James hopeful of massive Wrexham support

With Wales looking to bounce back from their 32-16 defeat to Italy against the USA on Sunday, prop Jordan James is hoping that the passionate crowd up in Wrexham can spur them on to victory.

The Racecourse ground is the setting for Iestyn Harris’ side’s must-win clash against the United States, which has become even more important following the Tomahawks impressive debut win in the Rugby League World Cup beating the Cook Islands 32-20 last night.

James is familiar with the Racecourse ground after the Crusaders were based there during the 2010-1 season and with the game close to a sell-out, James has urged the bumper crowd to be on top form come Sunday afternoon.

“It’s always nice to play here in Wrexham,” he said.

“I had some good times here with the Crusaders – the fans are very loyal and passionate and they make a lot of noise, which is great from a player’s perspective.

“I’m looking forward to running out onto the Racecourse field once again and hopefully we can put on a show for them.

“Home support can play a massive part in the USA match especially as when you’re down and out and you hear people singing and cheering it really gives the players a lift.

“Nothing beats hearing thousands of people signing the Welsh national anthem and I’m really looking forward to playing in front of a passionate home crowd here in Wrexham.”

The Tomahawks travel to Wrexham in confident mood following their historic win over the Cook Islands, with a squad bolstered with the likes of NRL stars Clint Newton and Wednesday night’s man of the match Joseph Paulo.

And James, who will ply his trade with the Gloucestershire All Golds next season, is expecting a tough, physical contest against the World Cup newcomers.

He added: “The Tomahawks have got a few experienced NRL players in their squad and they will be big and strong.

“They’re a country that excels when it comes to sport so they are going to come here fired up and looking to win. We’ve got to make sure we’re well prepared and match them physically.

“We’ve got a relatively young squad but the guys know each other pretty well.

“We’ve been together as a unit for four or five years now and we have a strong bond as a team.”

Tickets for the Wales vs. USA game are available online at http://www.rlwc2013.com/tickets, in person at the Glyndwr University box-office or by calling the Rugby League World Cup ticket hotline on 0844 847 2013.

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"We can still make it through" - White

Despite Wales’ opening day defeat to Italy in the Rugby League World Cup on Saturday, stand-off Lloyd White is still optimistic about his team’s chances of qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition.

The Azzurri followed on from their shock defeat of England in a warm-up game by prevailing against Wales 32-16 at the Millennium Stadium after their powerful second half performance proved to be the difference.

But with the USA and the Cook Islands still to come for Iestyn Harris’ men, White believes they have what it takes to progress.

“Obviously the Italy loss was a huge disappointment after the build-up we had had and the performances we had been giving in training,” said White.

“But they matched our intensity throughout and it probably just got a bit too far away from us during the later stages of the match.

“They were a big, strong side and there were a few bruised bodies the next morning as well as a few bruised egos as we were confident that we could come away with a win due to how well our preparation had gone.

“But we have to forget about that now as we play the USA on Sunday and realistically it is win or bust so we are going to have to go out and give it our all in order to get that result.

“But hopefully we can play to our potential and if we can I’m more than confident we can win our next two games and go through to the Quarters.”

Wales travel to Wrexham’s Glyndwr Racecourse Ground for their game against the United States before taking on the Cook Islands at the Gnoll.

With a crowd of over 45,000 at the Millennium Stadium for the double header featuring England against Australia and Wales and Italy, White has praised the spectators for making it a memorable experience.

“The crowd was fantastic during the game and the atmosphere was incredible,” said the Widnes Vikings star.

“It got the boys up for it even more and it’s just a shame we couldn’t repay the favour by getting the win.

“Even though it won’t be as busy up in Wrexham, I’m sure the atmosphere will be just as electric and this time we’ll be able to repay their support.”

The 2011 RLIF Wales Rugby League player of the year is seen by many as a key player to Wales’ hopes of qualifying to the knockout stages but White was keen to praise the squad and strength in depth they possess.

He added: “I don’t think it’s about one player as such as we have such a class squad full of Super League and NRL experience.

“The good thing about it as well is that it is only going to continue developing and getting stronger due to how much exposure this tournament is going to bring to Rugby League in Wales.”

