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Lions raring to kick-start season

6/12/2001

FUMING Swinton Lions chief executive Tony Barrow said the team are buzzing despite the last-minute cancellation of their opener against Oldham.

Barrow pointed the finger of blame firmly at the Roughyeds, but said the hitch merely served to whet the Lions' appetite for the big kick-off against Hull KR at Gigg Lane on Sunday (kick-off 3pm).

He said: "Let's be fair, there are things you check before a game like this - and one of them is the safety certificate. It should have been done three weeks ago, that to me is common sense.

"But the lads can't wait to get going - they are really buzzing, the spirit at the club is the best I have seen in years."

Tony Humphries' side was due to run out against old foes Oldham at Hurst Cross, home of Ashton United FC, on Sunday.

But the game was sensationally axed 72 hours before kick-off.

An eleventh-hour prohibition notice was served by Tameside Council on safety grounds, preventing the game from going ahead.

The Roughyeds' ground problems have arisen from a dispute with former landlords Oldham Athletic FC, whose Boundary Park stadium they used last season.

Although the Hurst Cross site didn't meet minimum Rugby Football League standards, they were given full support by the other Premiership clubs.

Tameside Council had ruled the ground unfit after fire, police and local authority safety officers carried out an inspection.

Safety officers were concerned that an estimated crowd of 2,000 for last Sunday's match could cause problems and they wanted more consultation involving the police, with particular emphasis on traffic and parking, and called for certain work to be done on the ground.

A disappointed Humphries told Advertiser Sport after the decision: "I'm gutted. The players were ready to play and had been gearing up for this game.

"It means we'll be two points behind other teams at the very start of the season. Oldham have to get their house in order."

But now a full-strength Lions team are ready to face Hull KR - who crushed Hunslet Hawks 50-6 at the weekend.

The side remains a secret until Friday, but coach Tony Humphries has promised to buy a pint for anyone who can name the correct 13 - plus subs, on Swinton's website chatroom.

• Swinton hope to have their new website up and running by Friday - you can find it at www.swinton-lions-rlfc.co.uk