Myler Earns England Nod
September 29, 2008 by Paul Mc · Comments Off
Salford’s teenage sensation Richard Myler has earned a dramatic call-up to England’s World Cup train-on squad.
The 18-year-old scrum-half, who has just been named National League One young player of the year, is the only non-Super League player chosen in England coach Tony Smith’s national squad.
Myler, who joined Salford a year ago from Widnes, was told the news after helping the Reds clinch a 36-18 National League Grand Final win over Celtic Crusaders with the 10th and final try of the match.
He is unlikely to make the final 24-man World Cup squad, to be named by Smith on Tuesday week, but his call-up for the initial party is seen as the first step on the international ladder for a player long since identified as a star of the future.
Myler is almost certain to play for England in their World Cup warm-up match against Wales at Doncaster on October 10, with first choice scrum-half Rob Burrow, from Grand Finalists Leeds, likely to be rested.
“I’m absolutely over the moon to have been chosen for the train-on squad. It’s a great honour to be considered alongside some of the tremendous names Tony Smith has already selected.” said Myler.
A thought echoed by his coach Shaun McRae, who commented:
“I’m delighted for Richie as he’s had a successful season and has proved to be a great young player. It’s a wonderful opportunity and thoroughly deserved and we may yet see him on that plane to Australia.”
28/09/08: Reds 36-18 Celtic C (AET) – NL1 Grand Final
September 28, 2008 by Paul Mc · Comments Off
Salford will return to Super League as National League champions after securing a famous 36-18 extra-time victory over Celtic Crusaders in a gripping Grand Final at Warrington.
The Crusaders had one hand on the trophy after twice coming from behind and scoring four tries to three to lead 18-16 with seconds remaining.
But Salford centre John Wilshere brought his side level with an injury-time penalty to force 20 minutes of extra time and the Reds ran in three tries against a tiring Celtic side to wrap up the win.
The Bridgend club, who will also be in Super League in 2009 after securing a three-year licence, will be consoled by playing their part in a wonderful occasion – the first final of their three-year existence – and also by the 26-4 success by their Colts team in the Conference Grand Final earlier in the day.
Salford needed to avenge a 44-18 defeat to the Crusaders a fortnight earlier and made a dream start when speedy left winger Paul White gave them a sixth-minute lead with a 50-metre interception try.
Right winger Matt Gardner added a second on 26 minutes, finishing off a superb cross-field handling move, and would have had another but for mis-timing his dive over the line and losing his grip on the ball.
Salford also had a try by prop Craig Stapleton disallowed while Crusaders winger Luke Dyer was denied by video referee Ashley Klein before the Welsh club finally got on the scoreboard three minutes before the break, winger Anthony Blackwood finishing strongly at the corner.
There was an even better finish from Celtic’s other winger 12 minutes into the second with Dyer collecting centre Josh Hannay’s pass by his bootlaces to dive over in spectacular fashion.
That cut the deficit to just two points and the Crusaders went in front for the first time on 54 minutes when former Wigan and Widnes forward Jordan James demonstrated brute strength to force his way over from close range.
Substitute Mark Lennon kicked a first conversion but Salford edged back in front on 63 minutes when Myler combined with loose forward Jordan Turner to get full-back Karl Fitzpatrick over for their third try and Wilshere added his second conversion.
The lead lasted just three minutes, however, with prop David Tangata-Toa intercepting Stefan Ratchford’s pass on halfway and holding off the cover on a 40-metre sprint to the line.
The lead looked to have changed hands again when Fitzpatrick stretched out of a two-man tackle to plant the ball over the line but video referee Ashley Klein ruled a knock-on, a decision which quickly began to look crucial.
A knock-on then by Blackwood put the Crusaders under intense pressure in a tense finish and, when second rower Darren Mapp was punished for interference at the play-the-ball with just seconds left, Wilshere maintained his composure to level the scores with a 40-metre penalty.
The Crusaders had looked out on their feet by the end of normal time and they duly crumbled in the first period of extra time.
Salford second rower Ian Sibbit pounced on a grubber kick from Robbie Paul and then White grabbed his second try, with Wilshere adding both conversions to open up a 12-point lead.
They dominated the second period of added time, too, and scrum-half Richard Myler capped a fine individual display by sprinting 60 metres for the game’s final try, to which Wilshere added a sixth goal.
***
Salford coach Shaun McRae admitted the final score flattered his side after they piled on the points in extra-time to beat Celtic Crusaders 36-18 in the National League Grand Final.
