C L U B O F F I C I A L S Roll of Honour Chairman; M.G. White Championship Winners; 1926/27, 1927/28, 1930/31, 1934/35 Directors: C.H. Eaves, T. Robinson Runners up: 1924/25, 1932/33 War League beaten finalists; 139/40 Chief Executive: Tony Barrow Division One Champions: 1962/63, 1963/64 Commercial Manager: Peter Young Division Two Champions: 1984/85 Division Two Runners-Up: 1996/97 Promotions Manager: Chailenge Cup Winners: 1899/1900, 1925/26, 1927/28 Stephen Walmsiey Runners-Up; 1926/27, 1931,32 Coach: Mike Gregory League Winners: 1924/25, 1927/28, 1928/29, 1930/31, 1960/61 Development Officer: John Prince Lancashire War League Winners: 1939/40 Lancashire Cup Winners: Physiotherapist: Norman Brown 1925/26, 1927/28, 1939/40, 1969/70 Assistant Physiotherapists: Runners-Up: 1910/11, 1923/24, 1931/32, 1960/61, 1961/62, 1962/63, 1964/65, 1972/73 C. Robinson, B.B.C. Floodiight Trophy Runners-Up: 1966/67 Club Doctor; Dr. M.A. Moore Western Division Championship Beaten Finaiists: 1963/64 Kit Team: Andy, Eric, Division Two Premiership Winners: 1986/87 Timekeeper: B. Welsby Head Groundsman: Michael Curtis Club Records Assistant Groundsman: Paul Euston Record Attendance: 44,621 vWarrington 7/4/51 Record Score For: 90-0 VPrescot Panthers 11.8.96 Offices: Record Score Against 0-78 vWigan 29/9/92 Bury Football Club, Tries in game: 6Mark Riley vPrescot Panthers 11.8.96 Gigg Lane, 5W. Wallwork vWidnes 15/12/1900, 5J. Evans vBradford Northern 30/9/1922, Bury, 5H.Halsall vSt. Helens 24/1/1925, BL9 9HR. 5R. Cracknell vWhitehaven Rec. 11/2/1928, 5R. Lewis vKeighley 12/1/1946, Tel 0161 761 2328 5J. Stopford VBramley 22/12/1962, F a x 0 1 6 1 7 6 3 9 1 9 6 5A. Buckley vSalford 8/4/1964, 5J. Ropati VNottingham 21/1/1990 World Record Kick: Martin Hodgson 77V. yards (for Swinfon) April 13fh 1940, at Rochdale. Club Shop -Lottery -Promotions Coals in agame: Marlene Partington 12 K. Gowers vLiverpool City 3/10/1957 Points in agame: 112 Station Rd, Swinton. 30 Greg Pearce vPrescot Panthers 11.8.96 Tel 0161 794 6150 Tries in aseason: 42 J.Stopford 1964/65 Goals in aseason: 128 A. Blan 1960/61 F a x 0 1 6 1 7 2 8 6 1 7 4 Points in aseason: 283 A. Blan 1960/61 Tries in acareer: 197 F.Evans 1921 to 1931 Goals in acareer: 970 K. Cowers 1954 to 1973 Points in acareer: 2015 K. Gowers 1954 to 1973 Programme Editor: Peter Young Appearances in acareer: 594 -8sub. KGowers 1954 to 1973 Consecutive Club appearances: The club gratefully acknowledge 150 R. Fleay. August 1972 contributions from Mike Caine, Ian Rigg, John Spellman, Steve Wild, O F F I C I A L S & Vinny Kirkman, Martin Kelner, John Edwards. HONOURS

2SWINTONLIONS THE CHAIRMAN Awarm welcome to today's game, season and now Ihope that the fans will back the if the first home game of anew t e a m a n d t h e c l u b . Jseason and anew millennium. Obviously our aim is to achieve entry to Super Welcome to all our supporters and League and we need the fans to back us. It would to the directors, players and be pointless to achieve the ambition and then be supporters of Oldham RLFC. turned down on the grounds that we could not Having added Chris Highton, Jon attract sufficient support to sustain aSuper League Neill, Phil Coussons and Paul place. To our supporters -if you are about the Loughlin, with the welcome return of Matty club, if you want us to be successful, if you want Knowles, Jason Roach and Ian Pickavance to our us to retain our own identity, then please get retained squad Iam both hopeful and confident behind us both on and off the field. that we will have ateam which will compete at This year is very important for and, the highest level of the Northern Ford Premiership. the way things are going, very important for all With Mike Gregory in charge Iam also confident Premiership clubs and in general. that the team will be successful in an entertaining Ithink it will be an exciting season and hope you way. Ithink Mike would accept that the board all enjoy yourselves in the Lions Den. have backed him in his rebuilding for this coming M a l c o l m W h i t e Darby DIass (N.W.) ltd Major sunriiers of Double Glaied units to the Tirado aPubic teadod Dosign aG ian eftect aspedaltv

