ST PATS FIRST HALF SECURES VICTORY TO GO TOP

WIGAN ST PATS 40 V EGREMONT RANGERS 22
NCL PREMIER @ CLARINGTON PARK---30 MAY 2015 2.30PM

WIGAN ST PATS IN ACTION

A storming first 40 minutes from St Pats saw them secure enough in reserve to gain the points that took the Wigan side to the top of the pile in The National Conference Premier table.  It was a barnstorming first half that seemed to catch visitors Egremont struggling to get off the coach as they fell to a 24-6 deficit at the break before a second period recovery fell away to see new league leaders Wigan St Pats secure a 40-22 final score.

THE FAMOUS WIGAN PIER

With no NCL Premier team at home in nearby West Yorkshire we decided to make the trip over the peak district again following last weeks venture to Leigh and make a first visit to Wigan St Pats and only a second ever visit to the town itself.
A previous visit many years ago had been for a visit to the now sadly closed Wigan Pier and the 'the way we were' museum which had actors walking around talking to the visitors and a interactive school room from the old days with the actors who I remember terrified us all with their interpretation of a Victorian classroom.  The site is closed now and looking very sad although the 'pier' is still just about visible from the roadside and of course to those who have not visited there are no amusement arcades on this structure it was just a small jutting out and raising bit of ironwork for tilting tubs into the waiting barges on the canal.

DW STADIUM HOME FOR FOOTBALL AND RUGBY

Our departure from base was met by a swift change over in Manchester and Wigan North Western station was arrived at around 1115 via a First Transpennine service operated with a Northern Rail set, that was a first for me.  The plan had always been to take a look at the nearby DW Stadium and the adjacent Robin Park ground the latter from the NWCL, having meandered around the Wigan Pier area we moved onto The DW Stadium and to say I was disappointed was an understatement I know it is now out of season for the football club Wigan Athletic and Wigan Rugby League club were away at the Magic Weekend in Newcastle but the whole stadium was shuttered up.  The position of the ground is once again for a new build in the middle of nowhere at the present time although in a positive note it does have a lot of car parking around it.  From what could be seen of the ground it does look quite nice within but on the outside there were many parts of the ground looking somewhat tired for a relatively new ground. 

HOME GROUND FOR WIGAN ROBIN PARK

To the side of the ground is the Wigan Robin Park Arena which has a selection of outdoor pitches and a floodlit running track with a football pitch within the track that Robin Park use to ply their NWCL trade. 
Overall this felt a quite disappointing trip to look at these two sites probably because I had been amazed the previous evening to read of some of the clubs and histories associated within Wigan.  Of course nearby Springfield Park had been the home of Wigan Athletic but since demolished it has been built upon with new houses but barring a named street in honour of a former player I believe there is no other reference.  Sharing DW Stadium is Wigan Rugby League club and they themselves had a wonderful ground in Central Park just around 1/2 a mile away from our ultimate destination.  You may well guess this once iconic ground now has a large supermarket car park on it and once again I had read there is no statue or memorial to the former stadium.  Hopefully the latter two are correct statements as we decided not to continue our tour by visiting the former sites.  Wigan also hosts a NCL League 1 side in St Judes so you can see there are plenty of options to suit all tastes and pocket within the town.  The town centre I found quite attractive and with all required stores was more than functional and we opted not to have a lunch break in W/spoons due to a very busy premises giving up little in seating capacity.

So it was time to make our way to Darlington St to find Wigan St Pats ARLFC the straight thoroughfare that is Darlington St East which is adorned with old terraces that I'm sure could tell many a tale of the history of this town.  Just 100 yards off the main road we find Clarington Park with no major signage the club is a little understated with changing rooms just outside the immediate boundary of the club access is made through payment of £2.50 for which we also get a very professionally produced programme which gives a very good impression of the club in its presentation.  Upon entry there is a sloped V shaped approach to the left which goes round a pretty memorial garden that is still under development, but adds a nice touch. 

