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Newcastle point the
way for Raiders
ONE scoreline dominated discussion across
all three divisions last weekend.
York’s
record 144-0 annihilation of West Wales Raiders might have been the latest
marker in the Knights’ impressive progress, but it hardly reflected well on
their fledging opponents.
It was the latest in a series of heavy
scorelines against the Raiders, who also had to postpone their opening match
against Newcastle shortly before kick-off because the correct medical supplies
weren’t at the ground.
But Thunder themselves are a shining
example of why we shouldn’t just give up
on West Wales - who relocated the old South Wales Ironmen from Merthyr to
Llanelli - on the back of a few results.
Back in 2010, what was then Gateshead
Thunder were beaten 132-0 by Blackpool.
That same season, they
also conceded 100 at Batley in the Challenge Cup, 94 at Swinton, and over 50
points 17 times.
Fast forward to today, and Thunder regularly
attract crowds approaching 1,000, have a junior set-up and are bidding for a
second straight play-off place.
Their coach is Jason Payne, and his
tweet on Sunday night, offered a unique piece of perspective into that West
Wales scoreline, recounting his own experience in the 132-0 loss against
Blackpool.
“I
played in that game, they were tough times and people used to question the
point in us being in the league,” Payne wrote.
“With
the right people we found a way to be competitive. Feel for WWR having been in
that position but applaud what they are trying to do down there.”
Payne’s
opinion is shared by this writer.
Rather than condemn the people who are
doubtless working tirelessly to establish rugby league in a difficult area,
those involved at West Wales Raiders should be offered more support in the hope
they can replicate the progress that has been made in Newcastle.
In the current issue of Rugby League
World there’s a two-page feature on Raiders and
their coach Jon Ellis, which although written before Sunday’s game, remains
relevant when assessing their long-term prospects.
Ellis said: “Our
aim is to play local lads, week in week out, and of course it’s going to take
time to establish the club at different age levels, establish pathways for players
and build a competitive team.
“But
we all know where we are and we have to be patient, and everyone connected with
the club is in it for the long haul.
“It’s
about taking small steps and we are doing that.
“Yes
the first months have been tough, and yes there have been teething problems and
mistakes, but we are on a learning curve and we have held our hands up.”
I for one hope the Raiders can find a
way forward in coming months.
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