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4SWINTONL.IONS This afternoon Iextend a course Ihave played Pickavance and Coussons w a r m w e l c o m e t o M i k e against him many times. and Ifeel we now have a Ford and his Oldham Fordy is still afine player squad to compete in all team. played in the same and he is an integral part games and push for hon- Great of this new Oldham side. ours, Because of holiday i l k B r i t a i n Oldham have completely deadlines these notes were team reshaped since last season written before our opening as with some intelligent sign¬ game at Workington so I

[■ Mike ings, at least five of which just hope the team got and have followed Mike from reward for all the hard of his previous club Bramley. work and dedication they It is my guess they will be have shown in pre season amuch improved side and training. pushing for They have prepared well atop eight spot. and shown lots of endeav- ^Iam delighted with our. Today's game is a my seven new sign¬ local derby and will gener¬ ate lots of emotion both on e. ings Loughlin, Neill, Knowles, and off the field. Roach, Ffighton, Ilook forward to areally

w i t h M I K E G R E G O RY T H E C O A C H

I I I exciting encounter and hopefully awinning home start for the Lions. Can Itake this opportunity :if to wish everyone Happy iCI New Year and all the very best for year 2000 and to 33 Swinton supporters please get behind the team and let's look to have asuc¬ Rugbyleague cessful season.

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6SWINTPNL.IONS RUGBY LEAGI -^1

w "Happy New Year Ieveryone and welcome to Panother new season of 'Rugby League at Cigg Lane." This afternoon it gives me great pleasure to welcome our visitors from Oldham and all their travelling supporters. Our Match Sponsor today is J. Properties (Oldham) Ltd and we are delighted to welcome John Humphreys and his guests. Can Isay abig thankyou to John and Ihope you all enjoy agreat day. j Associate Sponsors today are C.E.F. of ( COMMERCIAL MATTERS St. Helens and it's welcome to Brian Honey and his party. W H Y N O T J O I N U S F O R Matchball Sponsor this afternoon is taken by Saddleworth Sports of ’LUNCH ’N’ Crunch’ Greenfield. Abig welcome and AT OUR NEXT HOME GAME. thanks to Geoff and Marjorie Cooke. *We try extra hard both on and off Lions VLancashire Lynx the pitch at Swinton Lions to offer Sunday 16th Jan 2000 spectators and sponsors the very best. I Car Park Pass Bucks Fizz Reception Complimentary To anyone out there who may be Programme Superb Pre Match Meal (served 1pm) considering sponsoring this season Fun Quiz &Competitions Flalf Time Refreshments we promise to offer excellent value Full Bar Facilities V.I.P. Main Stand Seat for money at one of the smartest and safest stadiums in Rugby League. Just Total Cost Only £20 (Juniors £10) give Peter Young acall on 0161 761 (Must Be Pre-Booked) i 2328. Phone Peter Young 0161 761 2328

MERCHANT 1UL0RS SINCE 1980 83 Yorkshire Street, Oldham. Tel: 01616651016 JUNIOR

,Hi there! once again has put alot of money 5. Name today's referee? Firstly let me take this into Swinton Rugby League Club. Answers to me at club shop on ^opportunity on behalf of Once again for our part we must Station Rd by January 22nd. Mthe junior lions commit- sing, shout, stamp our feet and let 'tee to wish both Swinton the boys on the park know that we DID YOU KNOW; Chief Executive and Oldham fans avery are right behind them every pass, Tony Barrow once coached happy new year. New year, new tackle, kick, scrum. And don't for¬ Oldham. century, will this be the century that get sometime during the season SPOT PRIZE: First to name me two sees both Swinton and Oldham play things will not be going as we of our new players? (£1 coin) at Wembley? Will it be the century would like but when this time that sees rugby league's governing comes, as it will, don't knock the Latest on my keeper John Prince, he body leave the nineteenth century boys but keep on with all the has put weight on, he is working and join the rest of us in the twenty encouragement you can and come hard at his physio and is talking first? To those questions and many July 29th it will be party time here at rugby league, still along way off full more only time will tell. Hopefully the Den. At the next home game on fitness but knowing the big guy he today is the 2nd January and the first the 16th I'll give you arun down on will be itching to get back home and home game of the season, by that I our new players if it's not been cov¬ to call in the den to see us. mean the den is not frozen, covered ered on other pages of today's pro¬ Yours in Sport in snow, waterlogged or the goal¬ gramme. Adonation of £200 has Vinny Lion posts have not been moved again? been handed over to the club by the The winter has been very mild so far Junior Lions prior to today's game. but as I'm putting these notes Congratulations to Tony Barrow together on December 12th to keep (junior) and his lovely wife Nicki the printers happy anything may who had their second child Lucy in have happened. On to the months September. that are in front of us and by April 2nd Sean Casey will have lifted the Have you got your Lions lucky Trans Pennine Cup, the Lions will be numbers off Margaret. top of the Northern Ford Listen for your name. / Premiership, things are beginning to Winning name come happen as crowds start to come to down to pitchside the Den to see this great team of half time, also get ours keep marching towards the your correct score Grand Final on July 29th. All these ticket. things would put smiles on the faces of every true Lions supporter but the The first Junior biggest smile of ail would be that of Lions quiz of the o u r c h a i r m a n M a l c o l m W h i t e w h o season is spon¬ sored by Junior rATTHETODAY'STIME OFDOING MASCOT TODAYS IS NOW KNOWN.NOTES ^ 1L i o n s C o m m i t t e e £10.00 Swinton JUNIOR LION OF Lions gift voucher T H E W E E K 1 . O n D e c e m b e r 1 2 t h Jeffrey Janssen Oldham beat Rochdale in D-O-B: 18/1/87 the AJ Law Cup. True/False School: Mount Carmel R.C.H.S. 2. Former Lion Gavin Price-Jones Wordsworth played in the same match for Road, Rochdale. True/False Accrington 3. Name Oldham's new coach. Is it Jeffrey was Mike Ford/Northern Ford/Ford runner up in last Escort. seasons Junior Supporter 4. Last year's game with Oldham award. was family fun day for the children's 'f hospital in Pendlebury. True/False

