Riley Cup proves close contest again

The Rochdale and District ARL Riley Cup got underway this week

The Rochdale and District ARL Riley Cup got underway on Thursday evening with 5 teams taking to the field in a fiercely contested cup competition.

Each team played each other in 20 minute, 13-a-side, round robin fixtures, with tries the name of the game.

Rochdale Mayfield again hosted the festival at their Mayfield Sports Centre base, with their A Team fielding a mixture of youth and experience.

With the Conference Alliance league season opener against fierce rivals Oldham St Anne’s on the horizon, numerous players were looking to cement their place in the starting line up.

Coach Marvin Connelly fielded over 25 players as they narrowly saw off tournament newcomers West Houghton Lions in the first fixture, followed by a cheeky drop goal by C.Watcher which left everyone checking the rule book, deciding the second game against Littleborough. A typically fierce final encounter against Rochdale Cobras, who partnered Whitworth Spartans on the evening, ended the evening in front of a large crowd.

Littleborough saw off Cobras in their opening game 4-0 before routing West Houghton Lions in the final fixture 12-4. This score line saw them finish top of the division on points scored as they head into their home festival next week.

The Lions from Bolton were impressive in their first game against Mayfield A. They are entering the Riley Cup for the first time, hoping to add to the silverware they won at the Rochdale International Tag Rugby League Festival earlier in the year. With a youthful looking team, they turned many heads and look set to challenge towards the top end of the North West Counties basement winter division next season.

Rochdale Cobras, fresh from being crowned North West Summer League Champions, fielded a team in conjunction with Whitworth Spartans, who will again be entering the Pennine League this winter. The Spartans, under the watchful eye of returning coach Lee Durrant, provided the muscle, go forward and field position for the impressive Joe Quaniucui and Fereti Bau to make inroads in the attack.

With three teams tied at the top of the table on seven points, the next two week’s festivals promise to be humdingers.

Littleborough play host on Thursday 25 August with Rochdale Cobras hosting on Thursday 1 September. Games kick off at 6.30pm with refreshments available from the bar. Any players/teams, new or old, are welcome.