Match Preview: Swinton Lions vs Midlands Hurricanes
Swinton Lions v Midlands Hurricanes
Sunday January 15th Kick Off 2pm
Heywood Road
Last Time Out
The last meeting of the two sides back in July 2022 saw the Lions take the spoils in a 52-22 victory, however Canes spent much of a tight first 60 mins within a score of their opponents with only a final flurry of points in the last quarter of the match allowing the home side to pull away.
Tries from Matt Welham, Ben Stead, Kieran Lawton, and Elliot Hall, along with 3 Stead conversations making up the Midlands points tally.
Hurricanes Team News - Head Coach Richard Squires has named an exciting 19 man squad , including new signings Matt Bailey , Macaully Hallett and Kieran Moran .
The opposition
After defeating Doncaster in a heart stopping League play off game in early October last year , the Swinton Lions will compete in the BetFred Championship in 2023, returning there after only a season in the Pro Games lower tier .
The Lions sealed their return to the championship with a winning try from Jack Hansen scoring as the hooter sounded , however the hero of day Hansen is amongst a glut of Lions who have moved on from the club in the off season , signing for Sheffield , leaving a very different looking Swinton line up for the new season .
Long serving Captain Rhondri Lloyd remains a Lion ,along with club stalwart ,wingers Mike Butt and Richard Lepori and hooker Luke Waterworth . Loose forward Kenny Baker comes in from Widnes , with Gav Rodden and half back Jordy Gibson making the step up to Championship level from the North Wales Crusaders .
Lloyd and Butt were part of the Wales squad in last years World Cup and Swintons Welsh connection is further strengthened with the addition of internationals Gavin Bennion and Ollie Olds.
For 2023 Lions Coach Alan Coleman will also be able to call on recruits from Super League Champions St Helens , as the two clubs have entered a dual registration agreement for the 2023 season.
The Venue
Heywood Road is in Sale, Greater Manchester, situated 6 miles from central Manchester, and 11 miles from Swinton town centre and has been the home ground of the Swinton Lions since 2016 It has has also been the home ground of rugby union side Sale F.C. since 1905.
Spectator accommodation - Main seated stand , covered terraced stand , pitch side standing .
Disabled access -Disabled spectators have three options for viewing the game, all of which are included within the general turnstile admission fee and none have obstructed views.
1. The concrete concourse in front of the main stand (or any other convenient location on the concourse), for wheelchair users. However, we strongly advise wheelchair users not to view the match from the Birtles covered terrace on the far side of the pitch, as the surface there is uneven in places and not easily accessible.
2. The front rows of the main stand (under cover), which is suitable for ambulant supporters.
3. The balcony above the players’ entrance, which is suitable for wheelchair users and carers, and can be accessed via a lift (partially under cover).
Bar / refreshment facilities - Large supporters bar on ground floor of the clubhouse also serving match day food (normally excellent pies :-) ) .Upstairs corporate bar open pre match for all for Swinton squad number reveal presentation.
Match programme -The Swinton Supporters' Trust have produced a smaller version of the usual match day programme for this Sunday's friendly , priced at £2, purchase from the entrance table.
Match Tickets
Available online and on the day .
Adults (Over 17s ) £10.00
Concessions (Over 65's only. Proof of age / ID may be requested) £8.00
Student (Student ID will be required ) £4.00
Child (Under 16 ) FREE
Getting there
By car -The ground is easily accessed from the M60 motorway (from Swinton join the M60 at Worsley roundabout). Leave the M60 at the Stretford and Sale exit, signposted A56 Sale and Altrincham. Turn right onto the A56, and after 1.5 miles turn left onto A6144 Marsland Road. Continue in a straight line until you see Brooklands metro station, and Heywood Road is another 500 yards further on to the right.
Public Transport -If travelling by public transport, the ground is best approached by Metrolink on the Manchester to Altrincham line.From St Peter’s Square Metro Station. Catch any tram with the destination shown as Altrincham, alighting at Brooklands Station.Exit the station and walk up the steps, then turn right along Marsland Road. Heywood Road is 500 yards up on the right hand
Ground Address
Heywood Rd,
Sale
M33 3WB
Parking There is extremely limited car parking on the ground, and supporters are asked NOT to attempt to drive down Heywood Road unless you have specifically been informed by the club that your name has been added to the car park guest list. There is adequate parking in the streets surrounding the ground, where residents’ only restrictions don’t apply on Sundays.
Matchday Coverage - Regular updates on all Hurricanes Social media platforms for those unable to be at the game .
#COYC2023