SLOPED PLAYERS ENTRANCE ROUND THE MEMORIAL GARDEN

We opt for the small flight of steps into the clubhouse which on the approach houses a fantastic cabinet of merchandise which can be ordered online.  We have often said not enough clubs at NCL level do any merchandise and although it would be good to get something on the day this was the first time we have seen this on show and well displayed it was too.  The hallway runs out into a large function room which at its entrance to the right has a more private and picture adorned wall lounge.  The main bar area also houses a large serving hatch area for the café, which also has an external serving area too, we of course sampled two chip cobs [here refered to as I think if I remember rightly chip balms].  In the main bar there was an amazing display of framed Rugby League shirts totalling just short of 100, an impressive display.

WIGAN ST PATS MERCHANDISE DISPLAY CABINET

Following the lunch break and a little lemonade consumption a circuit of the ground was made the club have an additional pitch which is also floodlit running at a 45 degree angle to the main pitch.  The club house side of the ground is railed off with hard standing via paving stone down its full length, behind the far posts is fully grassed.  The far side is railed off again but this time is just grass standing with the dug outs split one on either touchline, behind the far side runs the Leeds Liverpool Canal, to the rear of the posts nearest to the entrance is grass standing with the main pitch and additional pitch now running behind you both railed off.

THE CLUBHOUSE

CAREFUL, MIND HOW YOU GO!

Before the game the blog spotted Leigh Miners Rangers PR man Jeff and had a nice chat with him about last weeks game a few things rugby and football.  It was interesting to hear about the rugby league clubs around the area and also a little about Atherton LR on the footballing side.  Amazingly before the game we also spotted Pete and Dave from our base town who a few weeks ago had been at Lock Lane and today found themselves at the same game again, football hoppers on tour!  Once again it was good to catch up with them and hear about their recent travels.

ST PATS DAN BIRKETT TOP KICKING TODAY

So to the game and St Pats shocked Egremont straight from the start when Dean Hatton went over after just 7.3 seconds [thanks to Terry J Gorman at St Pats for this amazing fact, superb video of this on you tube] and the conversion gave them a 6 point lead inside the first minute.  Within 5 minutes they had doubled that lead to 12-0.  St Pats continued to go over twice more before the half hour mark with both converted by Dan Birkett to take him to a 100% so far.
A minute before the break Egremont finally secured a try to give them, and the game hope, to take us to half time with a score line of 24-6.  Egremont had been a little unlucky and the majority of the tries had come from speedy breakaways.
The second half saw Egremont come out with a more determined effort and they were forcing St Pats back and a try and conversion started to reduce the arrears. 

EGREMONT RANGERS IN POSESSION

But service was soon resumed as the home side with a further 6 points include an excellent try from wide on the right touch line from Birkett.  The game swung both ways now in tries but the outstanding one came on 72 minutes from St Pats a superbly well moved ball found Earl Hurst on the left and he went over in the corner only for the reliable Birkett to convert for 6 more points.  We arrived at 80 minutes and when referee Callaghan blew for time St Pats had stormed away to a 40-22 victory.

One of the highlights of the day was the vociferous lady who in support of Egremont offered here thoughts to the referee, touch judge and St Pats players.  When play came to a stop late in the game for an attempted conversion and after a further bit of banter from the lady one St Pats players came out with the gem 'can somebody put a pie in her mouth' all taken in good humour well done everybody.

EGREMONT RANGERS MATT BREWSHER

We reversed our route to Wigan and this time departed from Wigan Wallgate station, yes this town has two stations, and after passing Atherton LR FC's Crilly Park ground we got into conversation with a fellow supporter who had been to the game.  He was travelling to sample a few brews after the game at a beer festival at Stockport County so we had a change at Oxford Rd and a smashing little conversation about rugby league, football and got into conversation about the team he followed in FC UTD of Manchester who had just the previous evening opened their new ground, Broadhurst Park, in a friendly against Benfica.
All things included a good day out with a new visit and some very interesting company at the game and along the journey too.

