team were presented with the "Regionals" Cup by the Halton Borough Council Leader Tony McDermott and Councillor Eddie Jones.

This had been a fantastic weekend of rugby league for Halton but couldn't have taken place without the partnership working of Halton Borough Council and Halton Farnworth Hornets arlfc, along with the Halton Stadium.

This is the second year running that the SRL have put their faith in the partnership of HBC & HFH. With this years event matching that of last years, the SRL management have already sought assurances from HBC & HFH, that the SRL 2008 Regional Games would be staged in Halton. With the success of the last two years the answer could only be yes.

Finally, the rugby league supporters of Halton do not need to wait until 2008 to watch university rugby. Between Monday 2nd April and Sunday 8th April, HBC & HFH will be hosting the Student Rugby League Universities European Cup Competition 2007.

Teams from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and Russia will be fighting it out to raise this prestigious cup. Games will be played at different venues throughout the week, with the final to be played at the Halton Stadium on the Easter Sunday, 8th April 2007.

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Season 2006/2007 EUROPEAN TOURNAMENT

SEASON 2006/2007 - EUROPEAN

UPDATE03 [11/04/07 - The weeks events with match results]

The Student Rugby League Universities European Nations Cup was successfully concluded on Sunday 6th April at the Halton Stadium, when England lifted the Rugby League European Federation `Nations Cup`.

The weeklong tournament had been a torturing affair for all team and players involved. No team gave an inch in any of the tightly fought competitive fixtures, while the crowds lapped up the thrills and spills of some skillful and fast flowing rugby league.

MONDAY 2nd APRIL

Opening the tournament was Ireland against Scotland.

Originally scheduled for playing at The Parklands Club, this was switched to Wilmere Lane Playing Fields in an effort to ensure the second fixture would take place at The Parklands Club later in the day. And so off to Wilmere Lane Playing Fields went the two teams for the 2:15pm kick off.

Even with the switch of venue, a reasonable crowed had gathered to watch the opening game. They were not let down as the Irish and Scots battled it out with Ireland coming out winners to Scotland with a score line of 22 - 12.

At 5:45pm, the second game of the day was played, as scheduled, at The Parklands Club. With more people available after finishing work, the crowd turn out was significantly larger, and the contents of the game didn`t let them down.

This was a rough and tumble affair with no quarter given. In the end, England gained to upper arm and run out winners with a final score line of 30 - 12.

The only sour note was the serious injury sustained by one of the Wales players. Fortunately the expertise of the British Red Cross was positioned on the sidelines and they professionally dealt with the situation accordingly. Time was taken to assess the player`s injuries, take the appropriate action (oxygen, neck collar/brace and spine board, etc), before lifting to the changing rooms for further assessments and monitoring.

The emergency services were called and the player was taken to Whiston Hospital with a suspected fracture of the spine. Later that evening, and after several CT scans and examinations, the players was diagnosed as having received severe whiplash injuries and was discharged that evening/early hours of Tuesday 3rd April.

All of the `People` at the HFH Club wish the Welsh player concerned a speedy recovery and an early return to the game.

WEDNESDAY 4th APRIL

For the middle of the week, fixtures were played at the Widnes RUFC ground.

Encountering a larger than normal playing field, first up were England against Russia, for the 2:15pm kick off.

What a game this turned out to be with the rough, tough Russians really putting the English lads to the test. The crowd experienced some determined and skillful running by the Russians but in the end the English know how prevailed and England won with a score line of 28 - 22.

Having won their two opening matches, this meant the English team was now in the finals.

Next to appear were the Irish and the French for the 5:45pm kick off, and if spectators thought the previous England and Russia game was exciting, this one had them gasping!

The flare of the French was to be expected and this shone through but the doggered determination of the Irish was stronger. It was a cracking game of rugby league with both sides giving their all.

With a score line of 14 - 14 and only precious minutes to go, the Irish hurled a drop kick high over the cross bar to pinch the lead.

With even less time remaining, the French pressed into and gained territorial advantage in the Irish quarter of the filed. With the referee ready to lift his whistle to his mouth, the French had the last kick of the match. Taking aim, the French player targeted the Irish sticks with a drop kick attempt. The ball left his foot and `waggled` towards the goal sticks as it began to rise slowly from zero altitude.

