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Malc Alker
Didn’t I say that it would be a classic?
2/10/2008
Malc Alker
WHEN my rugby league career finally ends I could always get a job as a clairvoyant.
For in last week’s column I predicted that Sunday’s clash with Celtic at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium would be the best Grand Final in the history of the National League.
Only a Celtic fan would argue that wasn’t the case. It was an absolute belter – one of the best matches that I have ever been a part of. And, as captain of the team, I am so proud of the players for securing yet another trophy for the cabinet.
We went though a roller coaster of emotions during the 100 minutes of play. And the long wait for the last minute penalty goal from John Wilshere which took the game into extra-time was absolute agony.
As soon as he connected with the ball I knew that it was going over the posts. And from that moment onwards I knew that we were going to win. Celtic deserve a lot of credit for the way that they hit back from being 10-0 down.
They were worthy adversaries, as they have been all season. But no one can say that we have not been the best team in the National League this season. As well as the league title, we won the league leaders’ trophy and the Northern Rail Cup – and that is no mean feat.
True, we were the favourites to win those trophies. But being favourites is one thing…living up to the favourites tag is another. Expectancy brings with it a lot of pressure and we have struggled to overcome that at times this season. But, on the whole, it has been one hell of a successful season for the club.
Us players celebrated Sunday’s victory as though we had won the lottery – and rightly so. Speaking of which, I might do the lottery this week. If I can predict the way rugby league games will go then why can’t I pick six correct numbers? Just call me Mystic Malc from now on. And here’s another prediction for you – we will be competitive in Super League next season.
There is a huge gulf in class between Super League and League One. But we have a lot of players here that can make that step up in class and our coach Shaun McRae has already made several exciting signings for the 2009 campaign. With him in charge, I am sure that we will make the most of our three-year Super League licence. These are exciting times for the club. And I can’t wait for next season to start."
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3/10/2008 at 14:19