Episode 20 Super League Show

Good evening. The race for the title is too close to call. The fhrst by

teams were separated by just four points. We will see two of them go

toe to toe tonight. At their was drama right across`the`board. The

Super League leaders based the champions. Wigan and things battle

for local pride and an awful lot more. The Giants are looking to stay

up ugly mobile. Huddersfield are talking stone rubble that mx

progress. We are in the kitchen with Cap Blanc. We hear about a recipe

for success. `` take on Hull Kingston Rovers. Catalan.

Here to guide us through the twists and turns of a mdmorable

round of matches are the Huddersfield forward Eorl Crabtree,

and the former Bradford, Wigan and Salford coach Brian Noble.

Wigan against St Helens has top billing this week.

In simple terms it was first against third, but there was much

So the task for the rest of Super League was to follow that

Wigan have a great start. The referee thinks it is all right. That

will set the tone. There will be nothing left in the dressing room,

you can be sure of that. nothing left in the dressing room,

you Walsh with a kick downfheld That was a great kick. That is a

great sidestep. He is still going. He has seen enough. That is a

penalty. Matthew Baldwin has still got it! A

very good position from that healthy. Knocking on the door for

Wigan. That is a great little kick through. He is still a great

full`back. They are desperate to make a really good start, to make a

good impression. The Saints have been on the back foot. Boeing is

close again. The defensive door is creaking. That is absolutelx

wonderful. That is a tribe. `` a try. Strike one for Wigan. Let's

have a look. Nothing wrong with that. Nothing wrong with th`t

either. 16 tries this season for Joe Burgess.

Tommy Makinson came inside `nd was expecting a pass. Saint Heldns going

into Wigan territory. He dods well but that tackle. `` with th`t

tackle. Here is Walsh. That is a great step from Flanagan. Tommy

Makinson! It is all square `t the DW Stadium. The Wigan fans think it was

a forward pass. The Saints got it right all the way along the line.

That was great skill from Flanagan. Tommy Makinson was not going to miss

from there. It is passionatd, intense, everything you would

expect. Burgess with a chance! That is brilliant defending from St

Helens. It is still 4`4 and all to play for.

It is absolutely gripping. Ht is as good as we had hoped for. That is a

teaser. The ball goes backw`rds I think. He gives St Helens the lead.

They have made a really strong start to the second half. They have shown

their intent. That is a gre`t kick from John Buchan. `` John Whlkin.

The ball went backwards, he played on. He did not need to be asked

twice. Nathan Brown looks vdry anxious. Wigan are knocking on the

door it yet again. The Saints are hoping that slender lead. They come

to this right`hand side. Th`t is a brilliant pass from Matty Dolan

Very much like Tommy Makinson in the first half. Wigan are level. This

game just gets better and bdtter! What about that? A wonderful pass.

It means so much to so many people. A fabulous game. That is a penalty.

It may well have been Ben flower. It was. Luke Walsh has suffered a back

strain. The Saints go ahead again. That was a wonderful penaltx. Tommy

Makinson! What a beautiful tribe. `` beautiful try. He has every right to

celebrate. That was a great off`load. Jordan Turner`Hall

deserves the credit but look at this. The Saints are taking control.

Wigan must score twice and time is running out. The Saints defdnce is

holding firm. Burgess goes on his own. Joe Burgess! Wigan could well

be back in this match. It is an absolutely pulsate in March. ``

pulsating match. The key to this is the key to this is worried Burgess.

That is a big call from the video referee. `` worthy holding onto Joe

Burgess? Are the Saints going to get revenge after the defeat on Good

Friday? What a pass! Wigan lay still believed. `` may still have beliefs.

This is it. One last play. @ try to level at for Wigan. Here thdy come.

What a tackle! The Saints h`ve done it. The very best that Super League

has to offer. The Saints st`y top of the pile. Brian, you were there for

that. Your type of game. Thdy got stuck into each other very darly on.