For the Irish players and spectators, the world almost stopped as the rugby ball made its way, painfully slowly, towards the Irish cross bar. When the ball rattled the underside of the cross bar, the Irish snapped out of their dream to collect and make safe the rugby ball for Irish possession and the sounding of the final whistle. The final score was 15 - 14 to Ireland.

The luck of the Irish certainly shone through and their second victory meant they would meet England in the finals on Sunday.

FRIDAY 6th APRIL

The venue for the last weekday fixtures was The Birchfield Park Sports and Social Club.

For the 2:15pm kick off, the Russians played the Welsh and they came head to head in a closely fought contest. In the end, the Russian strength told and they ran out winners with a score line of 40 - 20.

Both sides gave a good account of themselves but for Russia, this was their first win, while for Wales they remained two games played and no win.

Come 5:45pm and Scotland and France took to the playing field, with both sides looking for their first win of the competition. With France unluckily losing to the Irish on Wednesday, they looked the more determined to dig out a positive result from this game. In the end, the French produced some exciting and flowing rugby to end up worthy winners with a score line of 22 - 06.

SUNDAY 8th APRIL

The first game of the day was scheduled for a 10:30am kick off at Leigh Recreational Ground, and was to be contested between Scotland and Wales. With both sides without a win, this was the battle for fifth and sixth (wooded spoon) positions.

In yet another closely contested game, both sides produced some lovely rugby in front of a surprisingly partisan crowd. On the sounding of the final whistle, Scotland were celebrating not finishing bottom of the six tournament teams, by producing a score line of 44 - 20.

Come 12:00pm, and the Russians and French marched onto the Halton Stadium turf to do battle for third and fourth places. With the crowd starting to gather for the later finals game, the cries and yells of the Russian and French players could be heard echoing around the ground.

All spectators of rugby league were entertained to a tremendous game of rugby with both sides determined to win. It was end-to-end stuff and the caliber of rugby skills was shown in almost every move either side made. With a half time score line of 16 - 16, it was all to play for in the second half.

As expected, the second half was as intense as the first, with neither side willing to give any advantage to the opposition. The clock ticked down towards the final whistle and everybody was expecting ten minutes either way extra time with the `golden point` rule coming into play.

The French had other ideas! Pressing hard into the Russian half, the forwards formed the base for the inevitable drop kick attempt, which sailed between the posts to put the French ahead by one point.

The Russians didn`t give up and on regaining possession of the ball; they made their way to the half way line. With the French conceding a free kick to the Russians, the language barriers began to show as the Russian coach proceeded to enter the field of play to talk to the referee and his players.

With the French complaining of the pitch breaching, the referee trying to beckon the Russian coach off the field and the crowd wondering what was happening, all was resolved with a few gestures of the arms.

The Russian coach wanted to know how much time was remaining and then told the team captain to take the long 50 metre penalty attempt.

On line but short of the target, the final whistle was sounded and the French celebrated, as only the French know how. The Russians were beaten into third place but they shouldn`t be disappointed with the contribution they made towards the tournament competition.

As the clock rolled towards the 2:00pm slot, the English and Irish teams paraded onto the Halton turf and lined up for the national anthems. A slight misfortune in the playing of both anthems didn`t distract from the quality and standard of skills shown in the game.

Ireland, who started out the tournament as under dogs to finish in sixth place, matched England in the early stages. As time went on, the English team began to dominate affairs and sweep ahead with a victory score line of 36 - 04.

The Ireland team had played their part and reaching the final was their pinnacle. They`d picked up two wins along the way but in the end, the English proved to strong and skillful.

The Halton Stadium crowd of 564 applauded a tremendous game of rugby, not just for the final and the eventual winners but also for the whole of the week`s entertainment and to all teams involved.

The hosting of the SRL Universities European Nations Cup in Halton is a real boost to the borough. Thanks to Halton Borough Council (HBC) and Halton Farnworth Hornets arlfc (HFH), the "Partnership" working has once again delivered a successful and highly rated Student Rugby League (SRL) event in the borough.