The Crusaders had one hand on the trophy after twice coming from behind and scoring four tries to three to lead 18-16 with 20 seconds remaining of an enthralling contest at Warrington.
But Salford centre John Wilshere brought his side level with an injury-time penalty to force 20 minutes of extra-time – and the Reds ran in three further tries against a tiring Celtic side to wrap up the win.
“I guess it blew out a bit in extra-time,” said McRae. “You could tell that both teams had gone. We just came up with some extra special play.
“We have been the best two teams in the competition and that showed today. It could have gone either way.
“I think we all experienced every emotion. It was just one of those games.
“I just felt in first half we could have been leading 16-0 but in the first 10 minutes of the second half I don’t remember us touching the ball.
“It was pretty exciting stuff. I felt our (extra) game against Whitehaven would put us in good stead if it went to extra-time.
“Johnny Wilshere handled the pressure well and obviously we’re delighted with the result. It’s a great season for us.”
Salford will return to Super League as champions and Sunday’s win enabled them to complete a clean sweep of the trophies after they lifted the Northern Rail Cup and the League leaders shield.
“To win everything we competed in, in terms of trophies, speaks volumes for the character of the players,” added McRae, National League One coach of the year.
The Crusaders will also be in Super League in 2009 after securing a three-year licence and coach John Dixon was proud of his club’s achievements in only their third season.
“We’ve had a wonderful year,” he said. “To win promotion was one thing and to get to a position where we could win the competition is a tremendous credit to players and the club.
“Today’s performance gives great credence to the season. The final score was not a true indication of what happened today.
“I’m excited about the the players. I thought defensively we were great for long periods of time and, with 20 seconds to go, we thought we had won a game of footie.”
Crusaders: Duggan, Dyer, Hannay, Dalle Cort, Blackwood, Quinn, Van Dijk, J. James, Budworth, Tangata-Toa, Beasley, Mapp, Martin.
Substitutes: Summers, Webster, Lennon, Wyatt.
Salford: Fitzpatrick, Gardner, Littler, Wilshere, White, Paul, R. Myler, Highton, Alker, Stapleton, Sibbit, Adamson, Turner.
Substitutes: Ratchford, Bannister, Jewitt, Leuluai.
Referee: B Thaler (Wakefield).
Crusaders (4) 18
Tries: Blackwood, Dyer, James, Tangata-Toa. Goals: Lennon.
Reds (10) 36
Tries: White 2, Gardner, Fitzpatrick, Sibbit, Myler. Goals: Wilshire 6.
Red Devils Drop In At Grand Final
September 26, 2008 by Paul Mc · Comments Off
The Red Devils parachute team will make a spectacular entrance at The Co-operative National League Grand Finals Day on Sunday when they drop into The Halliwell Jones Stadium to deliver the match ball.
The Red Devils are the world famous free-fall parachute display team belonging to the British Army Parachute Regiment who carry out stunning displays at major public events throughout the year.
The display team will be dropping into the stadium at approximately 3.50pm to deliver the match ball for The Co-operative National League One Final between Celtic Crusaders and Salford City Reds which kicks off at 4.
Liz Matkin, Sponsorship Manager of The Co-operative Group said: “We’re absolutely delighted that The Red Devils will be dropping in to compliment what will be great day of Rugby League action in Warrington.
“The performance should really crank up the anticipation inside the stadium ahead of The Co-operative National League one Grand Final which promises to be a real cracker.”
The role of The Red Devils is to promote both the Parachute Regiment and the British Army in support of recruitment and the team is manned by 25 serving soldiers from the Parachute Regiment’s three full-time battalions: 1, 2 & 3 PARA.
Their spectacular parachuting display will add further excitement to an extensive day of Rugby League action which begins at 11am when Bramley Buffaloes take on Celtic Crusaders Colts in the Co-operative Rugby League Conference (National) Grand Final.
Tickets for this Sunday’s Co-operative National League Finals Day at the Halliwell-Jones Stadium in Warrington will be on sale at the stadium on the day of the match.
Tickets start from just £14 for standing admission. Prices start at just £15 for seats.
Supporters wishing to stand can pay at the turnstiles and those fans wishing to buy seats should go to the stadium ticket office, which opens at 9am.
