The first rugby match under floodlights took place in Salford, between Broughton and Swinton on 22 October 1878. Swinton's 6th Championship was retained in style 12 months later (196364). Note:4 Wales caps; Div 2 Championship 1985, No.7,Martin Lee Picking a team of the 1980s is not easy, but after applying a minimum of 40 appearances to qualify for selection, weve suggested the following as a starter for debate: No. [8], In September 2019 the club announced that they were seeking permission from the Rugby Football League to rebrand the club as Manchester Lions from the 2020 season onwards. 21 Dan Coates http://www.swintonlionstales.co.uk/index.php/site/view_gallery/8. In May 2007, Swinton Lions went into administration for about 48 hours to restructure the club from top to bottom. Jughead Note: Part of the team to earn promotion in 1991, No. Gav Wilson The following 200 pages are in this category, out of approximately 277 total. Started January 11, By These games were played just off Burying Lane (now Station Road), on a field now roughly covered by Buchanan Street. Concentrating on a youth policy and training methods beyond his era, Evans began to model an exciting, young Swinton team. It all became to fruition in 1963 when, under the shrewd captaincy of Albert Blan, the Lions completed the final 18 games of a 30 match league calendar undefeated to walk away with the Championship. I have recently started the impossible task of trying to find every player that played a first team game for Castleford. Leigh Centurions this morning announced that they were greatly saddened to learn of the passing of former player Billy McAtee at the age of 65. Swinton won the Lancashire Cup against Widnes in 1940, but thereafter the war curtailed the promise of further progress. The Falcons compete in the Queensland Cup and have an affiliation with Melbourne Storm. 5, Johnny Stopford Appearances: 298 Tries: 195 Goals: 1 Appearances:129, Tries:69, Goals:0 Rugby League stands in solidarity with players, coaches, match officials, fans, volunteers, staff, and supporters in the struggle against racism and discrimination in sport and in society. Total Rugby League Throughout the 1940s and 1950s the Lions strove unsuccessfully to repeat former glories and often flattered to deceive, but the appointment of Welshman Cliff Evans as coach signalled a renaissance. But following a difficult start, a sequence of five straight wins gave the Lions a degree of comfort. Do you agree with our selection? Craig Bellamy (rugby league) Gavin Bennion Ilias Bergal Edmund Beswick Brad Billsborough Albert Blan Ian Blease Mark Bourneville Andy Bracek Jim Brady (rugby league) Joe Bretherton Chris Bridge Danny Bridge Chris Brockbank Sam Brooks (rugby league) James Brown (rugby league) Alan Buckley (rugby league) Owen Buckley Walter Bumby Jordan Burke Only a loss to Sheffield Eagles denied the Lions the opportunity of promotion to National League One. DOB. Joe still has family in the Wigan area, and was looking to develop his immediate rugby career in England, and having done his research felt that the Lions were a potential fit for both himself and the club. Referee: Matthew Lynn Attendance: 458 The club have made nine new signings, whilst retaining 17 from 2021. By the end of the 1970s the club had hit rock-bottom, even though Station Road continued to host semi-finals and finals. Such was the Lions' success that by the mid-1880s Swinton had become recognised as a national force and unquestionably they were the strongest team in Lancashire. The new ground could accommodate much larger crowds and the staging of County matches added to Swinton's growing reputation. Unfortunately Salford City FC would not grant Swinton the ten year lease which was required to enable much needed funding to bring the ground up to standard. Appearances:148, Tries:75, Goals:3 By the time Britain emerged from the storm clouds Swinton had apparently lost their way. As Swinton Lions prepared to celebrate their 150th Anniversary, an issue over minimum ground standards at Sedgley Park meant that the club relocated to Heywood Road in a ground-sharing agreement with Sale RFC. 1 Dan Abram (NU) McAtee made his debut in 1977 giving him heritage number 869. Dyne then added his second before the break after another good passing movement and Gregson converted to