In the case of this tournament, it has included a new organisation to the road show in the form of the Rugby League European Federation (RLEF). This broadens the horizons as far as Halton is concerned, for it demonstrates that the boroughs links with the local sporting community (HFH) can and do work, too put Halton on the European map.

Next up, is the SRL `Regiona` Games in 2008. Lets hope there`s more than that to come!

HFH Management Committee would like to thank the following for their contribution towards permitting HFH to host the SRL Universities European Nations Cup:-

Halton Borough Council [Eddie Jones - Councilor]
Halton Borough Council [Tony Gerrard - HBC Public Spaces Manager/Landscape Services]
Halton Borough Council [Graham, Colin, Rob and Ian]
Halton Borough Council [Karen Lewty - HBC Events Officer]
Student Rugby League [Matt Jeffery - SRL Manager and Tournament Director]
Rugby League European Federation [Kevin Rudd - RLEF Executive Officer]
Rugby League European Federation [Julia Bennison - RLEF Media Officer & Russian Interpreter]
Rugby League European Federation [Benjamin Araud - RLEF Media Officer & French Interpreter]
The British Red Cross [John Teasdale - BRC Public Events Officer]
The British Red Cross [All BRC volunteers who helped throughout the course of the weeks events]
Halton Scaffolding [John Grimes for providing the Tower Platform for the filming crew]
The Halton Stadium [Chris Patino - Stadium Manager]
The Halton Stadium [All Stewards, Turnstile, Bar and Refreshments and Welcoming Attendants; Kitchen Staff and Waitresses. Also Doctor Stockton for his attendance at the Sunday fixtures]
The Parklands Club [Reggie, Dawn and all the other people who helped out on the day especially the Catering Staff]
The Widnes RUFC [George Street (President), Jimmy O`Neil (Rugby Chairman), Ian Nicholson (Past President), Martin Kerr (Development), Cliff (Caretaker) and finally Pat Lumsden and all her helpers for producing a mouth watering assortment of food varieties]
The Birchfield Park Sports and Social Club [Ronnie George (Club Manager), Tony Burn (Club Director), Colin Lawless (Club Grounds Man), Emma for a sparkling catering presentation, and key man `Spud` for helping on the day]
Widnes Service Area [Shaun and Foz for conducting the Service Area Ball boys]

And finally.......

All those HFH People who volunteered their valuable time to make this event `happen`, including all the Wilmere Lane `LOT` who provided Monday to Friday feeding of the 150 players, etc; the HFH U14`s Ball Boys for their contribution to a fantastic tournament and anybody else who may have been omitted in the course of compiling this testament of appreciation.

Thank you all, from the HFH Management Committee
HFH is a 'Clubmark' & 'Club Halton' accredited club.

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UPDATE02 [23/03/07 - Sunday kick-off times REVISED]

The SRL European Nations Cup Competition final days kick-off times (Sunday) have now been revised. They are now as follows:

DATE: Sunday 8th April

VENUE: Leigh Recreational Ground/Halton Stadium

10:30am (Leigh Rec) - UNCHANGED.
5th v's 6th Play-Offs

12:00pm (Halton Stadium) - Was 1;00pm.
3rd v's 4th Play-Offs

2:00pm (Halton Stadium) - Was 3:00pm.
1st v's 2nd Final

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UPDATE01 [06/03/07 - Finalisation]

Following a meeting between HFH, HBC, Halton Stadium, SRL and Kevin Rudd (Executive Officer of the Rugby League European Federation [RLEF]), the details of the SRL Universities European Cup can be revealed.

DATE: Monday 2nd April
VENUE: Parklands Club

2:15pm
Ireland v's Scotland

5:45pm
England v's Wales

DATE: Tuesday 3rd April
VENUE: Wilmere Lane Playing Fields

10:00am to 2:00pm
Four teams training

DATE: Wednesday 4th April
VENUE: Widnes RUFC

2:15pm
England v's Russia

5:45pm
Ireland v's France

DATE: Thursday 5th
VENUE: Wilmere Lane

10:00am to 2:00pm
All teams training

DATE: Friday 6th April
VENUE: The Birchfield Sports & Social Club

2:15pm
Wales v's Russia

5:45pm
Scotland v's France

DATE: Saturday 7th April

Rest day.

