ABC Wednesday - E

E is for Excitement

My fellow fans at the Northern Rail Cup in July which was played in Blackpool. This was the first final Barrow Raiders had got to since October 1st 1983, back in the days when clubs had straightforward, no nonsense names, such as Barrow Rugby League club. By the fickle finger of fate we were playing the same opponents in July as we had in 1983 when we won the Lancashire Cup. You can see everyone is making the most of the day, especially the supermen. This is before the match started so the enthusiasm, exhilaration and enjoyment were only just starting however things did not end well and Widnes were the eventual winners. Guess we will have to wait until next time, I hope it is not another 26 years.

The day was a blustery and warm, people were enjoying the waves by the south pier although
there did not seem to be many on the big wheel maybe it was too exposed or everyone
was at on the Pleasure Beach perhaps having more Excitement riding the Pepsi Max Big One




But wouldn't it be more exciting if we saw Elvis, doesn't the National Enquirer keep spotting him in supermarkets. Here fans have Embellished their beach hut with an image of him at his prime.
Other beach huts are a little more Elaborate
These huts were near Hopeman in north east Scotland where one of the most exposed links golf course nestles next on the sea cliffs. The green on Clashash Cove is 150 feet below the 12th tee. It may be advisable to have to keep your wits about you when walking by this cove, a golf ball might be flying in your direction, and perhaps embedding itself in your skull, which would be extremely uncomfortable.

For an eclectic mix of the letter E exit to the ABC Wednesday meme

Balloon Malfunction

The Raiderettes were entrusted to launch the balloon raffle at half time but I don't know if anyone had given them instructions. They were collection raffle money near me and one said "that's it we will have to get on quick or else we will not have time to dance". Haste would not be an issue. Separating balloons with a quick pull was. Time ticking away before the teams were due out and desperately trying to separate the balloons they eventually gave up and launched, a few separating, but the rest still in their bundles.
Too late to dance, they disconsolately walked off as the cheery balloons floated away. The balloons will travel further together, maybe they will end up near you.

The match was entertaining as well with our new half back,signed from Oldham, James Coyle running in four trys, the two wingers taking five between them. End result Barrow Raiders 74 - Leigh Centurions 6. A good start for the new coach, Steve Deakin. Our optimism returns after the recent loosing streak.

Northern Rail Cup Final

Travelled to the Cup Final, the clubs first since 1982. The venue, Blackpool FC's Bloomfield Road ground, the south end of which is still under construction. Strange choice by the Rugby League. The game was a sell out of nearly 9000 tickets. Here were the Barrow Raiders fans in full voice, ready for a grand day out. Did we worry that Widnes had won this trophy two times in three seasons. No, we had beaten them in the league this season.

A deafening roar from all the fans and the game started and all was going well until a ten minute spell before half time when Widnes Vikings ran in 3 tries to make it 22-8. Still optimistic we thought it could be pulled back, but mistakes and the fact that we were not fielding a full strength team told. The game ended Barrow Raiders 18 Widnes Vikings 34. Some good rugby but on the day we were not good enough.

I hope we do not have to wait another 27 years to get to a final, but that will depend on the capricious nature of fate and the spin of the Rota Fortunae or Wheel of Fortune...

Carnegie Challenge Cup

There was much excitement in the Rugby League side of town when we drew a Super League team in the 4th round of the Challenge Cup. The day came when Wigan came to Craven Park and the crowds turned out. 6,275 people crammed into the ground, I had not seen it this full for many years.

Popular Side Supporters

The whistle blew and the game set off at a cracking pace and the score ping ponged backwards and forwards, 0-6, 6-6 (Liam Finch try) 6-10, 12-10 (James Nixon try, Paul Noone conversion hey we could win this) 12-14, 14-14, 14-20. The crowd was buzzing as half time came.

Stopping Wigan scoring

So near to another Barrow try

Wigan came out in the second half having obviously having had a good telling off in the changing rooms and put Barrow under pressure but we stood up well. 14-24, 18-24 (Liam Campbell try), 20-24 (Noone Penalty) but now comes the twist of fate. A long pass to Finch had set Harrison in for a try, we were ecstatic, the referee was about to give it but the touch judge called a forward pass (not only we thought this was a good pass, none of the Wigan players had appealed for a forward pass). A few more pieces of bad luck and Wigan's Karl Pryce scored a try and we were 20-28.

The end result was Barrow Raiders 20 Wigan Warriors 32. There was going to be no giant killing on this day but it was an entertaining match and the crowd cheered to the rafters on the final whistle. The team had done us proud with their non-stop running and tackling. The man of the match was Liam Finch but all 13 players and the 4 substitutes were magnificent.