Myton Warriors progress in Challenge Cup: Post game reaction
Following their last gasp 22-18 victory over Leigh Miners Rangers, Myton Warriors progressed to Round Two of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup.
The victory was all the more noteworthy considering how well Miners Rangers started the game with the visitors having to come back from 12-0 down at half-time.
Speaking after surveying the win Myton boss Tony Spence, who lists BARLA Yorkshire and Great Britain on his coaching CV said, “It was a great comeback. In the first half in particular I wasn’t very happy. We made good inroads, got to the danger zone of the Miners defence, then we spilled the ball and our options were attrocious, being blunt.
“We made eight changes in the week because of a flu epidemic within the club, so a lot of the young lads that came in as you could see, did really well but just panicked in good ball.
“A few choice words were said at halftime. The lads adhered to it, we capitalised and the lads ended up 22-18 victors. I must say I couldn’t have been too disappointed had it gone the other way. Miners had some good chances and they were the better team. It was probably the classic coaches saying – a game of two halves where Miners dominated the first half. I think the friendly game we had last week against Beverley probably put us in good stead. I know it was Miners first run out today. So that plus tired legs perhaps on Miners, us making most of our chances probably got us the win.
“I must say that Aaron Pearce, played prop, 70 minutes in these conditions, Ash James at seven, Danny Precious, 17 today at fullback were really, really good. So, a pleased coach but still plenty to do.”
He continued, “It was a good workman-like performance with everyone scrambling for each other and a never-say-die attitude and if it were Siddal, Thatto Heath or anyone coming here to Miners, to be 12-0 down at one stage and to come back and win is a tremendous effort, no matter which way you look at it!”
With the draw for the next round occurring next week is it the old adage of anyone at home?
“Well yeah,” Spence said. “We aren’t the richest of clubs and I know the RFL do help with some travel costs in this competition. We went to Portsmouth last year! I’d be happy with anyone at home. It just keeps us going until March comes along. We’ve got Hull Dockers in a friendly next week and then the Challenge Cup the week after, I think, so the games are coming now and we’ll get a few lads back.”
Look out for a feature on Myton in the next week or so.