DATE: Sunday 8th April
VENUE: Leigh Recreational Ground/Halton Stadium

10:30am (Leigh Rec)
5th v's 6th Play-Offs

1:00pm (Halton Stadium)
3rd v's 4th Play-Offs

3:00pm (Halton Stadium)
1st v's 2nd Final

Awards and presentations to winning team.

PLEASE NOTE:

Venues to be confirmed.

Adverse weather conditions could prevent stated venues from staging identified games. Under these circumstances an alternative match-playing venue will be determined on the morning of each playing day. This will not affect the after match hospitality provided by the original venue club.

Kick-off times are liable to change as circumstances dictate.

Further UPDATES will follow as announced.

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The Student Rugby League Universities European Cup is heading this way.

Following a recent meeting between HFH, HBC, Halton Stadium and Matt Jeffery (SRL Manager), the Borough of Halton can expect a European invasion.

It has been confirmed that the SRL Universities European Cup will be staged in Halton.

Six teams will compete in the Universities knockout competition, which will be phased over a one-week period. This will take place during the Easter Week period between Sunday 1st and Sunday 8th April 2007.

The University teams taking part are:

England
Ireland
Scotland
Wales
France
And either Russia, Czech Republic or Serbia, although it's looking like Russia will conclude the sixth team.

Knockout games will take place ever other day starting on Monday 2nd April, with the last knockout game-taking place on Friday 6th April (Good Friday).

Kick-off times and venues for these games are to be confirmed.

On the Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, all University teams will use Wilmere Lane for training sessions.

On Sunday 8th April (Easter Sunday), the third position play-off game will be held at Leigh Recreation Ground.

The second place play-off game and the first place play-off game will be staged at the Halton Stadium.

All kick-off times are to be confirmed but a wealth of European University Rugby League will be taking place over the Easter Week in Halton.

The above outlines the structure of the SRL Universities European Cup competition for 2007.

More news will follow as UPDATES.

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Season 2007/2008 REGIONAL TOURNAMENT

SEASON 2007/2008 - REGIONAL

Played Saturday 15th March at Wilmere Lane Sports Ground
&
Sunday 16th March at Leigh Recreation Ground/Stobart Stadium Halton

This is the third consecutive year that the SRL Regional Tournament Games have been hosted by HFH, in ‘Partnership’ with HBC.

Once again, it was a total success across another mouth watering weekend of Rugby League. With eight matches played on the Saturday, and four matches on the Sunday, the people of Halton were thoroughly entertained. They are also witnesses to the ever increase quality of rugby on show, with 2008 showing a marked improvement on 2006.

Not only has this been attributable to the coaching techniques employed but also to the manner in which this tournament has now developed into a Mini Festival. The players, Team Coaches, Team Managers, etc, have now all become accustomed to expect the highest standards in the presentation of the Championships.

Playing facilities, transportation, accommodation and organisation, etc, are all components of the preparation works that take place before the Tournament date. It is the details expedited on the minor elements of these arrangements, which go towards ensuring that the bigger picture is a total success.

HFH Volunteers, the HFH/HBC ‘Partnership’ and dedication to detail, has now made this Tournament a high prestige event. It is operated at a higher standard than all previous SRL Regional Tournament Games, whether that was before HFH/HBC ‘Partnership’ involvement, or for the previous two years.

This year has clearly demonstrated that commitment to providing the best will bring out the best in the players. 2008 has certainly exposed this glaring factor.

It remains to be seen if the HFH Club will be hosting these Tournament Games for the next three years but one thing will be certain. If the HFH Club is offered the opportunity to take the reins again, the SRL will only receive the highest quality standards from the HFH Club once again.

[Seeded teams were North West (Reigning Champions), Yorkshire (Last years Runners-Up), Wales (Last year’s Third position) and North East (Last year’s Fourth position).