8SWINTONLIONS T H E P E R F E C T F A C E

Rarely can we have of course, and cherished by added bonus. approached anew season their parents, Iam sure, but There have been some with more optimism than we they are not inclined to sit m e m o r a b l e m a t c h e s i n do at the dawn of the new around quietly playing Christmases past, although age. Anew season, anew Scrabble, if you get my drift. interestingly Ican't remember year, anew century, anew Afar better way to spend any of them off the top of my millennium. (Same old shirt, Boxing Day from my point of head, either because of age sadly, but you can't have view would be to have been (mine) or the millennium everything.) in the car with my brother on bug. What Ido remember Appropriately, the Lions enter the long drive to Cumbria quite vividly from Christmas the new era with anew-look (nice to have alocal derby at fixtures is the smell of the team, and the best available holiday time) seeing if either cigar smoke wafting up from expert opinion is that we of us can name an entire the terraces, as what used to shouldn't lose agame all Swinton team beginning with be known rather quaintly as season. Unfortunately, the letter 'H', all playing in working men cracked open because of the millennium position (Houghton, Harries, t h e W i l l s W h i ff s t h e i r k i d s bug/Christmas Halliwell F... that's astart for had given them for festivities/pressure of you). Christmas. work/hangovers/ printing It seems strange to be starting I t h i n k i t w a s M a r c e l P r o u s t plant holidays/volatile the season at Christmas time. in his masterpiece ALa situation in the Balkans etc. I Ialways felt it was ahandy Recherche du Temps Perdu am having to write these mid-point of the season, a (not sure about the spelling, words before the match at chance to reassess, regroup, but Iknow we will get a Workington, so for all Iknow, and maybe recover ground flood of letters if that is mis- the bubble has already been lost in the first half of the spelled) who pointed out pricked. Isuspect not, campaign. The chance to how important smell is in though. start that process against local creating anostalgic yearning Whatever happened, Ivery rivals was an for the past. If it wasn't much hope Iwas at Proust, my apologies, but I Workington to witness it. did not want to disappoint because if Iwasn't 1will the editor of the programme have been at my mother- by completing acolumn in-law's on Boxing Day. without using any foreign Nothing against my words. mother-in-law. Fine So, like my old mate Proust, woman. It's just that this let's remember the past, but is aCatholic family, and let us also embrace the new ail the relatives seem to era with ail its opportunities i have more kids than is for the Lions. Au revoir, and strictly necessary. They are abientot. a lovely in their own right with ...MARTIN KELNER

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KEITH BRENNAN command atransfer fee of £100,000 attempt -to fulfill asporting Alate entrant into the pro ranks, when Peter Fox took him to ambition. Keith played for Ftigginshaw and Featherstone. Shaw Rhinos before impressing as ANTHONY GIBBONS an amateur for Oldham towards the JASON CLEGG One half of the twin combination end of the 1999 season. Did Aproduct of Littleborough RL Club, which played for Leeds Rhinos and enough to be offered acontract for this heavyweight prop turned pro for Bramley before joining Oldham at 2000 at the age of 25. An extremely and had astint with the start of the 2000 season. A accomplished scrum half who is Batley before signing for the utility back, 23 year old Anthony is expected to push player-coach Mike Roughyeds shortly after the club was earmarked to play right centre. Ford all the way for the No 7jersey. formed. Made afirst-team place his Signed atwo year contract after own property in 1999 and earned impressing Ford with Bramley in M A R K C A M P B E L L selection for the West of Pennines 1999. One of the 16 new boys brought to side against an East side coached by the club by Mike ford during the first Mike Ford. Received an approach DAVID GIBBONS two months of the player-coach's from France, but chose to re-sign for The other twin, like brother reign. Formerly with Leeds Rhinos Oldham for the year 2000. Anthony, David turned pro with and Keighley Cougars, this 24 year Leeds Rhinos as a17 year old to old hard working back-row forward M I K E F O R D follow in the footsteps of their uncle, is studying at Leeds University for a Ascrum half who has been making Neil Hague. Both became degree in chemical engineering. the right sort of headlines all his household names at Headingley and sporting life. Played for Wigan at played more than 20 senior games, LEO CASEY Wembley when only 19. Also including several in the first Super Tough prop, who played with the starred for Leigh, Oldham, League season on 1996. Formerly former Oldham club, Castleford, Warrington, Wakefield captain of Bramley, David will be a Featherstone Rovers, Swinton and South Queensland key figure for the Roughyeds at and before ■ Crushers. Toured Down stand off half. signing for the Roughyeds for Under with Great Britain the 1999 season. Captained ,^ in 1988. Coached JOEY HAYES the side and, at the age of 32, Bramley to mid¬ Ayoung winger who has crammed a became afirm favourite of table lot into his relatively short spell as a the crowd. An Irish respectability pro. Made his name with St Helens international, he was the in 1999 for whom he played in aRegal first and on *before Trophy Final and aSuper League / ■ . Oldham landing the premiership final to earn aplace on player to Oldham job *, the Great Britain tour squad which /§i* at the third went to New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea in 1996. a An Suffered asetback with aserious ,< ,V knee injury, but fought back to play