The Co-operative National League Finals Day – Sunday 28th September 2008
The Co-operative Rugby League Conference (National) Grand Final
Bramley Buffaloes v Crusaders Colts (11am)
The Co-operative National League Two Play Off Final
Doncaster RLFC v OIldham RLFC (1.30pm)
The Co-operative National League One Grand Final
Celtic Crusaders v Salford City Reds (4pm)
NL1 Grand Final – Big Match Preview
September 26, 2008 by Paul Mc · Comments Off
Salford City Reds and Celtic Crusaders will take to the field of play this Sunday (28 September KO 4pm) for the Co-operative National League One Grand Final, having already made rugby league history, before a ball is even kicked.
Whilst most teams in a National League One final would be fighting for promotion, both the Reds and Crusaders have already been awarded a place in next year’s Super League thanks to the new licence system initiated by the RFL.
Whilst the future of both teams is secure for the next three seasons, the game is far from meaningless and Reds’ Coach McRae is emphasising that the Reds are in this competition for the win, commenting:
“I’ve said all year that these are the two best teams in the competition. When we’ve played the Celtic Crusaders they’ve definitely been the best side we’ve faced all year. We set our goals at the start of the season and our intention now is to win in Sunday to complete a fantastic season for the Reds.”
With the final being played at the Halliwell Jones stadium in Warrington, the team are urging the Wolves fans to get behind their quest for NL1 glory and join the Reds’ support, the majority of which will be in the South stand of the stadium.
Tickets for this Sunday’s Co-operative National League Finals Day at the Halliwell-Jones Stadium in Warrington will be on sale at the stadium on the day of the match.
Tickets start from just £14 for standing admission. Prices start at just £15 for seats.
There are a full range of concession prices available.
Supporters wishing to stand can pay at the turnstiles and those fans wishing to buy seats should go to the stadium ticket office, which opens at 9am.
A three game feast of action is in prospect at the Halliwell-Jones Stadium which begins at 11am when Bramley Buffaloes take on Celtic Crusaders Colts in the Co-operative Rugby League Conference (National) Grand Final.
Grand Final Tickets Update
September 25, 2008 by Paul Mc · Comments Off
We have agreed with the RFL to continue selling tickets for Sunday beyond today’s 4pm deadline.
We have a limited number of South Stand terrace tickets available until 2pm on Saturday, or while stocks last. Cash turnstiles will be availble on the day for standing, and seating available if a ticket is bought from the Halliwell Jones ticket office on Sunday.
We would greatly appreciate it if you could buy from us if at all possible. Thanks to all those who already did, and we’ll see you in the South Stand on Sunday!
Rugby Roundup Podcast 24/09/08
September 24, 2008 by Paul Mc · Comments Off
It’s the Grand Final week preview show and features the usual interview with Shaun McRae plus all the reaction and insider knowledge on Tuesday’s National League Awards Dinner along with the acceptance speeches of the major winners, and also one of the funniest acceptance speeches you’ll be likely to hear.
Unfortunately a minor techy hitch means the first couple of mins of the show are missing from the podcast but we promise you still get all the best bits.
Sponsored as ever by HD Cable, by listening online you missed great music by Ian Brown and Hard Fi.
Enjoy
Play Fanfare
Awards For Myler And McRae As Five Make Dream Team
September 24, 2008 by Paul Mc · Comments Off
Celtic Crusaders stand-off Damien Quinn has beaten off stiff competition
to land the coveted Co-operative National League One Player of the Year
award.
The only ever-present in the Crusaders side this season pipped Salford
duo Craig Stapleton and John Wilshere to the prestigious prize,
presented at the League’s annual dinner at Elland Road.
Quinn was one of five Celtic players named in the Co-operative National
League One team of the year, while the same number came from Salford.
The two clubs face each other in Sunday’s Co-operative National League
One Grand Final and will join Super League from next season after being
awarded licences for the next three years.
Salford coach Shaun McRae won the Co-operative National League One coach
of the year while Gateshead’s Dave Woods claimed the award for League
Two.
Meanwhile, Barrow’s Dave Armistead was named the Co-operative National
League Two Player of the Year, Salford’s Richie Myler won the
Co-operative National League One Young Player of the Year and
Doncaster’s Luke Gale landed the same award for League Two.