RESULTS:

SATURDAY – KNOCK-OUT ROUND

NORTH WEST 18 verses 06 IRELAND

WALES 12 verses 04 SOUTH

YORKSHIRE 16 verses 06 MIDLANDS

SCOTLAND 00 verses 04 NORTH EAST

SATURDAY – PLATE SEMI

IRELAND 04 verses 20 SOUTH

[PLATE SEMI WINNERS TO PLATE FINAL]

MIDLANDS 14 verses 06 SCOTLAND

SATURDAY – CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI

NORTH WEST 14 verses 06 WALES

YORKSHIRE 18 verses 06 NORTH EAST

SUNDAY – PLAY OFFS (LEIGH RECREATIONAL GROUND)

7th/8th PLAY-OFFS IRELAND 10 verses 10 SCOTLAND

3rd/4th PLAY-OFFS WALES 28 verses 06 NORTH EAST

SUNDAY – FINALS (STOBART STADIUM HALTON)

PLATE FINAL SOUTH 22 verses 14 MIDLANDS

CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL NORTH WEST 22 verses 12 YORKSHIRE

HFH Management Committee
HFH is a 'Clubmark' and 'Club Halton' accredited club

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Season 2008/2009 REGIONAL TOURNAMENT

UPDATE05 [12/02/2009 - SRL/RFL Tournament Report]

SEASON 2008/2009 - REGIONAL

Student Rugby League Regional Championships 2009
Halton Farnworth Hornets

[Played Saturday/Sunday 7th/8th February 2009]

Both days played at Wilmere Lane Sports Ground

Yorkshire Crowned SRL Regional Champions

On a freezing weekend in Widnes, only a miracle, plus the valiant efforts of the Halton Farnworth Hornets’ army of volunteers, ensured that the 16th annual SRL Regional Championships took place. Unfortunately both of the Finals at the Stobart Stadium were lost to the frozen pitch but were quickly relocated to the Hornets Wilmere Lane Sports Ground.

The competition which works as an 8 team knock out draw and culminates into Plate and Championship finals acts as the selection festival for the SRL’s international selectors.

Saturday

Scotland 04 – 40 Yorkshire
South 16 – 00 North East
North West 18 – 04 Midlands
Wales 28 – 12 Ireland

Saurday

Plate Semi Finals

Scotland 04 – 22 North East
Ireland 06 – 4 Midlands

Championship Semi finals

North West 08 – 04 Wales aet
Yorkshire 08 – 00 South

Sunday

Plate Final

Ireland 56 – 06 North East

Championship Final

Yorkshire 12 – 10 North West

Champions the North West opened proceedings by seeing off a resilient challenge from a Midlands outfit predominantly made up from the 2 Gillette Super 6 clubs, Birmingham and Loughborough. Edge Hill’s Wigan Warriors starlet, Sam Gee opened the scoring after one of his trade mark bursts through the middle and Kieran Tucker tagged on the goal, however if the men from the Red Rose county though they were going to have it all their own way they were very much mistaken. With Ian Keevil and Simon Greenwood-Haigh making big inroads into the North West defence their Loughborough team mate Rhys Morgan showed great strength to hold off two would be tacklers to touch down in the corner.

After the break the North West settled into their game and some resilient defending kept the larger Midlands forwards in their own half for the likes of Tom Lever, Mike Johnson and Paul Lowery to start to dictate play. Tries to Andy Marsh and Kieran Tucker pushed the score line out of the Midlands reach and booked their position in the semi finals.

On the adjacent pitch competition dark Horses, Wales, were flexing their muscles against a spirited Irish outfit with local product Owain Brown, who’s usually turning out for Halton Simms Cross, causing the Irish all sorts of problems. With Half backs Elliott Kerr and Lloyd White pulling the strings at half back the Welsh had too much power for their opponents with Kerr, Brown, Lee Williams and Barrie Philips all registering tries.

Yorkshire opened their account by sweeping aside a very young Scotland side with several of their U18’s making their debuts at this level. Sheffield Hallam’s Jamie Cottle, Leeds Met’s Ashley Johnson and TASC’s Del Bartlett all registering a brace of tries each in a punishing opening half. With Jy Mel Coleman banging over 4 conversions the outcome of this encounter was decided before half time. Further tries to Vinny Finnigan and Lewis Wildridge sealed Yorkshires victory however Scotland had the last say with a consolation try to Adam Gorman.

In the final game of the opening round the South and North East locked horns in a real battle of attrition. The first 10 sets of play were all completed, an extraordinary feet in the conditions, however it was the South’s engine room of Lloyd Pullen and Adam Hill that forced the first error with the North East loosing possession on the half way line. Two plays later the south were in position to attack and lively hooker Tom Sadler darted through a hole in the defence to open the scoring.

