Episode 15 Super League Show

Super League is enjoying its weekend away at Chester city. You could call

it round 13, but actually, it is magic. # at Manchester City.

`` Manchester City. Here is how the Magic weekend works. It is like

another regular round of Super League except all the games are

played at the same venue. Four games on Saturday, and then three on

Sunday ending with Warrington against St Helens. The rest of the

city sports fans are here in Manchester for the whole derby. They

have played each other once this season but this is on neutral

territory. Hodgson. Kingston Rovers moving

ominously close. Great atmosphere inside the Etihad Stadium. The

handling is good. The space has been created. And William Sorter will

score the opening try of the game `` Liam Salter. They found space on the

right`hand, keeping it on side very well. And Salter was not going to

miss that opportunity. Real pressure on this Hull line. Hodgson, out from

dummy half. Hull Kingston Rovers have a second. They are in the

ascendancy in this game now. The Frenchman went one`on`one. He used

his power to good effect. Hodgson. Trying to off`load, it is watching

the game who tries the dummy. Throwing it backwards. He has

support. Keating there, Still going, he has kept it alive. And the try is

Salter's, his second of the game. Credit the enterprise of Hull

Kingston Rovers. Walker with the initial off`load. Hodgson moving on.

Robbing a hole through the middle of that defence. `` ripping a whole. ``

a hole. Salter finishes it off. Red, red robin,

is the grounding from Hadley. And the try is confirmed. Running it out

from dummy `` dummy half, Danny Hart.

have heard the referee saying, he is gone, there. Whether it is referring

to the consciousness of Salter, the status of Crooks, their is a red

card coming out. Jason crooks 's scent of, `` Crooks is sent off.

Hull Kingston Rovers looking to make a quick advantage from the extra

man. Hodgson, up from dummy half again. They are going all the way.

Gardner, scoring the cry `` the try. The left wing in missing for Hull,

and the right`winger scores for Rovers. That was a towering kick.

Kane, takes that well. And it is stolen. A big arm squeezed around

him, he managed to pinch the ball. They will not lie down! Danny Hart!

How many times have we seen him doing that? Despite being one man

down, Hull are back in contention. And he touches down at the second

attempt, and they are pumped, now. It was like he was dragging a sledge

behind him. But it did not impede the run to the line. He goes over.

Not there, but there. Hodgson. Hodgson, again. They have got the

width and the numbers and they have got Gardner, again. The second for

Aidy Gardner, and that might be the moment that Rovers finally quell the

revival from Hull. A match`winning moment, potentially. The seconds are

running away from Hull FC. They are trying a miracle, it is not going to

come off. Josh Hodgson, stepping past a couple of defenders, and

stepping past another, to score a try at the death, that makes it

Rovers' day. As Hodgson skips past them all. The very last act will be

down to Travis Burns to put the ball between the sticks. And to confirm,

in the end, an emphatic victory for Hull Kingston Rovers. It has been a

real battle in this Hull derby. I am joined by the winning coach. Is that

all the sweeter for what happened here last year? We just want to put

in a good performance. I thought that we competed hard. In that

second half, did you begin to sweat a bit? Derby games are always close.

Today was no different. The last ten minutes, I think we were composed.

They seem to be galvanised after that sending off. Yes, full credit

to them, they have made a good contest of it. What did you make of

the sending`off? It was a very high tackle. We have lost our centre for

part of the game. It was a straightforward decision. You must

be pleased overall with your team's performance today. Yes, we let Hull

back in the game, but full credit to them, they really came back at us.

How do you feel about your chances midway through the competition? Who

still have a long way to go, but we are taking small steps forward.

Today was another one of those. This is an opposition leader not like

losing against. I can only offer my condones answers to the players. ``

my condolences. Salford are the closest thing to a home team in

Manchester. The weekend started with London against the Catalan Dragons.

London under the guidance of a new coach got off to a strong start

thanks to Paton Brown. The conditions were most suited to the

south of France. The Catalan Dragons edged ahead just before half`time.