give his side a good lead at the break. We did some research on Joe and then asked him to join us for pre-season training. Suggestions? Peacetime brought about the shrewdest of gambles by the Lions directors who had managed to reign in the support of local businessmen. Cas Stadium Revelopment - could it be this time? As of 7 June 2011 when the club hosted a fans' meeting at Moorside Social Club, Swinton, Mr Kidd stated that he expected that the building of the stadium should commence no later than New Year's Day, 2012 with completion set for the end of April (2012). The Lions produced an eight-try performance in a very competitive warm up game in which the Hurricanes showed they will have a promising season with some good play. Hurricanes then had a chance from a Lions error at the restart but lost the ball on the second tackle. Unfortunately the football club would not grant Swinton a ten-year lease which would be required to enable much needed funding to bring the ground up to standard. Dyne then added his second before the break after another good passing movement and Gregson converted to give his side a good lead at the break. By then Swinton had reluctantly joined the fledgling Northern Union, albeit a year after the new codes formation in 1895. The Lions finished strongly with firstly Cox crossing the line on seventy-one minutes after a nice pass by Kenny Baker and Gregson converted this one too, and Gregson turned provider for the last try with a superb, measured kick to the left corner which was finished off superbly by trialist Callum Hughes and Gregson capped off his day with a touchline conversion and an impressive display by the Lions. 16,Shane Tupaea 103 : Danny Wilson: List: 2. 28 Callum Hughes Only a financial crisis had enforced Swintons defection from the Rugby Union to which they had hitherto been staunchly loyal. Subs (all used) 4 Jayden Hatton LIONS Appearances:99, Tries:26, Goals:0 The period leading up to the Great War was not particularly auspicious for the Lions. SWINTON LIONS 44 Station Road itself was also recognised as one of the finest grounds in the Rugby League. A difficult season combined with drastic restructuring of the league structure left the Lions in the third tier of rugby league, League 1, in 2015. Subs (all used) 17 Matt Bailey 8 Gavin Bennion 3 Matt Welham Are there any members on here that are into Swinton Heritage players? In August 2002, the club were brought the club back to within one mile of the Swinton and Pendlebury border when they played their first match at Moor Lane in Kersal as tenants of Salford City F.C., after travelling to Leigh and Chorley to play 'home' matches. The period leading up to the Great War was not particularly auspicious for the Lions. Ken Gowers, John Speed, Bobby Fleet, Alan Buckley, Johnny Stopford, George Parkinson, Graham Williams. 12 Conner Gilbey Calum is 27 years old and has been a stand-out performer for the Ince Rosebridge club in the National Conference League Division 1 over recent seasons. Buckley was. Supporters are excited about the proposals to bring the home into the heart of its community. Louis Brogan was held up on ten minutes but on the next tackle Gregson put in a measured kick for Josh Eaves to chase and score and Gregson converted this one too. Appearances:52, Tries:8, Goals:0 Started 1 hour ago, By toowooba been breeding ground both here in toowooba and nationally . Note:Won promotion & premiership double in 1987, No.4, Steve Snape 23 Joe Lowe 21 Jonny Openshaw The Swinton Lions are a professional rugby league club based in Swinton, Greater Manchester, England, which competes in the Championship. Last modified: Tue, 17 Jan 2023 17:39:02 +0000, 2005-2023 Shawn Dollin, Andrew Ferguson and Bill Bates. SCORING SEQUENCE: 6-0,12-0,18-0,22-0,22-6,28-6,32-6,32-10,38-10,44-10. We will see how things go during the remainder of our pre-season and then sit down with Joe ahead of the start of our league campaign., Heywood Road, Sale, M33 3WB | info@swintonlionsrlfc.co.uk | 07932 500 731, Copyright Swinton Lions 2023 | Privacy Policy, Created by Rugby League World Cup England 2021. 