WIGAN WALLGATE FOR OUR DEPARTURE

ALFRETON PROGRESS TO T20 FINALS

PREMIER T20 GROUP A FINALS @ THE IMPACT OVAL ALFRETON CC
ALFRETON V DUNSTALL, DUNSTALL V ROLLESTON & ALFRETON V ROLLESTON
25 MAY 2015 11AM/2PM AND 5PM

THE IMPACT OVAL

Sunny days freshly cut grass English cricket well most of this was true today apart from the sunny day as top coat was donned for this visit to the Impact Oval, romantically named.
Cricket used to be my first sport and after a few trips to the rugby league over the early summer months today was a choice of some horse racing at Leicester or a local hop to Alfreton Park over looked by the commanding Alfreton Hall and just a short trip from base for the blog.  Having had encouraging signals from Mark and Brian Thorpe of Alfreton Town FC's programme and badge shop I decided to take the blog to a tournament that should have also featured Elvaston and Matlock but when they pulled out Rolleston were diverted from the other group final at Chesterfield to make this a round robin affair with original teams Alfreton and Dunstall playing.
So before the cricket a little about the setting having secured some tucker from the big T's the approach to the ground down a narrow lane that bypasses the parish church also passed the leisure centre, many county council establishments and the imposing Alfreton Hall. 

ITS CUTE AND QUIRKY!

Arriving at the ground you realise what a nice setting the club are in with the ground surrounded by picket fencing and two trees have made the way inside but to the exterior of the boundary rope the far side behind the bowlers arm sees the tree and side screen squeeze the boundary rope around them.  The club house and pavilion has seen some major change in the last two years with the old changing rooms become the refurbished club house, available for hire I'm told, hosting a bar and snack area too which is serving hot cobs fresh from the external barbecue.

CLUBHOUSE FACILITES

The approach lobby is neat and tidy and houses new toilets.  The additional building to the side is new and houses modern changing rooms with a scorers room to the far end.  Slightly detached is the grounds mans store with on the front of this building a small but functional modern electronic scoreboard to keep us up to speed with proceedings.  The Impact Oval has adopted its title thanks to clear sponsorship from The Impact Group which forms the companies of Wayne Bradley also of course the Chairman of Alfreton Town FC and with sponsorship on kits its clear of the companies support for local sport.  Alfreton Cricket Club are also well know for producing a programme for £1 for their first team and second X1 games and thankfully Brian Thorpe secured me a copy of Saturdays 'Malterser' named after the clubs badge formed of the Maltese Cross.  Todays encounters were spent in the company of Brian and Mark and it made for a pleasant day in unfamiliar surroundings for me.

STEAMING IN FROM THE WATCHORN END

The first game was as good as any game I have witnessed at local level and some county games with a massive score of 220 for 6 amassed by the home side against Dunstall with Elliot Savidge scoring a remarkable 86 off of 45 balls with 6 4's and 7 6's, plus bowling figures of 4 for 47.

ALFRETON POST 220 FOR 9 TIME FOR DINNER GUYS!

It seemed a hard task but Rolleston were storming to their target when star batsman Andy Malkin was bowled around his legs but having secured a wonderfully bludgeoned 98 off 51 ball including 8 4's and 7 6's.  His departure slightly derailed Rolleston and they finished on 219 for 9 leaving Alfreton the victors by 1 run.  A remarkable game!!

BOWLED HIM!

The second match saw the losers stop on against Rolleston and this was a much more subdued game with Dunstall batting first and posting 142 for 7 before Rolleston secured 143 for 3 in the 19th over.
The final match saw the scored go a little lower with Rolleston batting first and being reduced to what looked a low score a third of a way through their innings before a late rally saw them finish on 106 for 8.  Alfreton had a few wobbles but batted sensibly to secure a victory with a 4 off the last ball of the 19th over to secure a finals day trip to be played at nearby Denby.
A pleasant day in attractive surroundings with a club who have some nice facilities the blog looks forward to a re visit during the summer for a hopefully warmer afternoon of cricket.

