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Wake up call

Jeff Tyldesley
21/ 4/2005

Rugby League
Dewbury Rams 48
Swinton Lions 10

SWINTON Lions were battered by Dewsbury Rams in the battle of the two previously undefeated sides in National League Two.

But Lions coach Paul Kidd was keen to look on the bright side of the defeat, saying: "We are in no doubt that we are a top six team but it's important not to get carried away. So maybe it was a blessing in disguise - a wake up call."

Dewsbury's pair of ex-Super League half backs Francis Maloney and Ryan Sheridan tore Swinton apart up the middle.

The Lions went behind as early as the sixth minute when Kevin Crouthers charged through three attempted tackles to score next to the posts. Maloney added the extras and he was also on target with the boot after slipping an exquisite reverse pass for Warren Jowitt to gallop over on 12 minutes.

The Rams threatened a drubbing as Wayne McHugh forced his way over.

Swinton were finding it difficult to pierce through Dewsbury's organised defensive line.

They scored their only first half points when Danny Heaton collected Ian Watson's pass and cleverly spun his marker to dive over.

The try gave Swinton a glimmer of hope but Dewsbury went on to score 28 points without reply.

The Lions saved their best rugby for when the game was already lost. Sharp passing between Heaton and Watson sent the rangy second rower in for his second try of the game and a fine move involving Wes Rogers, Phil Joseph and Watson ended with Stuart Oldham being put into touch agonisingly close to the whitewash.

DEWSBURY: Rogers; Williamson, McHugh, Crouthers, Preece; Maloney, Sheridan; Hicks, Chapman, Hawksley, Bretherton, Jowitt, Rudder. Subs: Mycoe, Henderso, J Walker, M Walker. Tries: Crouthers, Jowitt, McHugh, Chapman, Rudder, Walker, Rogers, Williamson. Goals: Maloney (8).

SWINTON: English; Oldham, Patterson, Maye, Billy; Coates, Watson; Southern, Joseph, Rogers, Heaton, Russell, Marsh. Subs: Ayres, Smith, Sinfield, Whittaker. Tries: Heaton (2). Goals: Marsh. Star man: Phil Joseph.

Ref: Phil Bentham.

Att: 1,112.