20 Morgan Burgess Why can't we discuss Leighs rebrand? Become a Patron, To view matches in which a player appeared, click the, Centre, Five-Eighth, Halfback, Lock, Bench, Front Row, Hooker, Second Row, Lock, Bench, Five-Eighth, Halfback, Front Row, Second Row, Lock, Bench, Fullback, Wing, Centre, Halfback, Lock, Bench, Wing, Centre, Front Row, Second Row, Bench. In March 1929, a 22,000 crowd saw the Lions defeat Wigan 9-3 in the first match on their new turf. Bedfordshire Bronco The Lions took control again on fifty-two minutes when Gav Rodden sent out a short pass for Andrew Badrock to score on the right, but Gregson was unable to convert this one. 3, Paul Topping Appearances: 138, Tries: 28, Goals: 270 Note: Won p romotion & premiership double in 1987 No.4, Steve Snape 18 Liam Cooper Cornwall have signed George Mitchell from rugby union landlords Penryn. In doing so, he was following in the footsteps of his two brothers who also played for Leigh. By The war took the lives of 13 Swinton players, but back home the Lions played on throughout in a desperate attempt to stay afloat. Swinton Lions players Category page. Tries: M.Welham (28), Appiah-Kubi (56) Note: Man of Match 1987 Premiership Final, No. are one of the 22 original members of the Northern Rugby Football Union founded in 1895. Hurricanes made a good start to the second half with pressure on the Lions line helped by a couple of penalties that got them down field but again the crucial pass went to ground, before Dom Flanagan came close to scoring for his side but lost the ball as he reached for the line. Swinton have finalised plans for a new stadium and announced a short-term move to Sale's Heywood Road ground. hunsletgreenandgold Swinton Lions Head Coach Allan Coleman, said, Joe approached the club last month from where he was based in Australia to ask about an opportunity for 2023. 11, Mark Rowbottom 28 Callum Hughes Louis Brogan was held up on ten minutes but on the next tackle Gregson put in a measured kick for Josh Eaves to chase and score and Gregson converted this one too. Subs: (all used) When two divisions were reintroduced in 1973, Swinton were out of the top flight, and have struggled to regain their former glories ever since. However, in October 1871 the club decided to join the recently formed Rugby Football Union under the title "Swinton & Pendlebury FC". Total Rugby League 99 : Alan . 16 Gav Rodden 15,Alex Melling The path from rugby league to American Football is, if not well-trodden, perhaps more trodden . Powered by Invision Community. Initially under Frank Myler, and then under Jim Crellin, the Lions briefly threatened a revival during the 1980s. Since then, more than 1,200 players have appeared for the club's first team. Tim Streets tache Joe mainly plays as a full-back, but is also effective elsewhere in the backs. 11 Sam Bowring Peter Roe led Swinton to promotion from Division Two in 1996. Subs (all used) The most famous of the Lions Victorian sportsmen was Jim Valentine, still arguably the most famous Lion that ever lived and who served Swinton for 21 years from 1883. 20 Morgan Burgess MATCHFACTS Note: Twice promoted 1985 & 1987 & Div 2 Premiership 1987, No.6, Danny Wilson A short move to the more palatial Chorley Road ground in 1886 enabled the club to develop further. is a professional rugby league club in St Helens, . Then, having gone three years undefeated in the mid 1870s, culminating in a ground-breaking victory over the great northern establishment club, Manchester, the Lions gradually sought a tougher fixture list. 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It all became to fruition in 1963 when, under the shrewd captaincy of Albert Blan, the Lions completed the final 18 games of a 30 match league calendar undefeated to walk away with the Championship. The Lions took control again on fifty-two minutes when Gav Rodden sent out a short pass for Andrew Badrock to score on the right, but Gregson was unable to convert this one. [10] As a result of the opposition the re-brand plans were shelved and almost the entire board resigned on 12 September 2019, leaving sole remaining director Steve Wild in charge to re-structure the club. 22 Andrew Badrock Total Rugby League By Sin-bin: Moran (70) Interference 23 Chris Cullimore HURRICANES Note: Promotion & Premiership double 1987, No. Sign up for a new account in our community. Jughead 3, Bob Fleet Appearances: 329 Tries: 87 Goals: 0 No. February 10, 2015 in Swinton Lions. Rugby League Season - Swinton V. Liverpool Stanley (1937) - YouTube 0:00 / 2:07 Rugby League