POPPY HELPS OUT WITH PITCH MAINTENANCE

MINERS DIG DEEP TO OVERCOME STRONG SIDDAL CHALLENGE

LEIGH MINERS RANGERS 28 V SIDDAL 18
NATIONAL CONFERENCE LEAGUE PREMIER @ TWIST LANE 23 MAY 2015 2.30PM

TWIST LANE HQ OF LEIGH MINERS RANGERS

A storming second half display saw Leigh Miners put on a performance to beat a powerful Siddal side who at times in the first half looked like they would come out the victors in this entertaining encounter.
A little more about the game shortly but for the blogs second journey this summer into NCL action it was time to take a trip to Twist Lane the home of Leigh Miners Ranger and been as this was the only game in the NCL today it was not a difficult choice.  However I have had so many people on my travels and Mr Chris Ryde sing the praises of this club I was more than delighted to take a look at them especially after I had seen them last week at Lock Lane in a very competitive and close match.
As the research during the week pointed out no train station in Leigh it was a case of getting to Manchester over the peaks and either getting to Victoria for a train to Atherton and then a bus the 3 miles to Leigh or catching an X34 straight through to Leigh out of Piccadilly Gardens.  The latter was chosen and with a little time allotted for a look around, departure was just shy of 9.30 from base station.  Interestingly after leaving Sheffield we were informed by the trains ticket inspector that a revenues protection officer was on the train and all tickets passes etc should be available after being told for around the third time and being now slightly worried said gentleman appeared with stab proof type jacket on, small camera to record his inertactions with passengers and with out thankfully legal tickets we were allowed to remain on the train!  At Stockport a family off to the sunny climbs of the west coast were very late in getting off the train for their connection and this resulted in a very close shave as the parents raced off the train and with their children in shock they were very nearly left on the train, never seen anything like it!

LONDON, PARIS, NEW YORK AND LEIGH!

Following arrival at Manchester the required stop at Piccadilly Gardens was spotted and before to long we departed on the X34 to Leigh via Salford, Astley etc.  On the way into our destination we saw an impressive juniors ground for Leigh Miners and just before this for the football historians a ground for Leigh RMI Juniors, there's a name from the past.
Having set off an hour or so earlier it did leave us a little space to fit in a few extra's so firstly a quick circuit of the town of Leigh which was quite underwhelming and looked to be a struggling centre we spotted to nice advertising features above one fashion shop the headline London, New York, Paris and Leigh! plus the Three mobile phone shop situated within Surpedrug with the tag line 'Three in Leigh'.   Time for lunch.... we popped along to the nice, new and modern Colonel's place for a quick lunch time snack, it would be rude not too, just a short drop goal away from the former Hilton Park. 

MAIN [?] ENTRANCE TO LEIGH SPORTS VILLAGE STADIUM 

NICE LIGHTS

Thankfully there was still time too pop along to the newish Leigh Sports Village en route passing over a bridge that gave a view of our ultimate destination LMR Twist Lane ground.  Following the ten minute walk we arrived at the 'sports village' firstly seeing Leigh East ARLFC's ground and HQ and then moving on large Morrison's and hotel sidled up to the main stadium home of Championship rugby side Leigh Centurions, the most standout feature is the floodlights bend high over the stand roofs. 
We did a circuit of the outside of the ground but sadly there was no chance of a look inside.  To the far side we also encountered the Leigh Harriers Athletics track.  The stadium is used by Blackburn Rovers and quite a few other clubs but although impressive was disappointing in that its immediate frontage has a chemist and doctors surgery as its highlight.  Of course the link is sport/fitness and health go hand in hand but a more prominent welcome to this lovely facility would have been more fitting.

FIRST VIEW OF LEIGH MINERS WELFARE

So about turn and back to our much recommended destination and upon approaching the Leigh Miners Welfare and impressive building and entering the ground to the right of this by the bowling green we received a warm welcome from the gateman in his impressive former car park style booth.

A QUEUE FORMS TO ENTER THE GROUND

JEFF FROM MINERS AND KIRSTEN FROM SIDDAL
 CATCH UP BEFORE THE GAME

Having received our hand stamp for proof of payment, which was by the way an excellent £2.50 with excellent programme, we ventured in to the welfare for the call of nature and then a small glass of lemonade in the spacious bar area, which was today operated by a very attractive squad of ladies.  So after a small rest we took up a circuit of the ground for some photo and once again there was a warm welcome from the club to us as visitors.  I have said this before it means a lot to receive a nice hello etc. and our experience more than backed up what people had told us about Leigh Miners as being just that a friendly club.  There was also time to have a nice little catch up with Siddal secretary/photographer and first aider Kirsten McIntosh.
So to the ground well its dominated by the two storey welfare which covers half of the entrance touchline below this is the stewards house and then the now extended changing rooms the original version was opened by Joe Gormley former NUM General Secretary, also within this section is a snack bar which looked very good and now we know there is one we will be utilising next time.