It involved a huge slice of luck. That was a misjudged pass that

bounced into the arms of Elliott Whitehead whose recent fine form as

that calls for an England selection. Just before the hour, the Catalans

put clear daylight between themselves and London thanks to this

impressive try. London did not lie down. Mason Peyton Brown led the

comeback. At least three super league sides are looking at the

London for next season, and you can see why he has become one of the

hottest properties in the game. Greenwood crashed over, and

unbelievably the scores were level with 15 minutes left. The Catalans

rallied. It was man of the match, Whitehead, who restored the lead for

the French side. London came agonisingly close to their first

point of the season. Drinkwater found the gap to bring the Broncos

within two points. It was left to the young scrum`half to kick the

conversion to tie it all up. Agonisingly, the ball went wide, and

London remain without a win a point at the of the Super League. We are

going to train hard. You have to make your luck, sometimes you have

to go searching for your luck. We want to ensure that we tackle harder

and we won harder and compete harder. And it will change, and we

will control our own destiny. We wanted to bring the same attitude as

when the play in Perpignan. It is about keeping one working on that,

cubic keeping on, showing for the ball. `` keeping on.

After a lengthy delay, the Vikings scored first through Paddy Flynn.

Salford put up a fight here and edged ahead with a couple of quick

tries. Then there was a piece of trademark individual brilliance from

Chase, as he dummied and sidestepped his way through to score. The red

Devils were now eight points in front, but Widnes, who suffered a

surprise defeat to Wakefield last week, Duggan. `` they dug in. Before

the half`hour, Chris Dean went over for a third Vikings tried that with

Danny tickle failing with the kick once more, the teams went in at

half`time at 12 points apiece. The red Devils have won only once since

their new coach took over from Brian Noble. Their hopes of victory were

raised here. But this one was destined to go all the way. Widnes,

who had lost in both of the previous weekend appearances, finally got

their noses in front with this regionwide try as he followed up

this kick. `` Lloyd Wright. The exchange of tries continued. Some

very quick thinking from Danny Williams, he gathered up the loose

ball and run across the defensive line before piercing through to

score. Silver's lead and lead only lasted

two minutes. `` Salford's lead. Both players needed medical attention.

This was a stunning score, it sent the Widnes fans into raptures.

Tickle converted and then kicked a penalty to give the Vikings a

6`point advantage but Salford called their way back yet again. Francis

Melly finished off a move down the left`hand side. Paddy Flynn then

scored his second but the game of reach to ensure a return to winning

ways for the Vikings. Next Salford is a home game against Wigan on

Thursday. Widnes travel to Castleford.

We're getting in position to win the games but we're not quite coming

through. Today, they really showed how strong their character is, to

come through this game and to be as beat up as we were early in the game

and finished the game with 15 blokes, it is old school stuff. The

grind out that a win and get the point, we should have scored a

couple of tries. If we have been more clinical, we could have made it

look easy. Top of the bill on Saturday night were Leeds and we

can. They met a couple of weeks ago. The showpiece of Day one here in

Manchester. It really has been intense so far. And he scores!

What a start the Wigan. Leeds have put all the pressure on in the early

stages. We have seen a bit of bother in this game, fire and brimstone. A

real fiery encounter, played on the edge. We had the centre trouble was

brewing. Finally, it all kicked off here at the Etihad Stadium. The

referee has his work cut out. The initial challenge was on Jamie

Peacock. Bailey and Bateman, getting in a separate ruck. What is the

answer? A yellow card for Michael McIllorum. I think there is more to

come. Ryan Bayley, in the sin`bin, and also John Bateman. Wigan are

down to 11. Leeds have put so much pressure on them. Wigan with the

advantage, you get the feeling that Leeds need to score here. All will

pick it up and touched down! Not the most spectacular try that Ryan Hall

will ever score, scrappy. The ball goes backwards. Important moments on

the stroke of half`time. What I run! Brilliant from green! What a time to

score it ! So crucial from everything that Wigan do. That was a

fantastic dummy, what a try. Under the post! His first try of the

season, Mike Laura makes Mac what a time to score it! Brilliant again

from Blake Green. Michael McIllorum, with the support. He wears his heart

on his sleeve, the Wigan coach. Leeds are in a spot of bother here.

They need to get over the try`line. They do really well to keep the ball

going. Always dangerous with all in hand, as we have seen so many times

this season. A couple of poor attempts, and Ablett is over for the

try! This is some game! Brilliant handling. 14 points behind. They had

to take a gamble and it has paid off. In the end it was Blake Green

who missed the initial challenge. Can Leeds get another? Really make

it interesting. Ryan Hall stretches over! What a match this is turning

out to be. No wonder that Leeds have handed him an extended contract.