Sadler was instrumental in the souths second try with a deft chip into the corner for Gloucestershire Uni centre Pat Evans to dive onto to increase his sides lead. The second half was a much scrappier affair with both teams tiring and the surface of the pitch starting to cut up. They did manage to create two clear cut chances however, the first finished off by Andy auld and the second superbly taken try saw Dan Poulton latch onto a James Anthony pass to set up a semi final clash against Yorkshire.

SEMI FINAL's

Yorkshire v South

With the two teams walking out onto the remarkably excellent Halton Farnworth Hornets pitches, there was a significant size difference on show with the South providing the much larger pack of forwards. However with another excellent defensive display by Yorkshire they managed to prevail in this very tough encounter.

Yorkshire won the game with another excellent try by Ashley Johnson, converted by Jy-mel Coleman. Yorkshire paid respect to the excellent south defence by opting to kick a penalty 10 meters out from the South line. The south drove hard at the Yorkshire defence all game, but ultimately the strength of the Yorkshire backline prevailed in the end for an 08 – 00 victory, and a place in the final.

North West v Wales

In a game that would have graced the final, Wales opened the scoring against the reigning Champions, the North West, with their impressive loose forward Christiaan Roets piling over from close range. Crucially the conversion was missed and when the North West replied through Edge Hill’s Kieran Tucker, the scores were level.

The game became a real arm wrestle with both defences cancelling out each others flare players. It was the same story in the second half with the North Wests Liam Gilchrist and Sam Gee working over time in defence whilst the Welsh forwards toiled in the mud in an attempt to break the dead lock.

It was the north West who struck the killer blow when in extra time experienced England student international Tom Lever showed a great turn of pace to get on the outside of the Welsh defence and slide in by the left hand corner to put his side into the final for the 3rd year running.

Championship Final

Yorkshire 12 – 10 North West

Yorkshire took the Championship Trophy back across the Pennines for the first time in three years after sustaining a second half fight back from the North West. The Yorkshire men controlled the opening quarter of the game with their big forwards Caci Pearson and Dom Hitchins setting the platform for the competitions outstanding performer Jy Mel Coleman to demonstrate his full range of talents. Its was his ball to Leeds Met’s Ashley Johnson that saw the lightening fast winger dive in at the right hand corner. Coleman added the touch line conversion to put his side in command.

When the North West conceded a penalty in their own half just before the interval Yorkshire opted to kick for goal, a decision that proved vital as Coleman’s effort sailed through the middle of the up rights to give his side an 08 – 00 lead at the interval.

The North West’s half time team talk had the desired effect as the Red Rose men came out all guns blazing. Widnes Vikings star, Lee Hudson, playing in front of a ‘home crowd’ started to make good yards from dummy half and with Cornelia and Lowery linking up in midfield Yorkshires grip on the game looked vulnerable. When Cornelia’s kick through ricochet off one of the defenders boots big prop Liam Gilchrist was rewarded for his efforts as the ball popped up into his hands for him to pile over from close range. Tucker added the conversion to close the gap to 08 – 06.

Against the run of play Yorkshire struck back, some sustained pressure saw them take advantage of repeat sets on the North West line and a neat ball from Coleman saw Leeds University’s Adam Fairhead crash in from 5 metres out. Coleman missed the conversion attempt but with only minutes left on the clock Yorkshire thought they had the game, and the title in the bag.

The North West had other ideas though and a last ditch effort saw Liverpool’s James Truscott beat the covering defence to score out on the left wing. With a gail blowing into his face Kieran Tucker attempted to level the scores with a touch line conversion attempt but like his teams efforts, it fell agonisingly short.

In the Plate final...

Ireland had far too much pace and power for a very young North East side that contained no less than eight U18’s from Gateshead College. It was the Geordies who scored first when the excellent Will Bate slipped a neat ball out to Liam McGee who showed a great turn of pace to scoot across the mud to open the scoring.

Unfortunately for the North East this was to be their only score as the Irish turned on a real show demonstrating a real blend of skills and power. King, Duffy, Quin, Elwell and Barcoe all crossing for tries with Danny Pyke converting each try.