r 11 games with Salford Reds in 1999,

\ JOHN HOUGH # Will go down in local RL history as the first player to sign for the new Oldham club when it was launched injhe autumn of 1997. Has had *■ hN^cracking seasons in 1998 and I 1999. When he took the club's plaA-o1-the-year award, Anative of<3wham, John played more than 12 LIONS 30 senior games for Warrington recommended to Ford by Darryl Van G R A E M E S H A W before returning "home" to hook for de Velde. Ford, then coach of Another ex-bradford forward, the Roughyeds. Bramley, was not disappointed. Graeme is the son of former O l d h a m A t h l e t i c s t r i k e r D a v i d S h a w. KEVIN MANNION ANDY PROCTOR Ready for his third season with Another Wiganer, 22 year old Kevin Named captain of the club by Ford Oldham, he has won Scottish is aball-playing loose forward, who for the 2000 season. This former international honours and won made his senior debut with Saddleworth, Wakefield Trinity, recognition as the new club's first Rochdale Hornets when only 16. Oldham and Bramley prop forward, international. Runs and tackles Starred for the Hornets Academy now aged 30, won aman of steel hard. Another ex-student with a and Alliance sides, but then award while with Trinity, as the club degree in chemical engineering. concentrated on his studies at was then called, and has built a Lancaster University. Played for reputation as rugged players' player M A R K S I B S O N England and CB Students, for whom who performs well above his An exciting full back and goalkicker, he has toured Australia and played weight. this 23-year old played for in France. Loughborough University for four PAT RICH years before turning our for JOE McNICHOLAS Another of the younger signings, 21 Castleford's Alliance side. Played his first senior game in the year old Pat is anative of the North Recommended to Batley and Bears last match at Leeds. Broke his East. Played regular senior rugby for became an instant hit, going out on leg for the Roughyeds in the new Keighley in 1999, while studying for loan to Super League club club's first league game at alaw degree at Leeds. Also Huddersfield Giants. Has signed a Workington and missed the rest of represented England Students, for tvs'o year deal for Oldham. the 1998 season apart from abrief whom he played in the centre in the spell as sub in the final match. A World Cup Final at Hull. Can play NATHAN VARLEY pacy winger, Joe bounced back to centre of back row forward. One of the best tacklers in the club, hold down aregular spot on the Nathan played for the Roughyeds in right flank in 1999. WES ROGERS 1998 and 1999 after signing from Astrong second row forward. Was bradford. Had an injury free first T O M O ' R E I L LY has joined his home town club after season, but was desperately unlucky An international for Papua New stints with Widnes and Swinton. A in 1999 when he broke an ankle, Guinea, 25-year-old Tom is an hot property as ateenager, he was smashed awrist and then damaged Aussie with an Irish passport. Can signed for Widnes by Doug afoot on his comeback in the play stand off or loose forward Laughton. Scored two tries Alliance side. Missed much of the equally well, but will be ^ for Swinton against the season, but fully fit now and raring earmarked by Ford for the No Roughyeds at Gigg to go in the new 13 jersey. In line to play for ,Lane last Millennium. PNC in next year's Lincoln season. World Cup,

