Giantkillers up for huge Wire clash
Swinton winger Ian Mort says the Lions are preparing for one of the club’s biggest games in recent years as they get set for this weekend’s Carnegie Challenge Cup fifth round tie against holders Warrington Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Friday May 20 (8.00pm).
After overcoming Co-operative Championship opponents Dewsbury Rams in the fourth round, Championship One side Swinton now face the toughest of challenges if they are to continue their impressive giant-killing run but Mort says his side are in a defiant mood despite being the lowest ranked club left in the competition.
“It’s definitely great for us to be involved, especially as we are the only club in the division to have made it this far in the competition so that’s a great position for us to be in,” said Mort.
“Not only is it good for the players but it’s a huge thing for the fans as well. We played Dewsbury in the last round and in many respects that was like a Cup final for us because no-one other than our fans gave us a chance and we put in a great performance and now we’ve got the chance to play against one of the best teams in the country.
“This is a massive game for us, but we’ve earned our right to be here and we’ll give it our best and see how it goes on the pitch.
“We have to show them respect but we’ve got 80 minutes to go out there and show what we’re made of and to show that we’re not just making up the numbers.”
Mort has been in fine form so far this season, leading the Co-operative Championship One points scoring table and contributing 20 points during his side’s fourth round victory over Dewsbury and he’s hoping he can continue that run when he takes to the field against Warrington.
“We’re playing really well at the minute and everything is going well at the club,” said Mort. “We’ve got a great squad and a great coach who instils confidence in us all and everyone is playing with a smile on their face which makes a huge difference to a team.
“We play an expansive game and the coach has given me free licence and freedom to play which has really suited me and I’m really enjoying my rugby at the moment and I hope that continues throughout the season.
“I’m looking forward to playing against some of the best players in the country and I’ve also got a few mates such as Matty Blythe at the club and others who were on dual-reg contracts with me at Leigh so it will be good to play against them as well.”
Tickets for the Carnegie Challenge Cup fifth round contest between Warrington Wolves and Swinton Lions at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Friday May 20 (8.00pm) are priced from £15 Adult and £5 Concession and are available on 0871 622 1879.
Tickets for the 2011 Carnegie Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday August 27 costs from £21 to £76 and are selling fast. Last year’s final was a sell-out and fans are advised to move quickly to secure their seat at the historic showpiece final. To book tickets call 0844 856 1113 or visit www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk
For more information about the Carnegie Challenge Cup visit www.carnegiechallengecup.co.uk