CHANGINR ROOM OPENING BOARD

The dug outs are opposite one another for a change with the visitors surprisingly being allocated the ones on the changing room side.  Down this side there is some hard standing with grass also featuring.  Behind the far posts is a grassed area and behind the posts at the entrance end a very tight strip of grass for you access the far side which is completely grassed where standing is also behind a railed area.
The Miners website, twitter feed and programme are well noted within the Rugby League world and also noteworthy today was the use of a clear PA system a unique experience again at NCL Rugby League game.  By the time kick off time had arrived I had managed to secure both teams and take up a position on the far side of the pitch out of the direct and bright sunshine with the crowd flocking in I estimated around 250 spectators for this encounter.

Siddal stormed away to a 10-0 with some powerful play that seemed to shock leigh who were struggling to get going.  Thankfully for the game Miners got on the score sheet with a try on 26 minutes but it was Siddal who went over again just moments before the break to lead 14-4 at the break.

Last week had seen Leigh storm out of the traps at Lock Lane in the second half and today was again no exception.  Within 5 minutes a try and excellent conversion from Shaun Dowie pulled the scores back to 10-14 and then just 3 minutes later The Miners powered over in the corner to pull it level at 14-14.

Siddal were not finished though and Billy Hammond went over to once again take the lead for the visitors. But Leigh Miners now had the bit between their teeth and three minutes later levelled the scores again before two superb tries on 74 minutes and 80 minutes the first of which was converted by Dowie to give the Miners a tremendously exciting victory 28-18 on referee Tony Martins final whistle.  [Small note the tries 5 mins into the 2nd half,74 minutes and 80 were a tremendous hat trick and after a little checking through the NCL website and excellent miners site are to the credit of the team and the power of Bradley Hargreaves, exciting stuff in the second half]

A cracking game that swung one way then the other in which Leigh Miners secured a victory with superb spirit and which Siddal had contributed so much too over the 80 minutes, as per last week Leigh seem to start and play in the second half get the first half right and they may be unstoppable.

Journey reversed from Leigh bus station to Manchester and a relatively quiet journey back to Derbyshire and we had a little time to discuss a very enjoyable day.
Leigh were recommended for a visit and I must say as a club they did not disappoint a nice little club trying to do things right many clubs at NCL level don't always promote themselves well but as previously mentioned Miners have a good social media set up. 

THE SCOREBOARD BEFORE ANY ACTIVITY

I'm not sure why other clubs don't promote as well I have mentioned in last weeks blogs there are many non league football fans now looking for some live sport in the summer months and I reckon some of them have missed a treat in not promoting themselves through the non league football circuit.
Anyway the blog has certainly enjoyed its first two NCL games and would recommend a visit to Leigh Miners without a doubt well worth supporting their efforts.

STAGECOACH X34 DROPS US OFF IN LEIGH BUS STATION

 

PROACT STADIUM WITNESSES FC BRITANNIA TREBLE

FC BRITANNIA 6 RED LION WHITT MOOR 0
DEY AND CO ALMA CUP FINAL AT THE PROACT STADIUM CHESTERFIELD FC
19 MAY 2015 7PM

FC BRITANNIA COMPLETE THE TREBLE WITH ALMA CUP SUCCESS

[More pictures of the evening will feature on the Chesterfield and District Sunday League Facebook page in the next day or so]
So for the final football blog of the season its a short trip to Chesterfield FC's Proact Stadium and the chance to also conclude The Chesterfield and District Sunday League season too.

THE BIG FINAL TONIGHT AT CHESTERFIELD FC's PROACT STADIUM

In simple terms this looked the biggest miss match in any recent CSL cup final.  With FC Britannia already victors in the League 1 title race and Derbyshire Sunday Senior Cup looking to add The Alma Cup to complete a remarkable hat trick of trophies, something that would match their old rivals Hasland Dev FC and Red Lion bottom of division 2 with just one league win all season.  Amazingly Red Lion had secured a succession of cup wins to achieve tonight's final place and it was to their credit that in the semi final they overcame Renishaw too.  So the David v Goliath challenge was on and sometimes underdogs can achieve the unexpected.

