FORUMS FORUMS



  
FORUMS > Amateur Rugby League Forum > Wigan Riversiders 23 Philadelphia Fight 14
32 posts in 3 pages 
<<   PREV  NEXT   >>
Subscribe | Moderators: Admin
RankPostsTeam
International Board Member22783No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Dec 200222 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Nov 2011Nov 2011LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED





After months of preparations, match day finally arrived on a scorching Maundy Thursday in the ancient borough of Wigan. ‘The Fight’ had announced their intentions to tour in November 2010 and took up the challenge to play Wigan Riversiders almost immediately, the game catching plenty attention locally as the first ever game on English soil between teams from their respect continents. The Philadelphia boys demonstrated in advance their tremendous character in playing a game a mere 30 hours after flying across the Atlantic!

The teams entered the field side-by-side to the strains of Jerusalem and lined up for introductions to the mayor followed by national anthems, the Philadelphia boys clear pride in their shirt showing through as they clutched their team badges and belted out the anthem. And so to the match.

There had been much speculation in the Wigan camp at the size and physical nature of the tourists and if any lingering doubts remained, they were immediately dispelled on the first contact, Philly kicking the ball to 20 stone Wigan captain Martyn Cheetham who was met by a fierce wall of defence as he returned the kick. Wigan made good ground up field but soon found themselves on the defensive, the Philly team making the most of a couple of penalties to pound the Wigan line with their huge pack. Relief for the Wiganers as a double movement was ruled and a 20 metre tap allowed them to clear their lines. A penalty awarded for a high shot in the visitors 20 allowed Wigan to open the scoring, Martyn Cheetham landing a penalty for an early 2-0 lead.

And it was to get better for the Riversiders, buoyed by their early defensive endeavours, efforts turned to attack and a nice flowing move to the right saw the ball in the hands of winger Alex Rigby. Still with plenty to do, the big winger fended off 2 challenges before crashing over out wide. Conversion missed but an early 6-0 lead.

Questions were now being asked of the Fight as they started to understandably look fatigued from their long journey and twice Wigan worked the overlap before putting the ball down for a turnover with the tryline at their mercy. Fight captain Phil Shipos has seen enough, the pacey Aussie commandeering the ball on the halfway line, a sublime sidestep putting him in the clear and a fend taking out the chasing defence. Only the fullback to beat, but a textbook tackle from full back Greg Brown saving the day for the Riversiders. The Fight now had their tails up and twice more broke the line, John Evangelista and Rich Henson showing great pace and creativity to put barnstorming longsnapper Dan Gabrielli into some fierce collisions.

However, it was the Riversiders who scored next to extend the lead, the try of the game going once again to Alex Rigby, taking the ball on his wing on the halfway line showing pace and power to round 3 defenders and cut inside to the posts. Stand-out Riversiders full back Greg Brown adding the extras. 12-0 to Wigan.

The Philadelphia boys are, however, made of stern stuff and it if the pace of winger Rigby was troubling them out wide, they were giving nothing away up the middle of the park. Some powerful running from T. Brad Kielinski setting up a well deserved and well taken try that was duly converted for the teams to go to half time with all to play for at 12-6.

Time for this match reporter to speak to the crowd and the sponsors and gage a response to the 40 minutes action they had seen. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, the fitness and strength of the Philadelphia players wowing the knowledgeable rugby public of Wigan and their commitment to the cause after falling behind well noted. The Trans-Atlantic challenge was a hit and rugby league USA style had arrived in Wigan!

Back to the action and it was Wigan who took the initiative shortly into the second half, creative play from Wigan half’s Danny Gregory and Scott Dean generating field position for who other than winger Rigby to charge over from 5 metres from dummy half to complete a hat-trick. The kick from wide out was missed.