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^DIADORA PASSIONE ITALIANA C H I C A G O R O C K C A F E HAYMARKET STREET RURY Tel: 0161 763 6444 W E L L F O L K S H E R E W E A R E Two carloads of Thunder fans drove down to voice AGAIN AND IWISH YOU ALL A their disgust at the way their team has been stolen from HAPPY NEW MILLENNIUM AND them, and the general mood IHOPE SANTA REMEMBERED of all the people there was that the game they love, the T O C O M E D O W N Y O U R greatest game on the planet is in crisis, due to the way it CHIMNEY! is (not) being run! Why? Why? Why? Well, it's been one hell of a Wrong! Speaking of the hierarchy, close season hasn't it? As you know Ilove this why the hell have they not Bramley in, then out, game, but Rugby League is sacked Andy Badway from then??? Sheffield merge in turmoil and from where I the GB job? This guy is a with Huddersfield am sat, the hierarchy joke! He's just not got it! Desperations, sorry. Giants, couldn't give atoss! How His record in full then join, and don't join us, saw you lot out there? internationals reads Played in the Premiership, then??? The R.L.S.A. had ameeting 8Won 1Drawn 1Lost 6, Gateshead move lock stock at the Willows and despite which based on 2points for and barrel down the East it not being my favourite a w i n a n d 1 f o r a d r a w Coast to join the Hull acre on this planet I works out as 12 1/2 per Lloyds. Whoops, wrong swallowed my pride and cent! Even bloody V.A.T. is again. Sharks. Sold down went! Nice room, nice bar, higher than that! Resign the Tyne! shame about the team! Goodway! Now! What the hell is going on? I So there you have it we're thought we got akick in the in the third millennium and unmentionables when the as the song goes 'Things shrine was sold from under Can Only Get Better!" our noses and we relocated They can't get much worse! here at the Gigg back in '92. But what about the fans now, of these three PS: clubs? They don't know if they're on their arse or their Oh yes! "The Monton Mouth" elbow, and why were they not consulted? They've It's atitle imposed on me by mon amis de Paris. been s—t on from agreat height! Wrong! Wrong! Resign Goodway! Now! THE ©N MOUTH

with SPELLY

20 SWINTONL.IONS wwDiWBr.r ,2.; It's been a McAlpine Stadium, but unlike What we need winter so far rugby league you go to the of discontent RIGHT NOW IS game, take your seat and then amongst POSITIVE after the game leave it and just rugby league make your way to the car. P7 ACTION ON fans, whether What appeals to me in rugby you are in the T H E F I E L D league is that unless the club's Northern Ford Premiership or F R O M O U R employ afew "Hitler's" on the the European Super League for PLAYERS... doors the barriers come dov. n your diet of arguably the best and you can mix with game in the world. Bramley will never comeback supporters pre and post match because the powers that be do and the players after the game. There's hardly been aday not want them back, but the You really feel part and parcel w h e n s h o c k h e a d l i n e s h a v e game needs those 250 of the proceedings and not not hit the newspapers and the spectators and Idoubt they just aspectator like you are at 13-a-side game has escaped will turn to following the football where there is no the glare of others not so Leeds Rhinos. Hunslet Hawks chance at the bigger clubs of closely connected to the game may benefit by afew but we being one of the "gang". as you people at today's game could see them lost to the with Oldham and myself. game entirely. One thing for sure I'm glad the live action is back but I'm I've cringed at some of the Our family accountant who not so sure that I'll get used to goings on I've heard and seen has done the books of a usual things of winter rugby, plus what my father, Dave professional RL club for many trying to feel my feet and Nosey Parker, has heard years and is steeped in the hands, and wondering after a around the traps, as the game says his appetite for frosty or snowy night if the Aussies call it. In the two rugby league has really waned game of my choice is going to mergers and demise of in the past few months and it be on or off. One thing about Bramley it is the fans who is going to take some spring and summer rugby is have been hurt the most. The regenerating. that apart from the occasional directors have got away downpour one feels much without any financial I'm so sorry to sound so warmer. comebacks and the players negative with the first of my who have been freed have, on columns, but I'm sure my Agood tip the other day on the whole, all found clubs, thoughts and his are echoed the radio was for the spectator although maybe not at the sort right across the game at this to take two average size of level contract wise they moment. What we need right potatoes to the game having were on previously, although now is positive action on the had them in the oven all one Willie Peters has done field from our players and, morning. Apparently the best very nicely at Wigan, thank after months of politics being thing is to wrap them in apair you. played out by our game's of old socks and then go to rulers, positive action from the game with the overcoat on There may only have been them is now putting the and one in each pocket. 250 hardcore spectators with supporters and their opinions Whatsmore, if you are hungry Bramley at the end of last first. on the way home you can eat season, but how they will miss them, so pack the salt and a their rugby club and the Over the winter so far have couple of butter portions! feeling of involvement when been watching some we all get underway today. professional football at the