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Scorpions star Parry defects to rivals

South Wales Scorpions coach Dave Clark has vowed to continue strengthening his side after they lost record try scorer Steve Parry to local rivals Gloucestershire All Golds.

Parry switched clubs just ahead of their crunch derby clash tomorrow at Cheltenham’s The Prince of Wales Stadium, with Clark stating he couldn’t stand in the way of a player leaving if his heart “isn’t in it”.

He said: “We are continuing to strengthen the side. We’ve signed four new players in the last week, two of whom are half-backs, and that is a massive plus for us.

“We’re sorry to lose Steve, but I know all the lads will be looking forward to facing him this Sunday. It was a tough decision for the club to agree to release him. He has been a loyal servant and has always been part of my plans for this season and the future.”

Parry, who has three Welsh caps to his name, played in the club’s first game in February 2010 and scored their second ever try in the 22-20 win over Workington Town.

The 24-year-old scored 43 tries in 73 matches, which is also the record for the most appearances for the club. He also leaves just 17 points off being the club’s record points scorer.

He said of his decision to leave: “It’s been a really tough decision for me because I've been here from the start and it’s become a big part of me. But unfortunately I have decided to leave as I am not enjoying the rugby side of things at the moment.

“My style of play does not seem to fit in with the direction that the coach wants to go. The way I was being utilised as a player was having a negative effect on my game and it’s been hard for me to find consistency within the team, which in turn has affected my performances.”

He also paid tribute to Scorpions fans for getting behind him, adding: “I would like to thank the fans and everyone who worked behind the scenes of the club for a fantastic few years. They have worked really hard to make the club a success and I really appreciate the support they have given the team and myself over the past seasons.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for the opportunity I was given to play rugby league at this level, and I’d like to thank all the players and wish them and the club the best of luck through the season in getting the success they deserve.”

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Boars go close but Titans too strong in the finish

The Borderer Boars were speared at the death by a more experienced Newport Titans side in a 50-48 Welsh Rugby League Conference defeat this afternoon.

Searching for their first victory having formed for the new season, they pushed their well-established visitors close before finally going down in the closing minutes at their Upton Memorial Ground home in Chepstow.

Despite the loss, captain John Rogers was mightily impressed with his side’s performance as they get to grips with competitive Rugby League – many having rarely played it before.

He said: “We improved massively again. We were leading for the majority of it and it was a shame we couldn’t hold on.

“A couple of injuries rocked us and in the end inexperience cost us some cheap tries. There were a couple of new faces today who had never played Rugby League before so we did well.”

Newport started the better and were a couple of tries ahead early on. But their plucky hosts came back in to it and the lead fluctuated between the two sides for much of the half.

The Boars moved 36-24 ahead just before the break, and they kept their noses in front until there were just eight minutes remaining on the clock.

With the Boars down to 12 due to injuries and having used their only two substitutes, the Titans struck, and registered four tries in the closing stages to steal the victory. The Boars did register two of their own, including the final score of the game, but it was not to be.

Captain Rogers was among the scorers by grabbing a brace, while Josh Hamman caught the eye with a hat-trick as the Boars pushed for that maiden win. The other touchdowns came from Josh Ashby, Thomas Bond, Dan Chiu, Rhys Cresswell and John O’Neill.

The home crowd were once again receptive, which pleased Rogers further. “There was a decent crowd of about 75 and they really got in to it,” he added. “They hung around after and asked us when our next fixtures were so this is positive.”

Next up for the Boars is a trip to the Valley Cougars on June 8.

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Borderer Boars calling for community to get behind them

New Rugby League outfit the Borderer Boars are calling on all rugby fans in South East Wales to get behind their inaugural season in the Welsh Conference.

Having already played two games, losing both, this weekend sees their first Saturday afternoon home game take place at Chepstow’s Upton Memorial Ground (kick-off 2pm), against closest local rivals the Newport Titans. They are hoping their local community can roar them on to their first victory.

They play on the Seconds’ pitch at Chepstow RFC, which is kindly being lent to them by the club in a bid to get rugby played all year round.

Comprised of players mainly from the Chepstow and Caldicot areas, many of whom turn out for the local Union sides, they also include players from Cardiff and Newport and as far afield as Bath and Lydney.