The awards in full are as follows:
The CO-operative National League One Player of the Year AWARD is Damien
Quinn (Celtic Crusaders)
The nominees were:
Damien Quinn – Celtic Crusaders
Craig Stapleton – Salford City Reds
John Wilshere – Salford City Reds
The Co-operative National League Two Player of the Year Award is Dave
Armistead (Barrow Raiders)
The nominations were:
Dave Armistead – Barrow Raiders
Corey Lawrie – Doncaster RLFC
Dan Russell – Gateshead Thunder
THE CO-OPERATIVE NATIONAL LEAGUE TWO ‘YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR is Luke
Gale (Doncaster)
The nominees were:
Kyle Briggs – Doncaster RLFC
Luke Gale – Doncaster RLFC
Michael Knowles – Gateshead Thunder
The Co-operative National League One ‘Young Player of the Year is Richie
Myler (Salford City Reds)
The nominations were:
Paul Mennell -Batley Bulldogs
Richie Myler – Salford City Reds
Stefan Ratchford – Salford City Reds
The Co-operative National League Two Coach of the Year is Dave Woods
(Gateshead Thunder)
The nominations were:
Martin Crompton – Blackpool Panthers
Barry Eaton – Keighley Cougars
Dave Woods – Gateshead Thunder
The Co-operative National League One ‘Coach of the Year’ is Shaun McRae
(Salford City Reds).
Matt Calland – Halifax RLFC
John Dixon – Celtic Crusaders
Shaun McRae – Salford City Reds
The Co-operative National League ‘Referee of the Year’ is Ronnie
Laughton
The nominations are:
Gareth Hewer
Ronnie Laughton
Jamie Leahy
The Neil Whittaker Trophy presented each year to a Match Official who,
in the opinion of the selection panel, has achieved a great deal during
the year. The winner is Warren Turley.
Co-operative National League Best Community Programme – Doncaster RLFC.
Co-operative National League CLUB OF THE YEAR is HALIFAX
The winners of the Frontline Fairplay Index in the Co-operative National
League are Widnes Vikings.
THE CO-OPERATIVE RUGBY LEAGUE CONFERENCE NATIONAL ‘YOUNG PLAYER OF THE
YEAR’ is Matt Garside of Huddersfield Underbank Rangers.
THE CO-OPERATIVE RUGBY LEAGUE CONFERENCE NATIONAL ‘COACH OF THE YEAR’.
Celtic Crusaders Colts Dan Clements.
THE CO-OPERATIVE RUGBY LEAGUE CONFERENCE NATIONAL ‘PLAYER OF THE YEAR’.
John Richardson of the Bramley Buffaloes.
The Co-operative National League Two team of the year.
Paul O’Connor (Oldham)
2. Stewart Sanderson (Gateshead Thunder)
3. Marcus St Hilaire (Oldham)
4. Ben McAlpine (Gateshead Thunder)
5. James Nixon (Barrow Raiders)
6. Kyle Briggs (Doncaster)
7. Dan Russell (Gateshead Thunder)
8. Andy Shickell (Keighley Cougars)
9. Corey Lawrie (Doncaster)
10. Richard Mervill (Oldham)
11. Michael Knowles (Gateshead Thunder)
12. Danny Halliwell (Oldham)
13. Dave Armitstead (Barrow Raiders)
The Co-operative National League One team of the year
1. Tony Duggan (Celtic Crusaders)
2. Dean Gaskell (Widnes Vikings)
3. Mark Dalle Cort (Celtic Crusaders)
4. John Wilshere (Salford City Reds)
5. Paul White (Salford City Reds)
6. Damien Quinn (Celtic Crusaders)
7. Richard Myler (Salford City Reds)
8. Craig Stapleton (Salford City Reds)
9. Sean Penkywicz (Halifax)
10. Phillip Leuluai (Salford City Reds)
11. Lee Doran (Leigh Centurions)
12. Darren Mapp (Celtic Crusaders)
13. Neale Wyatt (Celtic Crusaders)
National League Awards
September 24, 2008 by Paul Mc · 2 Comments
Congratulations to Richie Myler (Young Player of the Year) and Shaun McRae (Coach of the Year) who picked up awards at last nights celebration dinner at Elland Road Leeds.
Damien Quinn of Celtic won NL1 Player of the Year and the Club of the Year award went to Halifax.
More to follow and listen to tonight’s Rugby Roundup for exclusive access to last night’s ceremony.
Build Up to the Grand Final – All You Need To Know
September 22, 2008 by Paul Mc · Comments Off
All the latest news on the Reds ahead of the big game next Sunday. We’ll be updating this page regularly with the information you need to make your Grand Final a special event. Find the latest ticket news as well as details on how to order your matchday magazine in advance.