Exquisite skill. 150 tries in Super League now for Ryan Hall. Another

thrilling finale between these giants of Super League. Has he won

it for Leeds? Fright at the death! `` right at the death. Did the ball

go forward? And have Wigan ended Leeds's seven match winning run? You

said you were incredibly proud of your players last week, you must be

doubly proud this week. Absolutely. It was a great effort. Four players

played who should never have played. We had to give injections to get

them out there. The adversity we have had, to come up with a win

against a fantastic Leeds team, I can't tell you and put into words

how proud I am. It was a real good effort. What was the deciduous and

out with before the game? `` what was the message you sent them out

with? It was just to compete, I wanted to complete well as well,

desire on the ball, play the ball quickly. We did that, we showed

loads of desire. The all`round effort, how they watched each

other's backs. Particularly in the first half with a couple of seeing

buildings. It is rugby league. The referee saw a different to me. It is

what it is, we got two sin`bins, they got one, we then won the game.

Did you think that Moon has got to try? You could argue the semantics,

whether there were any Wigan hangs in there, but it was a knock`on.

Where do we go from there if we allow those? Marathon continued on

Sunday with three more matches. This was a very one`sided affair,

with Castleford putting 50 point past their neighbours in the Sunday

sunshine. Clark started the rout and it was followed by the inevitable

Justin Carney try, his 11th of the season. He shrugged off four

defenders in the process. The Tigers, who had lost two fiercely

fought local derbies against Leeds and Huddersfield, never threatened

here. Jordan Tansey scored a third try after a great run from Clark.

Wakefield were already on the rope. Wildcats came into the game in

decent form but never got going here. Castleford's spirit he was

confirmed by Washington's breakaway try. `` superiority was confirmed.

Second half began in a similar fashion. It produced the outstanding

moment of the game. Mark Sneyd, season`long loan signing from,

touched down to score. How the red Devils must look in Beasley at his

displays. `` enviously. Justin Carney scored yet again for his

second try of the afternoon take the Tigers past the 30 point mark.

Whitfield finally `` Whitfield finally rallied but it was only

temporary relief has Justin Carney played in Mark Sneyd for yet another

score. The Wakefield line was broken again

five minutes later when forward Mariano picked out some tyre

defending to power through for the Tigers's eighth try of the

afternoon. `` tired defending. Wildcats offered their

Wigan in the Super League standings. `` dumping derby demolition.

Huddersfield were level eight minutes later. It was a magical

weekend. Despite only one recognised prop, Bradford gave it a real go.

That was as good as it got for them. Lunge over the line was the first of

three quick tries as Huddersfield opened up a 14 point lead at the

break. There was a touch of class about the next two touchdowns from

the Giants. Luke Robinson finished off with a touch of panache.

How about this for a burst of pace and a spectacular individual try

from Broughton. Terrific take, a brilliant, weaving 80 yard run. He

scored one of the tries of the weekend. Much to the delight of the

Giants owner. In the second half, they run their opponents ragged with

five unanswered tries in a blistering spell. Inevitably, Denny

broth scored and minutes later they added another. The Bulls, miserable

record at the Magic weekend. They put up little resistance as T a'ai

powered his way through. Then Anthony Mullally touched down.

Patrick. The half`century for Huddersfield with ten minutes still

to play. Danny prof made it nine out of nine with the boot. The Bulls did

manage to stem the flow. But despite the late effort on Foster, Bradford

remain eight points from safety, and that 6`point deduction now looks

more crucial than ever. The Giants face Saint Helens on Friday in. ``

in buoyant mood. It was mission accomplished. And it could have been

better, as well. We had 70 odd minutes in the middle, as long as

you have got effort there, as a team, that is very good. I am joined

by the Bradford Bulls Chief Executive. A good start from your

guys but a tough day at the office. Huddersfield are playing some great

rugby. We knew that the concept was to try and stick with them. The

first 40 minutes the boys did a great job under a lot of pressure.