Captain John Rogers hopes that a win this weekend will further ignite local interest, saying: “Rugby League is a game people often don’t try but when they do they love it. It’s fast-paced and aggressive and more of a man versus man sport.

“Many of our players haven’t played League before and the first match was a baptism of fire because they were learning the game.”

That ended in defeat to the Torfaen Tigers, followed by a second against the Cardiff Demons.

Rogers added: “The second game was much different; we looked a Rugby League team. Now we are looking for our first scalp this weekend.

“Everyone is getting to know each other all the time. Many had never met each other before so we are creating a new group of friends and a new community.

“The more we can do the better it is for Rugby League in South East Wales, so thank you to Chepstow RFC and our coaching and management team for making this possible.”

Chepstow’s first team captain Shane Reece, who is set to join up with the Boars once he has recovered from a gruelling season, believes the team will be a huge success.

He said: “Welsh Rugby League contacted Chepstow RFC stating we had a huge catchment area as the closest club was Newport, and setting a club up would be of benefit.”

They may have lost their first two fixtures, but as the team has only been training together for six weeks Reece believes they are doing tremendously well and things can only get better.

“There first game was a real step in to the unknown as there had never been Rugby League played in Chepstow.

“We are looking to get local people in and bitten by the bug. The game is completely different and we have a phenomenal player base.”

Despite the close ties to both Chepstow and Caldicot, he was keen to point out the Boars were a separate club in their own right, adding: “We just want people to know there is rugby going on all year round in the area, run by people from that area.”

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Clark wants Scorpions to shake off their second half deficiencies

South Wales Scorpions coach Dave Clark has pointed to his side’s tendencies to let first half leads slip over recent fixtures as an area they have to improve.

They travel to Gateshead Thunder this Sunday with their hosts buoyed by a an impressive win over Gloucestershire All Golds last time out, and Clark knows that his side have to improve their mental strength if they aren’t to suffer a similar fate.

The Scorpions lost to London Skolars last weekend after leading at half-time and for the second week in a row their second half performance dipped below the standards set by their offering in the opening period.

“We have to move forward after that defeat,” he said. “Last week I think we were quite dominant in attack but we didn’t defend their big pack as well as we should have done.

“But it’s mentally we have to improve as well. For the last couple of games, we’ve been in front at half-time and then we’ve not done well in the second half. We need to close down the game and do things right for the whole game, not give away too many penalties and just be a bit tougher.

“We know we’ll have to play well against Gateshead to win, we almost lost up there last season. We didn’t pick up any injuries last week so we’ll have the same squad up for selection.”

Gateshead coach Kevin Neighbour wants his side to replicate their impressive display over Gloucestershire against the Scorpions. He said: “If we do the right things, as we did against Gloucester, then we have to be in with a chance.”

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Clark issues rallying cry over Scorpions’ poor home form

South Wales Scorpions coach Dave Clark has called on his side to repeat their impressive away form in front of their own supporters, starting this Sunday as they host the Rochdale Hornets.

They have won three out of three on the road so far in 2013, but have so far failed to chalk up a single win at The Gnoll.

And with this match being the last home tie before the doors shut until June 16 (due to annual treatment of the Neath pitch), Clark wants to leave their home fans purring ahead of four road trips in succession.

“It’s going to be a good test for us,” he said ahead of the match. “Rochdale are a very competitive side and we know them from last year after we beat them at home before they won well at their place.”

“Our fans find it difficult to travel to away matches in big numbers so they haven’t seen us perform well this year. Home games are really important as they help us build our support. If we start doing well at home, I’m sure our gates will increase and that will benefit us as a club.”

He will have a strong side to select from on Sunday. Haydn Peacock returns from a two-month injury lay-off, some of their Wigan Warriors dual registration players are available, and new loan signing, Den Davies from Widnes Vikings, is in contention.

Rochdale are likely to travel without Dave Sutton, who injured his shoulder while scoring against Bradford Bulls last week.

Coach Ian Talbot said: “I was very pleased with our effort and enthusiasm against the Bulls. We were always on a hiding to nothing, but we stuck to our principles and kept trying to play.”

He added of their weekend’s apponents: “They’re definitely a dangerous team. Their two half-backs have been playing well and are very influential.

“We’re looking after ourselves by travelling down on Saturday, so hopefully the journey won’t make too much of an impact.