Season - Swinton V. Liverpool Stanley (1937) British Path 2.91M subscribers Join Subscribe. Note: Captained Div 2 Championship team in 1985, SWINTON LIONS 44 Jack Spencer (born December 21, 1990) is a Rugby League footballer for Wests Tigers in the NRL. Swinton Lions Player Issue Rugby League Full Zip Jacket - Size XL - New. Rugby League World Gift Card (UK Only) From: 15.00; Rugby League World - Subscription From: 13.00; League Express Gift Card (UK Only) From: 30.00; League Express - Subscription From: 25.00 Concentrating on a youth policy and training methods beyond his era, Evans began to model an exiting, young Swinton team. His plans were to include a 3,000 capacity stadium for the Lions on the site of the old school playing field, alongside new housing, restaurants and a hotel. Hurricanes then had a chance from a Lions error at the restart but lost the ball on the second tackle. Jacob Smillie, former Swinton Lions rugby league player, in action at the NFL International Combine. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s the Lions strove unsuccessfully to repeat former glories and often flattered to deceive, but the appointment of Welshman Cliff Evans as coach signalled a renaissance. 9 Elliott Windley In 2006, the return to Swinton and Pendlebury was taken one step further when club chairman, John Kidd, announced on 9 August that the club had acquired a site to build a 6,000 capacity stadium with training facilities and community use in Agecroft, Pendlebury. 17 Matt Bailey Even in an era where the unlimited tackle rule ensured much tighter matches, these players could create a try from any position on the field. MATCHFACTS Explore. At last they won the Lancashire County Cup in 1925 before recapturing the Challenge Cup in 1926. On Saturday 8 September 1906, Swinton hosted a Pontefract team who arrived with only 12 players. A move in 1873 from a field off Station Road to another at Stoneacre (close to the White Lion pub where the players got changed) gave rise to the famous "Lions" nickname, which is one of the oldest in British sport. 13 Liam Welham They followed this with their first-ever Championship in 1927, and then in 1928 the team reached its zenith securing all five available trophies a feat unique in the history of the sport. Financial crisis followed financial crisis and only the sale of the main stand saved the club from closure during 1917. 4 Sam Richards Please note that the numbers below are based on data contained in the RLP database, and may not be accurate. Bryn Evans (25 November 1899 10 July 1975) was an English professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1920s and 1930s. 25 Scott Parnaby As for Valentine he was incredibly killed by lightning whilst on holiday at Barmouth in 1904. The Lions are in the process of offering a trial to Joe Lowe who is set to get some game time in our upcoming pre-season friendlies. This week we are looking at the 1960s. Of these, perhaps the most worthy were stand-off Billy 'Daz' Davies, scrum-half Peter Kenny and 2nd-rowers Rod Smith (ex-Workington Town) and the highly respected Bill Holliday (ex-Whitehaven, Hull Kingston Rovers, Cumberland and GB). numbers 11, 12 or 13 during the era of contested scrums. Welham then scored the Hurricanes opener when Richard Wilkinson sent out a looping pass for him to score in the corner and Ben Stead converted. They also have a player currently on trial. The resulting move brought the club back to within a mile of the Swinton and Pendlebury border, when home games were played at Moor Lane, home of the local non-league football club Salford City. Goals: Stead Financial crisis followed financial crisis and only the sale of the main stand saved the club from closure during 1917. Joe mainly plays as a full-back, but is also effective elsewhere in the backs. Since Mazey's arrival the board now includes former Manchester United Brand Manager Tony Sheridan, former Wigan Athletic footballer John Coyne, and Tecmark Managing Director Richard Heyes. The club had first formed in 1935 (I think Frank was still playing even then but was probably just a Colt in those days !) Tries: M.Welham (28), Appiah-Kubi (56) In 2018 the Lions avoided relegation to League 1 by virtue of a play-off victory over Workington Town, then in 2019 a Matty Ashton inspired Swinton team climbed to 9th