The next 20 minutes of the game were all Philadelphia, their powerful forwards and hard working backs pressuring Wigan in attack, Riversiders hooker Phil King throwing out a wild long ball that was snapped up by Pat Darby to race 50 yards before handing on for a score out wide, the Fight crucially missing the conversion. And more was to come as again the Fight, forcing Wigan to kick from their own 40 cleaned up a poor chip kick to run the ball in at the left hand corner. Another missed conversion but it was now a 2 point ball game and some very nervous Riversiders faces on the touchline.

Deep into the final quarter and with field position see-sawing between both ends of the field, it was Riversiders powerhouse prop forward Neil Savage who finally put some daylight between the two sides under the floodlights of Robin Park Arena, good build-up play from Simon Atherton allowing big Savage to barge onto the ball, his sheer bulk displacing the Fight defence for the match winning score to the left of the posts. A conversion from Cheetham and a drop goal from Riversiders 7 Danny Gregory for good measure giving a final score of 23-14 to the Wigan Riversiders.

An absorbing contest and one thoroughly enjoyed by the 600 strong crowd. The American tourists did themselves proud, giving nothing in defence or attack for the full 80, the difference between the teams a single try, the experience of the Wigan halves in getting the ball wide to pace men perhaps being the overall difference between the two sides. And so to the aftermatch party where the American boys showed up well after being introduced to English beer, several – including popular ‘longsnapper’ Dan Gabrielli opting to stay long after the team bus had left to enjoy socialising with their new friends at the Riversiders! Will the Riversiders visit Philadelphia to defend their title? Watch this space….

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach51No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Jan 200916 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Jul 2011Jun 2011LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



is that mark dorning and anthony murray i see??

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach2760No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Nov 200519 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Nov 2014Jan 2013LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Quote: Metsprop "is that mark dorning and anthony murray i see??'"



Thats what I was thinking

mmp
RankPostsTeam
International Board Member4069No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Mar 200322 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Mar 2016Mar 2015LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



I thought it too.

Few Wigan Bulldogs players there as well...

RankPostsTeam
International Star70No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Apr 201114 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Oct 2013Oct 2013LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



is there any match reports on haresfinch v fight

RankPostsTeam
International Board Member22783No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Dec 200222 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Nov 2011Nov 2011LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Quote: Metsprop "is that mark dorning and anthony murray i see??'"


It is indeed, Anthony Murray is the head coach/player coach for the Riversiders and Mark has been down through the pre season.

Quote: Metsprop "I thought it too.
Few Wigan Bulldogs players there as well...'"


A few? Just the one, Andy Higham who is bottom right on the picture.

mmp
RankPostsTeam
International Board Member4069No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Mar 200322 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Mar 2016Mar 2015LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Quote: {Hogan} "

A few? Just the one, Andy Higham who is bottom right on the picture.'"


two then - as I'm pretty sure second from right at back played against us in Div 5

RankPostsTeam
International Board Member22783No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Dec 200222 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Nov 2011Nov 2011LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Quote: mmp "two then - as I'm pretty sure second from right at back played against us in Div 5'"


His brother plays for keepers, but the one in the picture played at Orrell/New Springs Lions during the Winter.

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach2760No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Nov 200519 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Nov 2014Jan 2013LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Quote: {Hogan} "It is indeed, Anthony Murray is the head coach/player coach for the Riversiders and Mark has been down through the pre season.

A few? Just the one, Andy Higham who is bottom right on the picture.'"


Surprised muzza hasnt left yet

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach117No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Feb 200916 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Sep 2013Aug 2013LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Neil Savage, an old Penketh High buddy! i taught him everything he knows. icon_surprised.gifops:
glad to see him doing well, top guy!! a014.gif

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach51No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Jan 200916 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Jul 2011Jun 2011LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



bitchy monkytowner ha ha...dornin top fella....muzza very knowledgeable...good player...

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach2760No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Nov 200519 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Nov 2014Jan 2013LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Quote: Metsprop "bitchy monkytowner ha ha...dornin top fella....muzza very knowledgeable...good player...'"