TEA TIME WITH THE PROACT
FLOODLIGHTS IN THE BACKGROUND

Sadly for the Whitt Moor side tonight was not to be the underdogs night with the Brit storming away to a 6-0 victory, including a Callam Lytham hat trick, which in the second half could probably have been quite a few more but for a man of the match performance from Red Lions Goalkeeper Adam Brear who pulled off a string of superb saves to deny FCB.
So to the build up, as ever, and an early arrival is always deemed a good idea at CFC with the nearby Colonels premise being visited for a little evening tea.  Following a short waddle over to The Proact and the chance to catch up with many friends and colleagues from local football it was good during the evening to see a few refereeing friends, fellow hoppers, Mark Grayling fresh from election campaign victory tackle the biggest hot dog I've seen and Andrew Thornton Clay Cross Town's assistant manager.  Plus also Stephen Wapplington who as done so much to promote the leagues excellent Facebook page, to be found at 'Chesterfield Sunday League' and well worth a look.


MIND YOUR FINGERS MARK

PA MAN MR OLLIE PARDO CALLS
 FOR A MICROPHONE

There was a steady looking crowd of around 250 in attendance tonight with a selection of local footballers also coming along to view the final tonight.  The programmes finally arrived tonight and its always good to see the Sunday League issue for their finals, it was just a shame tonight that regular master of ceremonies Mr Ollie Pardo was made redundant in times of austerity due to the lack of a roving microphone not being left available by CFC.
The game started with what most had imagined would happen a rear guard action from Red Lion who started with a determination to defend and defend deep.  However after just 16 minutes the deadlock was broken when Callam Lytham burst through and slotted past the out coming Brear.  Then on the stroke of half time the lead was doubled when Jamie Simpson saw his shot rebound off the keeper Lytham was on hand to slot the lose ball home.

GOAL NUMBER 1 FOR FCB AND LYTHAM

Within 4 minutes of the re start Lytham had his hat trick and Britannia's third again he broke through this time on the inside right and fired confidently past the out coming Brear into the bottom left hand corner   Chris Bettney supplied the cross that allowed the head of Asa Ingall to make it 4-0 after 54 minutes.  Chances were now coming and being either missed by Britannia or superbly saved on quite a few occasions by Red Lions keeper Brear.

RED LION WHITT MOOR FREE KICK BUT THE WALL DOES ITS JOB

In the closing stages two quality goals Nathan Whitehead lashed home a glorious 25 yard free kick before in stoppage time an equally accomplished finish from the edge of the box saw a Ryan Duffy McGirr shot ripple the net to make it 6-0. 
When referee Scott Sperring blew for full time FC Britannia had achieved that treble and Red Lion had given their all to an entertaining final.

REFEREE SCOTT SPERRING AND HIS TEAM WITH BOTH SIDES CAPTAINS

As the light faded it was left to CSL committee member and referee Ralph Morton to hand over the trophy to FC Britannia and the celebration began in earnest.

An enjoyable end to the football season for the blog, but please be aware the blog will continue to post over the summer from rugby league and cricket these will not be posted to the non league football pages but will go directly to the blog and the blog's Facebook page.  Please stop by and have a look during the summer and thank you for your support this season with the blog!

THE PROACT BEFORE THE CROWDS FLOCK IN FOR THE ALMA CUP FINAL

 

DETERMINED LOCK LANE SINK THE MINERS

CASTLEFORD LOCK LANE 27 V LEIGH MINERS RANGERS 24
NATIONAL CONFERENCE LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
@HICKSONS ARENA LOCK LANE 16 MAY 2015 --- 2.30PM


HICKSONS ARENA HOME OF LOCK LANE

With one more football game to cover, this Tuesday's Alma cup final at Chesterfield FC, it was time for the blog to take up some summer alternative sport.  Well where better than my introduction to summer rugby league than Lock Lane?  Lock Lane was my introduction to The National Conference League on my debut visit last season and so its a club that I have taken an interest in following of their results even when the football season is still on going.  For my first visit this season a mouth watering trip for the visit of Leigh Miners, although early in the season this game is already a 2nd v 4th match.

Todays game was an enterprising affair played on a cold to the hands afternoon in a swirling blustery wind which probably led to some of the errors.  A storming start from Lock Lane saw two tries and conversions give them a 12 points to nil lead before Leigh matched their efforts to level the scores, but by half time Lane had taken the lead 21 to 12 including a drop goal late in the first period. 