in the Championship table the clubs highest ranking for 21 years. Chairman John Roddy left the club as did John Duffy who joined Featherstone Rovers, and assistant Stuart Littler was promoted to Head Coach. In golden-point extra-time a drop-goal by Chris Atkin sent the Lions into ecstasy and a play-off final against Keighley at Widnes. Tries: Lowe (4), Eaves (11), Dyne (16,34), Harrop (22), Badrock (52), We will see how things go during the remainder of our pre-season and then sit down with Joe ahead of the start of our league campaign., Heywood Road, Sale, M33 3WB | info@swintonlionsrlfc.co.uk | 07932 500 731, Copyright Swinton Lions 2023 | Privacy Policy, Created by Rugby League World Cup England 2021. A brief one-year tenure at the Willows in 2011 saw the Lions pick-up their first silverware in 25 years when captain Lee Wingfield held aloft the Championship One winners trophy. Started Friday at 11:11, By He has since proved to be a popular lad amongst the squad, and has demonstrated that hes got the potential as well as the skills and temperament to play both full-back or half-back. 21 Dan Coates Swinton Lions Head Coach Allan Coleman, said, Joe approached the club last month from where he was based in Australia to ask about an opportunity for 2023. The foundation of Swinton Rugby Club can be traced back to 1866. The Lions were on the attack straight from the kick off when Hurricanes carried the ball dead to put the putting pressure on the line and Mitch Cox had a try disallowed in only the second minute for a knock on in the build-up, but they did open their account two minutes later when trialist Joe Lowe burst over the line from short range and Nick Gregson converted. Calum is 27 years old and has been a stand-out performer for the Ince Rosebridge club in the National Conference League Division 1 over recent seasons. [3] The rest of the professional game in Britain would follow this move to summer. 7 Richard Wilkinson Started 2 hours ago, By 2,Scott Ranson 24 Jacob Beer Still, it took a dramatic 28-26 victory over Halifax in the penultimate game of the season to guarantee Championship rugby at Heywood Road for 2017. (Merged Threads), The five greatest rule changes in Super League history. League 1 club Swinton Lions have confirmed their squad numbers for the 2022 season. The 1960's had seen Rugby played by Smiths Industries and the Technical College as well as a renewed interest in schools rugby with the Grammar School (Henry Box in new money . A decade which brought back-to-back Championship titles, 5 Lancashire Cup final appearances, but not to mention heartache in the Challenge Cup! Appearances:180, Tries:62, Goals:49 A brief one-year tenure at the Willows in 2011 saw the Lions pick-up their first silverware in 25 years when captain Lee Wingfield held aloft the Championship One winners trophy. Swinton Lions are in the process of giving winger Calum Hughes a trial period at Heywood Road. 12, John Allen 15 Macauley Hallett The link below will show you a gallery of Swinton team photos. steve wild, It all became to fruition in 1963 when, under the shrewd captaincy of Albert Blan, the Lions completed the final 18 games of a 30 match league calendar undefeated to walk away with the Championship. [9] The plan was met with considerable opposition including local councillors and the Mayor of Salford. Peacetime brought about the shrewdest of gambles by the Lions' directors who had managed to reign in the support of local businessmen. 13 Louis Brogan Debuts. Swintons first official match took place on or about 4th November 1871 against a club called Standard from Eccles, and within a few short years the team became virtually unbeatable in the Manchester area. Goals: Gregson 6/8 Stand-off in the first season of rugby league, 1895-96 214: Henry Higham: 13 . He comes to us highly recommended, and Head Coach Allan Coleman will be looking to assess his capabilities ahead of our league opener against Newcastle Thunder on 5th February. Position (s) HURRICANES Why can't we discuss Leighs rebrand? During the second half of the decade other prominent players turned out for the Lions. Unfortunately the football club would not grant Swinton a ten year lease which would be required to enable much needed funding to bring the ground up to standard. The Falcons compete in the Queensland Cup and have an affiliation with Melbourne Storm. In 1871, they joined the Rugby Football Union as "Swinton and Pendlebury F.C. Contents 1 Playing career 1.1 Oldham RLFC 1.2 Swinton Lions 2 References 3 External links Playing career [ edit] Oldham RLFC [ edit] He was previously at Oldham ( Heritage 1352) in Betfred League 1. Subs: (all used) 3 Jake Spedding This meteoric rise in stature was made all the more remarkable by the fact Swinton at this time was nothing more than a tiny colliery village with a few cotton mills. 