Pre-order your Co-operative National League Finals match day magazine
The Co-operative National League Finals match day magazine is available to pre-order now for just £5 including postage and packaging.
The 52 page colour publication contains all you need to know about the six sides taking part in the Finals Day at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones stadium on Sunday 28 September.
Featuring player and coach interviews, the magazine also includes month by month reviews of The Co-operative National League One and Two seasons as well as highlights from the year in The Co-operative Rugby League Conference (National).
To pre-order your Co-operative National League Finals match day magazine, simply log onto www.themagazineshop.com/Group-Rugby_League.aspx
Tickets for The Co-operative National League Finals Day are still available from the RFL Box Office on 0871 226 1313 or via www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk Prices start from £14 for adult and £7 for children.
Fixtures
The Co-operative Rugby League Conference (National) Final
11.00 Bramley Buffaloes v Featherstone Lions/Celtic Crusaders Colts
The Co-operative National League Two Play-off Final
13.30 Doncaster v Oldham RLFC /Rochdale Hornets
The Co-operative National League One Grand Final
16.00 Celtic Crusaders v Salford City Reds
Ticket Latest – Friday 19th
Tickets went on sale this morning at 11am and are already selling fast. We would like to urge fans to buy from the club if at all possible, as this really does help and is the only way to ensure your club gets the maximum benefit from your attendance. Tickets are only available until 4pm next Thursday, so hurry.
And don’t forget, when you buy your NL1 Grand Final ticket you can also buy a Super League Grand Final ticket for just £5! This means you can go to BOTH Grand Finals for less than £20! Unbelievable.
The Co-operative National League Finals Day, 28 September
Halliwell Jones, Warrington.
The Co-operative Rugby League Conference (National) Final
11.00 Bramley Buffaloes v Featherstone Lions/Celtic Crusaders Colts
The Co-operative National League Two Play-off Final
13.30 Doncaster v Oldham RLFC /Rochdale Hornets
The Co-operative National League One Grand Final
16.00 Celtic Crusaders v Salford City Reds
We would urge all supporters to support Salford City Reds and pre-purchase tickets from the club shop. Tickets are available until 4pm on Thursday 25 September.
Please note this is an all ticket event and tickets are not available from the venue on Grand Final Day.
Ticket Prices
Seating Areas - A B C
Areas A & B Adults £16
Concessions £8*
Area C Adults £20
Concessions £10*
Standing Area – West Stand (Behind Sticks)
Adults £14
Concessions £7*
Standing Area – South Stand (Singing section)
Adults £15
Concessions £8*
*Please note concessions qualify as:
Supporters over the age of 65
All children 16 and under (inc under 5′s)
Students (with relevant ID)
Buy a NL1 Grand Final ticket and purchase a Super League Grand Final Ticket for £5**
Buy a NL1 Grand Final ticket and purchase a Reds 2008 home shirt for £25**
Show your colours on the day with a new Reds flag – £5 each or 3 for £10!
(**please note these offers are only in conjunction with a NL1 Grand Final ticket purchase from Salford City Reds Club Shop. Please call 0161 736 6564 for further details)
Reds To Play Quins at Murrayfield Showpiece
September 22, 2008 by Paul Mc · Comments Off
The draw to decide the fixtures for next season’s Magic Weekend has been made today at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium – the venue that will host the seven match engage Super League spectacular over the 2009 early May Bank Holiday weekend.
The 14 clubs in next year’s engage Super League, including new additions Salford City Reds and Celtic Crusaders, were placed into three groups relating to their final League positions this term. Clubs could only be drawn to play teams from the same group.
The draw was made by former Castleford and Great Britain Rugby League star Graham Steadman who is now Scotland Rugby Union’s defensive coach
The draw is as follows:
Catalans Dragons v Leeds Rhinos
Wigan Warriors v St Helens
Warrington Wolves v Hull Kingston Rovers
Wakefield Wildcats v Bradford Bulls
Hull FC v Castleford Tigers
Salford City Reds v Harlequins RL
Huddersfield Giants v Celtic Crusaders
Next year’s Magic Weekend will be played on 2nd and 3rd May at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium but the dates on which the matches will be played will be confirmed in due course.
Tickets for the 2009 engage Super League Magic Weekend are now on-sale from the RFL Box Office on 0871 226 13 13 or via www.rugbylreaguetickets.co.uk
Day passes start from £15 and weekend tickets for seven games of top class engage Super League action star from just £25.