\ /N y ^with Charlotte Parker

21 cheetham hill |

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MARTYN SADLER, I M a n a g i n g E d i t o r o f Rugby League Express, examines the nature of With MARTYN SADLER

the NFP Championship W E E K 1 piay-off that wiii take piece at the end of this Preliminary Semi-finals Match A T e a m 1 v T e a m 4 season. Match B Te a m 2 v Te a m 3 Winners go into Major Semi-finals Many Rugby League fans Losers go into Minor Semi-finals might be asking why the k Elimination Semi-finals Northern Ford Premiership is Match C Te a m 5 v Te a m 8 changing its play-off format this season, Match D Te a m 6 v Te a m 7 after the successful operation of the Winners go into Minor Semi-finals top-five format in the last two seasons. Losers eliminated from play-offs The system is being changed to a W E E K 2 top-eight format, and for one simple reason. The NFP wants to give more of Byes into Major Semi-finals in week 3 its clubs the chance to participate in Winner of Match A finals football. Eight out of the 18 NFP Winner of Match B teams will feature in the play-offs this M i n o r S e m i - fi n a l s season, which means that the majority Match E of clubs will have plenty to play for right Loser of Match Bhome to Winner of Match D throughout the season, right through to Match F the Grand Final on the last Saturday in Loser of Match Ahome to Winner of Match C July. Winners go into Major Semi-finals Losers eliminated from play-offs But the new finals system won't be played under the old Premiership W E E K 3 format, where the team finishing first played the team in eighth spot, second Major Semi-finals Match G playing seventh, etc, with the loser of Winner of Match AvWinner of Match E each game being eliminated. Match H Leigh coach Ian Miilward pointed out Winner of Match BvWinner of Match F the fault with that system in 'Total Winners go into Grand Final Rugby League' last August. Losers eliminated from play-offs

"In astraight knock-out competition, W E E K 4 you could finish first and see six months hard work go down the drain in one Grand Final match, which obviously isn't fair," said Match I Winner of Match GvWinner of Match H Miilward at the time. Winners are NFP Champions for the 2000 The system the NFP has come up season with, like the top-five system, gives the highest placed clubs in positions one to If this system had operated in 1999, FiuU KR, four asecond chance, if they are York and Whitehaven, as the teams finishinytg would defeated on the first weekend, whereas sixth, seventh and eighth respectively, have qualified for the play-offs. the clubs finishing fifth to eighth are But Whitehaven, as the eighth team, playing straight knockout football would have faced atough battle to reach the throughout the play-offs. Grand Final, having to win three times away Ihave to take the credit (or the from home to make it to the big one. Contrast that with the team finishing top, which only blame!) for suggesting the system to has to win twice at home to make the Grand the NFP clubs, so I'd better explain in Final. some detail how it works. You can see, Ihope, the potential for a Set out below is the week-by-week fascinating and exciting finals series. I, for guide to the top-eight piay-off system. one, can't wait for the last Saturday in July. For the finest Northern Ford Premiership coverage

RUBBYi

a a a I I

-f." ijiikutii with Mike Caine The Roving Mike

The Annual able future. yourself, why should the NFP Presentation But, what about all these accept Hull as amember to night at the going's on since the curtain allow Gateshead to continue? end of last came down on last season. Why were Huddersfield not season was There was the refusal to allow relegated as they should have less well NFP Grand Final winners. been? Why is there no promo¬ V attended Hunsiet Hawks into Super tion for Hunsiet? More to the % than in League. The so-called point, what the hell are Super recent years, Hull/Gateshead and League playing at by allowing but this can be put down to Huddersfield/Sheffield mergers. the 1998 win¬ two major contributing factors. The demise of Bramley and re¬ ners to almost fade away com¬ Firstly, there was the lack of birth of the Eagles. In fact pletely? Idon't know about time for preparation and plan¬ there has been so much politi¬ promotion and marketing. It ning caused by the unfortunate cal bickering that we seem to strikes me that Caisley and his demise of the Supporters Club, have completely forgotten the cohorts couldn't run astall on which forced the "old guard" total shambles of aperform¬ Pendlebury market, without to act in haste. On the other ance by Great Britain and being knee deep in debt!!! hand there was afeeling of Ireland in the tri-nations series As for the NFP, what on earth apathy amongst fans, not only down under. To put in bluntly, are we doing starting the sea¬ at Swinton, but at many clubs the game is in abig mess. It son on Boxing Day? Aknee throughout the League. makes me wonder why people jerk reaction if ever there was However, one thing happened follow it when the powers that one. Oh dear, what agloomy at our presentation night, be seem incapable of agreeing picture Ihave painted. Can't which has shone out like a on anything, the rules are help it though, as it's been bright star amongst ail the changed at his or her whim doom and gloom throughout political nonsense which has and everything seems so the closed season. blighted the game throughout damned parochial. So what on earth are we all the autumn and early win¬ The truth is, in my opinion, doing back here as another ter...Mike Gregory's speech. that since 1995 Rugby League campaign unveils? It was Mike Never have Ifelt so uplifted by has been ruled by greed, Gregory's speech which kept listening to aspeaker as 1was instead of good old common me going, areal motivational that night. It was brilliant and sense. Super League might as effort if ever there was one. made me feel that our club is well be afour letter word as Alex Murphy has got nothing in good hands for the forsee- far as 1am concerned. Just ask on our coach. I'll tell you!!!! Hello again brain-boxes! As usual I'll be asking you six questions on asporting theme. Today's theme is... "FORMER R.L VENUES". UIZ 1. Liverpool City R.L.F.C. played at which ground last? 2. Blackpool Borough R.L.F.C. played at which ground last? 3. Where do The Lions play before moving to Station Road? 4. The Athletic Ground is now the site of asupermarket^ who played there? 5. Which Rugby League team played at Wheaters Field? 6. Which Rugby League team's first home ground was Owlerton?