In the second half, they had too much firepower. How difficult is it

to net the team together? It is not ideal but you have got to make the

best of a bad situation. It is about having time to create good

combinations, about having extra time to get everyone to believe and

to buy into what Francis is trying to do. It is never the perfect

recipe for success, but it is what we have got in front of us. We are

skinnier numbers, we have picked up a lot of injuries. The reality is,

that is where we're at. We have got to try and pick up some players from

the fringes of the other Super League squads. We are trying to

concentrate on finding some players that can be there for the rest of

the season. What did you make of Huddersfield? Starting to get into

their rhythm? I think so. It was only a matter of time. It was

thought that they had so many players involved with the World Cup,

that they would be suffering from a hangover. But that was a tough thing

for their coach at the beginning of the year. They are good squad with

world`class players. They will always have the time, it just isn't

coming right now. And for you it is about giving people optimistic

because the games are ticking away. We are confident that we will be

able to get some success. That has got to be the focus. We have got to

try and achieve it. It is in the back of everyone's mind. We just

have to see how it all unfolds. Saint Helens could go to the top of

the table when they faced Warrington. They met here last

year, and it was a resounding victory for the Wolves. It comes

back to Michael Monaghan. Another six tackles for Warrington,

hammering this St Helens line. Monaghan. Ormsby, dives and scores.

Seven minutes played, and Warrington lead. Michael Monaghan, looking to

set things up. Hill dragged down. Here comes Bridge. Waterhouse

off`loads, and Rhys Evans will score. Two tries in the opening ten

minutes, for Warrington. Fridge. A little juggled by Hill. And Chris

Hill! Unbelievable, Warrington pairing St Helens apart. `` tearing.

What form they are showing. Monaghan, it is played up and it is

picked up by Radford. And Rhys Evans with his second of the day. As long

as it is given offside, is the issue, here. You can see that all of

the chasers eye one side. `` are onside. Walsh, just dropping the

hips. And Saint Helens have a try on the board, at last, just before

half`time. Evans. He has the pace on this left`hand side. Atkins is in

support. Warrington are up and running again in the second half.

Radford again. Holding it in one hand, looking for the middle. And

Joel Monaghan. Five minutes of the second`half played and Warrington

have scored two tries in half. He is away, and he has support from

Russell. He will sprint away. Fabulous stuff from Russell. Three

Warrington tries in ten second`half minutes. St Helens, very much up

against it. Lomax, again. A little bit of a dummy, and it is carried to

the line. Has he got it down? The referee is having a look at the

touch judge and is going to refer this to the video referee. It is all

about the grounding. That angle suggests he has touched it down. It

is a try. They are still a long, long way behind. There is a bit of a

gap. Space, and Hohaia scores the try. They got two back. Walsh.

Hohaia, and may be the St Helens revival is on. And one points `` 1.7

is the nerves for Warrington, in control again. `` one point set all

is the nerves. Here comes Joel Monaghan. And with this, Warrington

will win it for sure. It is a big day for the Warrington Wolves. We

are not getting carried away. We will have some good days and we will

have some more rough days as well. That is how the competition is at

the moment. Just like St Helens put a lot of points on us in the first

round and we put a few on them today. The players, I told them at

half`time what we needed to do to get where we wanted to get to. I do

not think that it is a coincidence that leads and Wigan have dominated

the big games in the past four years. ` Leeds. I am joined by Brian

Noble. Record crowds for this magic weekend. Yes, the atmosphere seemed

to build. Because of the way that the teams went about their business.

Then in the last game there was drama and controversy. Has there

been a standout game or performance? I enjoyed the game between Wigan and

Leeds. It had a storyline. You have to look at what witnessed it,

picking up a few injuries along the way. To some pivotal people in the

game, and they still found some way to win. Yesterday had us all

scratching our heads. The controversy with Crooks being sent

off. I think that Wigan against Leeds was probably my highlight. We

don't know how many of those people in those record crowds was new to

the game, but it is about bringing in a new audience. I was speaking to

Ray French. He said that the event concept of the World Cup has kicked

in. We met a few people before the game, who had come up for this

weekend to see all of these seven games. We need to promote that and

encourage new people. And I think it really works, here. If you could

change one thing, what do you think could make it even better? Good

question. Probably, the imagination with the fixtures, not making them

derbies has made it better, improving on the concept, maybe a

little bit more entertainment, I don't know. Let's see how the

results have affected the 2014 Dafabet World Championship league

table. `` the First Utility Super League table.

They are already clearing up here. It is the end of another magic

weekend. We will be back with the more familiar surroundings of the

studio next week. Until then, goodbye.

MUSIC: "Wizard" by Martin Garrix and Jay Hardway

Join us, Coldplay, Calvin Harris, Katy Perry,

Kings Of Leon, Ed Sheerin and One Direction,

as we seize summer at Radio 1's Big Weekend.