They continued were they left off in the second half with Barcoe, O’Connell, Aigbokhea and Duffy adding two more scores to register his hat trick before the final whistle.

2002 was the last time that Ireland won the Regional Championships, on this form they have every chance of going one better in 2009 and adding the 4 nations Championships.

HFH Management Committee
HFH is a `Clubmark` and `Club Halton` accredited club

[End]

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UPDATE04 [09/02/2009 - SRL 'Regionals' Report]

For the fourth consecutive year, the Halton Farnworth Hornets arlfc, in ‘Partnership’ with HBC, have hosted the annual Student Rugby League Universities Regional Tournament Games. The close collaboration of the two organisations ensured that these ‘Games’ were once again a total success for the Borough of Halton.

With eight matches scheduled to be played at Wilmere Lane Sports Ground (WLSG) on the Saturday, two more on the following Sunday morning, and then the Plate and Championship Finals at the Stobart Stadium Halton, all the planning had been put in place. Unfortunately, no one can plan for the weather, no matter what the Weather Forecasters predict.

On an early 6:00am Saturday morning, with temperatures hovering around minus three degrees, a bitterly cold Northern wind was sweeping across WLSG. A betting man would have put his house against the possibility of any matches taking place at WLSG that day.

As day light encroached and the rising sun began to appear, hopes of a thaw were lifted. This was soon short lived as the only clouds in the sky seemed to be those which blocked the sun’s rays, so vital for softening the ground and possibly allowing the Games to proceed.

With HFH volunteers and teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and English Regional Teams all beginning to arrive, the morning hours seemed to accelerate towards that point whereby a call had to be made. It was only at the very last minute, and after all the teams had already been warming up on the pitches, that the decision was made to proceed.

As things transpired, all the scheduled games were complete and the Plate Finalist (Ireland v’s North East) and Championship Finalist (Yorkshire v’s North West) had now been identified ready for Sunday afternoon at the Stobart Stadium Halton.

With the early Sunday morning weather conditions mirroring those of Saturday, the same doubts began flounder as to whether the two positional play-off games at WLSG, and the two Finals at the Stobart Stadium Halton, would go ahead.

With a tighter kick-off time schedule for the second day of the Games, things were really looking doubtful. There was a bonus; the northern wind had gone but this was counteracted by the fact that the chances of seeing the old ‘current bun’ (sun) were slim.

Unfortunately on this occasion, the two positional play-off games became the first causalities of these games for four years, when the ground was declared to hard. This was followed by the sad news that the Stobart Stadium Halton had had no alternative other than to cancel any games at the stadium that day because of the frozen pitch. The weather had now claimed its second victim.

As hearts began to fade, the Planning Committee swung into action and instigated their contingency plan. WLSG had now become the venue for the two Finals but would the weather permit this to happen?

Looking at the two pitches which had been played on for the Saturday games, their chance of being played on again were zero. The rock solid ruts and divots left form the Saturday had now precluded any additional ventures of Rugby League on the Sunday. Fortunately for the SRF/RFL, WLSG was able to offer alternative pitches, previously untouched over the weekend by rugby boots.

With the Plate Final not scheduled to kick-off until 1:00pm, the Hornets volunteers took-up the extra responsibility for ensuring that these two Finals were able to be played.

Against all the odds, the Plate Final got underway and an enthralling crowed were entertained to a great game of Rugby League. Ireland ran out winners against the North East 56 – 06, in bitterly cold conditions.

Next on was Yorkshire against the North West, in a repeat of last year’s final. There was plenty of local interest in this game as the North West Hooker, Shaun Hudson, and Full Back, James Truscott, were both Widnes lads.

As predicted, this was a tight affair and by half time it was only 06 – 06 apiece. Moving into the second half and the weather conditions had deteriorated to become something reminiscent of the North Pole. With a snow blizzard developing, the wind becoming stronger and the temperature plummeting, some spectators were forced to retreat.

But Rugby League players are made of hard stuff, and after Yorkshire had gone into a 12 – 06 lead, the North West had it all to do. Enter onto the scene local lad James Truscott, who sprung up from the Full Back position, to latch onto an attacking pass to score to the left of the sticks, accompanied by several would be Yorkshire tacklers. With the conversion just wide, time then ran out for the North West side and Yorkshire had taken revenge for last year’s Championship Final defeat to the hands of the North West.