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St 26 SWiNTONLiONS F R O M T H E L I O N S ARCHIVES

AN A-Z OF SWINTON GREATS ~PART ONE

T O M A N D E R S O N Swinton Career Record: 145 years of the War. Tommy Armitt A n d e r s o n w a s a fi n e appearances, 32 tries, 3goals made his Test debut at Station Road scrum-half whose Representative Honours: 1England against the 1933 Australians, and career spanned the , 1Lancashire cap. went on to win 8caps in all. He Great War. He made toured the Antipodes in 1936 his debut on 11 TOMMY ARMITT alongside Martin Hodgson, and November 1911, and often appeared Arguably Swinton's greatest ever gained many other representative in the same line-up as his brother, hooker. In fact Tommy had tried his honours. On top of all this he was Fred, who was awinger. The luck at soccer with Crewe Alexandra also twice on the winning side for brothers answered the patriotic call before the Lions snapped him up Swinton against Australia. The War in 1914 and indeed Ered was from alocal junior rugby team at the (during which he sometimes guested awarded the Military Medal, whilst turn of the 1930s. He made his for Hull) cut short his career, but he Tom spent much of his time digging debut at the opening of Barrow's did play on until 19 October 1946 the trenches in alabour battalion. Craven Park on 29 August 1931, and when he made his final bow at Leigh. Having survived the war, Tom went on to enjoy aglittering career. Swinton Career Record: 352 continued at scrum half until early However, he was on the losing side appearances, 24 tries, 6goals 1921 when he was sold to with Swinton in 3major cup finals Representative Honours: 8Great Warrington following the Lions' before his club won the RL Britain caps (plus 8Tour games), 10 acquisition of acertain Bryn Evans. Championship in 1934/35. He also England caps (1 try), 13 Lancashire Anderson's solitary representative won the Lancashire League and Cup caps (1 try), 1Lancashire League, 3 appearance came almost by accident. Double in 1940 in what should have Northern Rugby League, 1Tour Trial He was selected as reserve for aTour been his testimonial year. However, Trial at Leeds in 1920, but due to a in ashow of great loyalty to his club OWEN BADGER Widnes player being delayed by a which would shame many modern Swinton's signing of the Welsh Rugby late train Anderson ended up playing. day players, Armitt refused his Union international centre, Owen However, he did not make final testimonial because he felt that Badger, caused anationwide selection for the Great Britain tour to Swinton RLFC could ill-afford the sensation back in 1897. Badger was Australasia later that year. expense during what was the early persuaded to leave Llanelly for a Swinton Career Record: 99 reputed fee of £70, but his wife's appearances, 12 tries, 14 goals opposition to the move was to cause Representative Honours: 1Tour Trial him great difficulties during his relatively short stay at Chorley Road. C H A R L I E A R M I T T Indeed on one occasion he found The son of the Lions' great hooker. himself suspended for abreach of the Tommy Armitt. Charlie carved a anti-professional rules after he had niche for himself in the second row gone home to visit his sick child and after making his debut on 18 October therefore had not worked prior to a 1947. However, he could also play Saturday match as he was required to loose forward and even had several do. He scored atry on his Swinton outings on the wing including one for debut in avictory at Rochdale his club against the 1948/49 Hornets on 4December 1897, but by Australians, but his eye for atry 8April 1899 he had made his final made him the top scorer at Station appearance. In between he had Road during that same season. At played for Lancashire against the end of the 1948/49 campaign he Yorkshire at Salford's New Barns made his debut for Lancashire, and in ground. September 1949 he played for Swinton Career Record: 27 England when they lost to the Other appearances, 6tries, 19 goals Nationalities at Workington. Prior to Representative Honours: 1Lancashire the start of the 1953/54 season he cap was sold to Huddersfield.

VC.