1 Nathan Hill By 2 Mike Butt IAN RIGG Heywood Road, Sunday Also in the 'swinging 1960s' years the Lions fielded real top class performers such as GB internationals Ken Gowers at full-back, Alan Buckley at left-centre plus his wing partner, John Stopford. Appearances:198, Tries:24, Goals:0 Although the Lions won a fourth and final Lancashire Cup in 1969 the dye was cast, and by the time two divisions were introduced in 1973 Swinton found themselves out of top flight. Players such as Les Holliday and the sublimely talented Danny Wilson offered great hope for the future. During the autumn of 2009 director Paul Kidd stood down as head coach and moved to his new role as director of rugby. 10 Kenny Baker Rugby union (pre-2 June 1896), and rugby league footballers who have played for Swinton Lions (Swinton 18661996). 14 Jack Dawson Goals: Stead Please note that the numbers below are based on data contained in the RLP database, and may not be accurate. 18 Dominic Flanagan 6 Nick Gregson Gav Wilson Started January 11, By The only sad aspect being that the team never received the credit it deserved simply because ill-fortune ensured that they never appeared at Wembley. Although the Lions won a fourth and final Lancashire Cup in 1969 the die was cast, and by the time two divisions were introduced in 1973, Swinton found themselves out of the top flight. They then followed this with their first-ever Championship a year later, and in 1928 the team reached its zenith becoming the last team to secure All Four Cups; they were also the only side from Lancashire to achieve this feat (Hunslet and Huddersfield were the two other clubs). The Lions were on the attack straight from the kick off when Hurricanes carried the ball dead to put the putting pressure on the line and Mitch Cox had a try disallowed in only the second minute for a knock on in the build-up, but they did open their account two minutes later when trialist Joe Lowe burst over the line from short range and Nick Gregson converted. However, what it also had was a staggering number of local junior teams from which the club drew its talent. [13], Updated: 13 December 2021Source(s): 2022 Squad Numbers. He played at representative level for Lancashire, and at club level for Swinton, and in Australia for North Sydney and Manly-Warringah (Heritage 207), as a scrum-half, i.e. In 2006, the return to Swinton and Pendlebury was taken one step further when club chairman, John Kidd, announced on 9 August that the club had acquired a site to build a 6,000 capacity stadium with training facilities and community use in Agecroft, Pendlebury. Further Championships were won in 1931 and 1935. Started October 13, 2022, By 11 Sam Bowring In search of crowning the greatest Swinton Lions team ever, we delve into the history books to look at some of the greatest players to play for the club. This soon became a favoured ground for major fixtures such as Test matches, Challenge Cup semi-finals, Lancashire Cup finals and Championship finals. Where not all appearances are available, figure is displayed in a light grey colour. 24 Myles Harrop 18 Liam Cooper 8 Brad Clavering In all, 19 internationals, 5 Championship finals, 17 Lancashire cup finals, 4 Premiership finals and 30 Challenge Cup semi-finals were played on the famous Station Road turf. It was on 20th October of that year that members of Swinton Cricket Club (which had just completed its first season) decided to keep themselves amused during the winter months by playing football. Cas Stadium Revelopment - could it be this time? 39.99. Penalties: 3-4 Half-time: 28-6 Off the field Damian Ridpath arrived as Director of Development and is in the process of revolutionising the clubs off-field operations, which in 2021 included the launch of the Swinton Lionesses female team, and Manchester Lions junior teams.