CHRIS SIDDONS POWERS FORWARD FOR LOCK LANE

The second period was a tense affair until the visitors got a firm grip on the game to force a 24-21 lead and Lock Lane looked very much as though they had not come out of the changing room for the second period.  However Lane re-gathered their efforts and a try from Chris Siddons and conversion from the consistent Danny Rowse 10 minutes from time gave them what proved to be a 27-24 victory which they fought very hard to retain under pressure from Leigh in the remaining minutes.

LOCK LANE CONVERSION MAKES IT 27-24

There is a little about the game, without I'm sorry too many names from the 80 minutes. 

SMALL DISAGREEMENT ENSUES

SECOND HALF CHANGING ROOM DEPARTURES

It was a Saturday and quite an experience not to be in Wales and todays journey was a much later start from base with a change at Sheffield for a good old rattling 'Pacer' train to Castleford.  The blog had visited Castleford twice before for Lock Lane fixtures and sadly the first time got drenched in a torrential downpour and on the second occasion experienced thunder storms.  Well today was blustery and cold and on the sharp walk to the ground through the busy town centre we crossed over Wheldon Road the base forastleford's Super League club the Tigers.  The narrow bridge before our short approach to Lock Lane's ground has a lovely view of the weir and former flour mill to the left. 
Upon arrival at the ground, which his based at the Lock Lane Leisure Centre, we climb the stairs to the bar area and bump into the gateman who is just about to descend to the front door for his duties.  We pay the £2.50 entrance fee which also obtains us a 20 page programme, this is one of the bonuses of the NCL that all clubs should issue a programme.

CHRIS SIDDONS GETS THE BRUISE STRAPPED UP

While in the bar we of course sampled a chip cob and today had beans on it due to a shortage of peas, although the request for peas did leave the catering staff questioning our sanity.  To access pitch side you climb down a narrow internal staircase and walk through some access gates onto the pitch.

THE BRUISE

The near side has the two dugouts on them with a little separation between both teams and too the left as you enter the pitch is the outdoor bar area were a variety of Lock Lane officials replenish the supporter.  The pitch is fully railed off and the far side offers a good view of proceedings with the leisure centre as a back drop, behind this standing area is a grassed area that was used for pre match warm ups todays.  The ground also has floodlights and overall is a functional affair although like most rugby league grounds at NCL level lacks cover for spectators.
Before the start of the game it was good to see the Siddons brothers still playing for Lock Lane and indeed quite shocking to see Chris getting a massive bruise on his thigh patched up apparently he had collided with one of the posts behind the goals the previous week, tough guys these rugby league players.
Also good to see today was the 'lady' who goes round selling the raffle and also works the outdoor bar she is always a welcoming figure with plenty of banter if you want it and today we both, of course purchased a meat raffle ticket-thankfully we didn't win it or we could have had a problem on the train back with a tray of meat!

DAVE AND PETE HOPPING TO RUGBY LEAGUE FROM DERBYSHIRE

Just before todays game was due to start we also spotted to fellow hoppers Dave and Pete from Chesterfield who it was a pleasure to see and catch up with during the game.  I said last season that some of the NCL clubs are missing a trick and I'm sure if they put a little advertising out through the local non league football clubs etc they would pick up some fans and hoppers alike looking to take in some reasonably priced and good standard summer sport.
At the end of the 80 minutes we had an hours before our train back over the border and a sample of fish cake and chips was made at Pappas chippy in Castleford. 

MEAT RAFFLE TICKETS PURCHASED

Back at Castleford station which is now joined by the close by new Bus station, very impressive it is too, we realised the train was running a little late.  But after whiling away the extra minutes discussing the proposed rugby league summer ventures it wasn't long before yet another 'pacer' train was rattling its way into platform 1 of 1.

Base was made just before 1830 and the blog had enjoyed the visit to Lock Lane and hopefully the start of some entertaining rugby league for the summer of 2015.
[The blog will hopefully cover a few rugby league and cricket games over the summer before returning to football around the end of July, hopefully you will pop by to take a look at these visits as there are some cracking clubs and grounds to review]

HERE'S OUR LOVELY PACER ARRIVING AT PLATFORM 1