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SWiNTONLiONS 27

r L a d i e s & g e n t l e m e n O u r - G u e s t S p e a k e r

Today and of course Ihave fantastic and his players all the best for Swinton memories from the years I the coming season. Ido Lions Chief coached them. Those memo- believe the team Mike Greg Executive ries include winning the has assembled are, in stature, and former Division Two Premiership at the biggest Swinton has seen in Oldham Old Trafford by one point after many ayear and you can't beat Coach Tony being down by twenty points at agood big un. With seven Barrow. half time, reaching the final of new signings, five of which 'Back to the the Lancashire Cup and play¬ have come from Super League, good old days' playing Rugby ing in that fantastic Challenge we should not lack guile, drive League over Christmas and Cup Semi Final at Wigan. That or experience. New Year. Ipersonally like the Semi Final was against another Finally, Iwould like to wish all idea and Istrongly believe win¬ old club of mine, Warrington, our supporters, all visiting sup- ter is the season for rugby. and I'm sure lots of today's vis- porters from Oldham and sup- Ihave listened to all the argu¬ iting Oldham fans will have porters of Rugby ments why we shouldn't play been at the game. League every- in winter but Iask the question In the last minute of the game where a "Have gates improved by play¬ Paul Lord dived in at the cor- happy and ing in the summer?" Ithink ner following achip kick from prosperous E.., not. Mike Ford only for referee John New Year. J| 1 Ihave looked forward to Holdsworth to disallow the try c today's game from the minute for offside. Iswear to this day Tony Barrow we received the fixture list. r Lordy was onside but the refer¬ a What could be better than ee is always right (so they say!). Swinton VOldham on New Players from that team are still Years Day (well near enough!)? involved with Oldham today, It is agreat pleasure for me to including Leo Casey, Paul welcome Oldham to Gigg Lane Round, John Henderson and last but not least Oldham's new Player Coach Mike Ford. Iwish Mike all the very best in J \ his coaching position (except in games against Swinton of course). Ihave the greatest respect for Mike Ford and i believe he is one of the I : top young British M ■ Coaches in the game S along with our own ^ Mike Gregory. f 1. Talking of Mike r- Winning Try Scorer in Gregory, Iwould like to take * Premiership Final 1990 this opportunity to wish him TOMMY MARTYN

28 SWtNTONLIONS PROMOTIONS

Treasureline Weekly Draw £10 Consolation Prize to holders of the same number as It maybe the first home match of a the above winner, BUT with adifferent prefix letter. new season but the Treasureline £100 T0130 SWark Richard Corbett Weekly Draw carries on 52 weeks of Cl 227 Neil Brockbank Visa Paymen the year. We thank all our collectors 12398 M r s H u l m e Susan Talbot who helped during 1999 and need C5647 LFrancis Beverley Calvert the same sort of commitment in

2000. To that end, we need help in £50 D3938 M r s A D u n s t a n lames Parkinson the following area's with collectors J5605 M r s L e e Paul Mather illing to do acouple of hours per J1024 M r S G r e a v e s Brian Clarke week;- L0161 Mrs Kim Baker John Phillips Stoneclough Kearsley £25 K6110 M r L S m i t h Jim Evans Little Lever R3915 VWilliams Owen Williams Farnworth T4133 Mrs Shebani D&J Mellor and Waikden E0056 M r Wa r b u r t o n Jack Robins Agents receive 15% commission, 10% bonus on winners sold and in most cases aFREE MATCH TICKET. Ring £10 Consolation Prizes: C3823 G6985 Q1691 R4624 Steve Walmsiey on 705-2144 or Marlene on 794-6150. Agts Watch Winners: Arnold Cook, Stan Devlin, Debbie Talbot M i l l e n n i u m D r a w

Many of you have received and sold tickets for the Golden Gamble Millennium Draw which takes place this Saturday. With adecent gate expected today lets see agood pay out £2,000 is the big prize on offer, overall prizes totalling on the Golden Gamble draw, only possible of course with £3,000 if you haven't had any -call in reception after your help. today's game, or at the shop on Station Road. Souvenirs Treasureline Winners Anew range of souvenirs wi soon be housed in the No. Name Agent recently opened shop on the forecourt -watch this space. £1000 R 3 9 4 5 Mr Creenhaigh Bhikha News 12 13 14 15 161 7 BARROV

BATLEY

DEWSBURY

DONCASTER

FEATHERSTONE

HUNSLET

KEIGHLEY

UNCASHIRF

LEIGH

OLDHAM

ROCHDALI

SHEFFIELD

SWINTOI

HITEHAVE

WORKINGTON

SWINTON LIONS BOARDROOM SPONSORS LINE-UPSm

1 S T E V E G A R T L A N D 1MARKSIBSON g

2JASON ROACH 2JOEY HAYES

3MATT BATEMAN 3ANTHONY GIBBONS □□□) 4PHILCOUSSONS c 34PAT RICH mg): 5MARLON BILLY 5 J O E M c N I C H O L A S □□□):

6PAUL LOUGHLIN 6DAVID GIBBONS

1IAN WATSON 7 M I K E F O R D m 8JON NEILL 8LEO CASEY □□□) 9 C H R I S H I G H T O N [9JOHN HOUGH m) 10 MATTY KNOWLE: 0ANDY PROCTER □□□) 11 IAN PICKAVANCI MARK[11 CAMPBELL 12PAUL SMITH G R A E M E S H A W □□□); 13 SEAN CASEY ri3 T O M O ' R E I L L Y g 14 TBA [l4 TBA □□□) .'i;

15 TBA 15 TBA

16 TBA 6TBA □□□ ) 17 TBA [(17TBA □□□ C O A C H M I K E G R E G O R Y COACH MIKE FORD /;it:

BIH officials REFEREE: TBA Touch Judges: TBA SIS Reserve Referee: TBA

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