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Lions roar!

23/ 2/2006

Rugby League
Swinton 42
Blackpool 10

SWINTON blew a gritty Panthers side away with a stunning second half performance.

The Lions bagged five tries after the break to gain their first two points in the 2006 Northern Rail Cup.

Swinton coach Paul Kidd said: "The first half was scrappy but the second half was much better. It was a worthwhile run out for the lads and good preparation for next week's game against Leigh."

The Lions, who were missing Chris Tod and Andy Crabtree through injury and work commitments respectively, continued their impressive form in defence against fellow National League Two side Blackpool and they looked a lot better with the ball in hand.

Kidd continued his policy of rotating players for the Northern Rail Cup. He made five changes to the side that lost to Widnes last week, with Stuart Oldham, Dave Ashton, Rob Whittaker, Chris Morley and Ian Sinfield replacing Dave Llewellyn, Wes Rogers, Craig Farrimond, Mike Stout and Dave Newton.

The outstanding Mick Coates and Ashton both scored braces.

Star performer Kris Smith bagged a try and had a hand in a few others. He also kicked three goals and spent a spell in the sin bin for holding down.

Martin Moana was also sin-binned. He was punished for fighting and Kidd was far from happy with his side's lack of discipline.

He said: "We gave away too many penalties once again."

The Lions conceded a whopping 18 penalties against Blackpool. But Swinton never looked like losing the game and they bagged further tries via Moana, Oldham and Marlon Billy.

SWINTON: English; Oldham, Alstead, Ashton, Billy; Coates, Watson; Marshall, McGovern, Whittaker, Smith, James, Moana. Subs used: Saywell, Morley, Sinfield, Parry. Tries: Smith, Ashton (2), Billy, Coates (2), Moana, Oldham. Goals: Smith (3), McGovern (2). Sin-binned: Smith, Moana. Star man: Kris Smith.

BLACKPOOL: Kilgannon; O'Regan, Roach, Garcia, Andrews; Bretherton, Gambles; Hansen, Barraclough, Rowley, Jones, Barton, Kilshaw. Subs used: Hayden, Chamberlain, Tipene, Ormesher. Tries: Bretherton, Tipene. Goal: Bretherton. Sin-binned: Kilshaw.

Ref: Craig Halloran (Dewsbury).

Att: 474.