Your right about Mark should do well for Riversiders if Bolton cant restart

RankPostsTeam
International Board Member22783No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Dec 200222 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Nov 2011Nov 2011LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Quote: dipper "Neil Savage, an old Penketh High buddy! i taught him everything he knows.
Great guy and good player, won the prem with Bank Quay this Winter and hopes to carry form over to the Summer.

RankPostsTeam
International Board Member22783No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Dec 200222 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Nov 2011Nov 2011LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Quote: Metsprop "....muzza very knowledgeable...good player...'"


We have improved as a side after his pre season, already a much better team under his leadership.

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach51No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Jan 200916 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Jul 2011Jun 2011LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



mets wont re start.....be very very surprised

32 posts in 3 pages 
<<   PREV  NEXT   >>
Subscribe | Moderators: Admin
32 posts in 3 pages 
<<   PREV  NEXT   >>
Subscribe | Moderators: Admin



All views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the RLFANS.COM or its subsites.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that news stories, articles and images are correct, we cannot be held responsible for errors. However, if you feel any material on this website is copyrighted or incorrect in any way please contact us using the link at the top of the page so we can remove it or negotiate copyright permission.

RLFANS.COM, the owners of this website, is not responsible for the content of its sub-sites or posts, please email the author of this sub-site or post if you feel you find an article offensive or of a choice nature that you disagree with.

Copyright 1999 - 2024 RLFANS.COM

You must be 18+ to gamble, for more information and for help with gambling issues see https://www.begambleaware.org/.



Please Support RLFANS.COM


12.4658203125:10
RLFANS Recent Posts
FORUM
LAST
POST
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
58m
2025 Recruitment
Pyrah123
210
Recent
BORED The Band Name Game
Boss Hog
63268
Recent
How many games will we win
Shifty Cat
48
Recent
Game - Song Titles
Boss Hog
40802
Recent
Film game
Boss Hog
5759
Recent
Getting a new side to gel
Bullseye
1
Recent
Salford
rubber ducki
55
Recent
Transfer Talk V5
ArthurClues
511
Recent
ALL NEW 49ERS ERA LEEDS UTD THREAD
Trebor1
2610
Recent
Fixtures
BigTime
2
FORUM
LAST
VIEW
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
1m
ALL NEW 49ERS ERA LEEDS UTD THREAD
Trebor1
2610
1m
Rumours and signings v9
Mark_P1973
28902
1m
Film game
Boss Hog
5759
2m
Salford
rubber ducki
55
2m
IMG Score
Bull Mania
83
2m
New Kit
matt_wire
69
3m
2025 Betfred Super League Fixtures
MjM
21
3m
BORED The Band Name Game
Boss Hog
63268
3m
Writers required
H.G.S.A
1
4m
Fixtures 2025
Bull Mania
9
FORUM
NEW
TOPICS
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
TODAY
Getting a new side to gel
Bullseye
1
TODAY
Fixtures
BigTime
2
TODAY
Writers required
H.G.S.A
1
TODAY
2025 Fixtures
Jemmo
1
TODAY
2025 Squad
Sadfish
1
TODAY
Salary Cap Changes Blocked - 11 votes to 1
Mark_P1973
8
TODAY
Fixtures 2025
Bull Mania
9
TODAY
Spirit of the Rhinos
chapylad
6
TODAY
Mike Ogunwole
Wanderer
1
TODAY
Bailey Dawson
Wanderer
1
TODAY
2024
REDWHITEANDB
14
TODAY
Dan Norman Retires
Cokey
1
TODAY
How many games will we win
Shifty Cat
48
TODAY
Leigh Leopards - 2025 Fixtures
Bent&Bon
6
TODAY
Catalan Away
Dannyboywt1
6
TODAY
2025 Betfred Super League Fixtures
RLFANS News
1
TODAY
2025 fixtures
Smiffy27
15
NEWS ITEMS
VIEWS