“The club that manages the travelling and the performances afterwards will be the one that does well this year, because there is a lot of travelling in [the division].”

The Scorpions Under-20s also take on Rochdale Hornets this weekend, but away from home. The two sides meet on Saturday at Rochdale Mayfield RLFC (kick-off 5pm).

They are yet to win this season, but came close last Saturday, losing 38-36 to Halifax after being 10 points up with 10 minutes remaining.

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Scorpions create Rugby League history with victory at Oxford

South Wales Scorpions coach Dave Clark was pleased with his side’s “important” history making 22-20 victory at Oxford as his side triumphed in the first ever RL match to be held at the new club’s Iffley Road ground.

The win was due to the accuracy of Courtney Davies’ kicking as he landed three conversions to Jonny Leather’s two after both sides grounded four tries each.

But Clark was quick to praise his side’s defence that kept them in the game as they at one point kept out three consecutive sets of six near to their own line.

“I think coming off the back of three losses it was important for us to get a win and keep us in touch with sides at the top of the [table],” he said. “It’s only the second round and early days, but with Oxford being a new side in this competition we should be competing well against them.

“[It] was an important game for us. It was the result we wanted, but performance-wise we played under par with our core skills and we allowed them to walk up the field, give them a good position and the opportunity to score tries. [But] our mentality in defence was really good though and that probably won us the game.”

The weather was atrocious, but 352 hardy souls braved it and voiced their support in Oxford Rugby League’s first ever home match.

It was even throughout, and the scoring was try for try for the entire 80 minutes. Oxford deserved a draw and could have got one, scoring their fourth try in the final minute and, had the experienced Leather kicked a successful conversion rather than slicing the ball wide, they would have picked up two points rather than their solitary bonus point.

From an early penalty, Scorpions looked for the first try of the game, but James Greenwood spilled the already slippery ball and the chance was lost.

At the other end, Alex Thompson almost gave Oxford the lead as he dived over the line from short range but he too mishandled.

The visitors were first to score when on 12 minutes, Steve Parry kicked a grubber under the sticks and Greenwood pounced, with Davies converting.

Oxford levelled on 21 minutes when Valu Bentley was on the end of a high hopeful kick that slipped past the Scorpions back-line. Leather added the extras.

Scorpions came back again and led on the half hour with a Shae Lyon-Fraser try which Davies converted, before Oxford hit back near to half-time when Sean Morris stormed through into the corner. Leather missed on this occasion.

Matt Fiander was close to a third try for Oxford, but was stopped on the line, meaning that the Scorpions had a slender two-point lead at the interval.

After an early second half Oxford chance, the south Wales side extended their advantage on 57 minutes when Rhodri Lloyd picked up a loose ball and had a relatively easy sprint to score. Davies, though, missed the kick attempt.

Again Oxford came back after Leather picked up a stray ball on his own 10 metre line and sprinted virtually the length of the field, converting his own try to level the scores again with a remarkable passage of play.

But the Scorpions were intent on spoiling their big day and regained the lead again with six minutes left on the clock when Chris Leyshon scored out on the wing and Davies kicked the tricky conversion.

The drama continued right into the final minute. Shaun Robinson scored for Oxford in the corner which meant Leather was under pressure to earn his side a draw, but couldn’t cope with the challenge and the visitors came away with the narrow win.

The Scorpions have no game this coming weekend as they’re already out of the Challenge Cup. They return to action on April 28 when they host Rochdale Hornets at The Gnoll, their last game at home for almost two months as the pitch is due to get its annual renovation treatment.

Clark, though, would have preferred to have had a game this weekend and says the players didn’t need the rest, saying: “A lot of the other sides will have a game, so we’ll be behind in regards to conditioning. That’s something we have to focus on, have a mini pre-season and keep the boys focussed for the Rochdale game, which I’m sure will be another close encounter.”

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Scorpions ready to help create history

The South Wales Scorpions are preparing for a historic clash with Oxford in the Kingstone Press Championship this Saturday.

The match will be the new club’s first home game as a professional side and the first rugby league match at the famous Iffley Road stadium.

The name may not ring too many bells at first, but the running track present at the venue was the very same which saw Sir Roger Bannister run the world’s first ever four minute mile 59 years ago.