This annual SRL/RFL Games Tournament has developed into a somewhat popular annual event for the people of Halton. Even though the weather conditions were atrocious, particularly on the second say, it didn’t manage to put-off the diehard fans of Rugby League.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Tony McDermott presented the players with their medals, ably assisted by Councillor Eddie Jones, who had put a considerable amount of time and effort into ensuring these Games ran smoothly. Representation from the RFL was also present in the form of Niel Wood, Rugby League Services Manager, and Matt Jeffery, Student Rugby League Manager.

The HFH Club would like to thank all those people who contributed towards the SRL Games success. To HBC for their assistance, to all the HFH volunteers and in particular to the HFH U10’s players, over watched by their coaches, who did an exemplary job in their Ball Boy duties. It’s just a pity that Sunday’s games at the Stobart Stadium Halton had to be cancelled, since the HFH U10’s players were all looking forward to ‘walking down the tunnel’.

Well, next time lads; you'll get another chance.

HFH Management Committee
HFH is a `Clubmark` and `Club Halton` accredited club

[End]

UPDATE03 [09/02/2009 - SRL 'Regionals' Results]

Please click on the icon to view the SRL Games 2009 results...

Competition Results

HFH Management Committee
HFH is a `Clubmark` and `Club Halton` accredited club

[End]

UPDATE02 [05/02/2009 - Directions to Wade Deacon High School car park]

Please use the link below to view the directions to the
Wade Deacon High School centralised car park,
from where a regular Shuttle Bus Service will be operating between
Wilmere Lane Sports Ground...

Details of Car Parking provisions for teams and visitors.

Wade Deacon High School
Birchfield Road
Widnes
Cheshire
WA8 7TD.

CLICK HERE

It is proposed that all Players and Supporters park their vehicles at the

Wade Deacon High School car park, Birchfield Road, Widnes,
and utilise the FREE Shuttle Bus Service.

Proposed Running Itinerary

    * 10:00am onwards - SRL teams/supporters start arriving at Wade Deacon High School.
    * 10:15am - A SINGLE Shuttle Bus Service (Double Decker Bus) will commences its 1st departure for WLSG. It delivers passengers and immediately returns to the WDHS.
    * 10:45am - With a round trip taking some 15 minutes, the 2nd departure from the WDHS to WLSG would be 10:45am.
    * 11:15am - The 3rd departure would be 11:15am.
    * 11:45am - The 4th departure would be 11:45am.
    * 12:15pm - The 5th and last departure would be 12:15pm.

THE SINGLE SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE REMAINS AT WLSG IN READINESS TO START TRANSPORTING TEAMS/SUPPORTERS BACK TO THE WDHS BEFORE COMPLETION OF THE LAST GAMES.

    * 12:30pm - The competition first round games kick-off.
    * 1:20pm - Reminder of the competition first round games kick-off.
    * 2:20pm - First Champ Semi & First Plate Semi games kick-off.
    * 3:00pm - Second Champ Semi & Second Plate Semi games kick-off.

3:00pm – THE FIRST SINGLE SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE COMMENCES TO RETURN TEAMS/SPECTATORS BACK TO THE WDHS.

    * 3:30pm - The 2nd departure from WLSG to the WDHS would be 3:30pm.
    * 4:00pm - The 3rd departure from WLSG to the WDHS would be 4:00pm.
    * 4:30pm - The 4th departure from WLSG to the WDHS would be 4:30pm.
    * 5:00pm - The 5th and last departure from WLSG to the WDHS would be 5:00pm.

HFH Management Committee
HFH is a `Clubmark` and `Club Halton` accredited club

[End]

UPDATE01 [12/01/2009 - Draw Format]

Please click on the icon to view the draw format for these forthcoming

SRL Games...

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Halton Farnworth Hornets arlfc

present...

The Student Rugby League Regional Tournament Games 2009.

Yes, they will be returning to Wilmere Lane Sports Ground -
'Home' of the Halton Farnworth Hornets.

These games are scheduled to take place over the weekend of

Saturday 7th
&
Sunday 8th
February
2009.