Now it is embarking on a new adventure with rugby league taking to its turf, and Scorpions coach Dave Clark will have a stronger squad to select from than he has in previous weeks for this historic occasion.

Jack Pring returns from injury, while James Tutuila has now served his two-match suspension and will return. Rhodri Lloyd has also served a one-match suspension, while Clark could also see his dual registration Wigan Warriors stars return after most of them were declared unavailable for the last two weeks.

“It’s good that we will have a larger selection of players to select from this week as Oxford will be a tough game,” he said. “They’ve had a good start to the season. They beat Gloucester and did okay against Halifax last week too.

“They’ve got some attacking ability and they’ll [ask] a lot of questions of us defensively. We need to make sure that we’re up to the job as they’ll be wanting two wins out of two to start their league season well.

“They’ve [got] a lot of players from Oldham with plenty of Championship 1 experience, so it’ll be a tough challenge for us. But we’re moving forward all the time and despite defeats in the last couple of weeks, the confidence is growing in the squad and we’re getting better week by week.”

Before that on Friday, the Scorpions’ under-20s take on Salford City Reds at Tredegar RFC.

The youngsters are looking for their first win of the season and will be confident of giving Salford a good game after competing well against them last month. They lost that encounter 40-22, but it wasn’t without giving the Super League side a run for their money, and the Scorpions were only eight points adrift going into the final 10 minutes before falling away.

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Primary School pupils meet a famous trophy to ignite interest in forthcoming World Cup

Two lucky schools from Neath were selected at random to get their hands on the Rugby League World Cup as it tours the country ahead of this year’s tournament.

Neath Primary School and Tonnau Primary School, were selected at random to have the 59-year old piece of silverware at their establishments, and their respective teams – the Gnoll Tigers and Team Tonnau, who participate in the South Wales Scorpions’ Primary Schools League – got their chance to hold the Cup.

The Gnoll Tigers players with the Rugby League World Cup.

Photos courtesy of: www.ianlovell.com.

Gnoll Tigers player Connor Moriarty said: “It’s just amazing as you see it on TV and I thought I’d never get to hold it. It’s an honour to actually be with it.”

His team-mate, Ciaran Comerford, added: “I’ve watched the Rugby League World Cup on TV. I’ve watched the rugby union one too. I’ve always looked up to the players in both codes and it’s astonishing to have it here.

“I play both rugby union and league in schools and I enjoy both. I hope to go to the World Cup game here in Neath in November.”

Scorpions’ coach Dave Clark said: “We’d have loved it if more schools were able to see the trophy and we’re sorry we couldn’t visit more schools, but for those who did see it, this was a great experience for them.

“I’m really pleased with how the schools are welcoming Rugby League into their curriculum, and everyone seems very enthusiastic about coming to the World Cup match we have at The Gnoll.”

Team Tonna with the Cup.

The World Cup trophy will be back in Neath for the South Wales Scorpions v Gateshead Thunder match on Sunday, July 28, and schools will be invited to this game to have their photo taken with the trophy. It will also be taken around a number of holiday clubs and establishments in the area on other days later in the following week.

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Scorpions boost their international ranks with a Scotsman

The South Wales Scorpions could potentially have players in five different international squads at this year’s World Cup, after Scottish international Shae Lyon-Fraser signed a permanent deal from Wigan Warriors.

The 20-year-old centre/wing from Glasgow initially appeared for the club on the dual registration rule from Wigan last year, and after scoring tries in two consecutive friendlies between the clubs as part of their ongoing partnership, the Scorpions have brought him in permanently.

Coach Dave Clark said: “We’re delighted to have signed Shae for the 2013 season. I’m sure that he will be a fantastic asset to the side and I know that he is welcoming the potential to play first team rugby league throughout 2013.

“Shae’s signing means that we now have the potential to have players in five World Cup squads at the end of the year. James Tutuila is a Tongan international, Chris Vitalini has ambitions to play against Wales at the Millennium Stadium for Italy, Haydn Peacock has Irish grandparents and has declared his interests for the men in green, plus of course we have a number of Welsh international players.

“We’re now all looking forward to our first match of the season, against London Skolars at The Gnoll in Neath this Sunday (March 3).”

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