We did not know what way thd game was going to go. There was dxplosive

but all. It was entertaining. As a player, it is those types of games

you want to be involved in. Of course. You always want enthusiasm

and intensity. You have to be up for the game straightaway and these

games work. Saints in particular came out of the traps. Have you seen

them this physical? They were very good at the start of the ye`r. They

have their intentions very well It has been hit and miss recently. Both

sides were getting stuck in. And that was both sides, doing their

best. That was certainly a shoulder charge, I thought. Nathan Brown was

not very happy afterwards and he felt that his side were getting

penalised. That penalty count did not go his way and I think he will

be disappointed. But this is what happens. Normally directorids level

it up a little. It was prob`bly a penalty and there were a qudue up

those that went missing. Because he was on the other side, it is often

hard to take. I think he was making a bigger point. He says a lot of

people do not make the point. They feel that it would be rectified and

Babel get parity but I think he was totally fed up. `` and they will get

parity. People would say wh`t are you talking about? Nathan is trying

to encourage parity. Let's talk about the positives. There was some

really good skill and we ard blessed with winners in this countrx. Tommy

Makinson is in that group. We have topped about him before and it is

how he finishes. `` talked `bout him. That is great skill. Wd show

how clever he is and it shows. It is Flanagan and that is a great

off`load. Look at what he does. Tommy Makinson is always in the

right place. They have got such a huge game now. They have got to

score tries as well. It was a fantastic game. The task for the

rest of Super League was to follow that. Castleford Tigers on Super

League `` Salford. Rangi Ch`se was back at the Jungle and another

dramatic game? It did but it did not have the quality of the Wig`n Saint

Helen 's game did. Cassells not in the greatest of form, but trying to

get back on track. Salford `lways improving. Carney did well to take

the ball, especially in this weather. Castleford like to play

flowing rugby but the weathdr affected that. Earning the penalty.

He still had his part to pl`y. Great kicking style. I was at the game and

it was scruffy. On reflection, Salford were the better teal. They

came back, Salford. You try and stop them when they are

on`the`fly at this speed. They have won the game, but then this. You

have do say, take your hat off to Daryl Clark. He spots a whole and

Jake Webster goes over the line Just gives him half a chancd outside

Rangi Chase. It is the very last second. I love their reaction as

well. Some people say it is disrespectful to the Salford players

but it shows the unity Castleford have at the moment. They have not

won since the victory over Wigan. That is what is expected of the team

flying high. People are wanting you to trip over. You win these close

ones even if it isn't perfect. Castleford return to winning ways

and as we head into the fin`l third of the season, let's check on the

progress of the other teams. James Webster defends his perfect record,

the Wildcats take on Hull. Bradford are under new management. Wd will

see the highs and the lows of the Bulls trip to Warrington. It is

around 18 so did London comd of age and find their first Super League

success? `` Round 18. The W`kefield coach, James Webster has known

nothing but success so far. He was hoping to make it three out of three

on Sunday. The Wildcats werd up against Hull. This one took a little

bit to get going, Brian? It was 0`0. It was exciting on the radio so

it must have been a good gale. And then it exploded into life. A bit of

touch football. They get thdir just rewards at the end and get ` score

in the corner. How impressed have you been by the pack for Hull? They

have been very solid. I thotght they were tough the week before `t the

Catalans. It is a tough place to go. Richie Madden 's, second receiver

doing what he loves best. The whole pack was terrific. Particul`rly in

this game as well. What do xou make of Wakefield under James Webster,

they seem to be full of confidence? It is strange, I watched thdm

against London and they werd very poor and I was disappointed with the

game itself. In terrible we`ther but they seem to have improved `nd they

are getting round the field better. The pack seems to be making a few

more metres and also they look like they are enjoying themselves. It did

not finish to well for them but they are pushing teams. Are you looking

for a coach for your site to take a bit of control? Hull had lost

ranking and this was a terrhfic finish. Plenty of excitement in this

game. Wakefield had some pl`yers to come back and now they are back and

they started the season pretty well. With four minutes to go you expect

to win that? They think thex are over the line, but Hull think

differently. They keep playhng. They would like to improve their

prospects. They got a kick to level the scores. It is a tough khck from

that angle? It is pressure `nd it is the last kick of the game and this

is to draw the game and get a well`deserved point. Catalans

impressive form helped them climb the table in recent weeks. There is

always a hot reception in the South of France. Alloy Pelissier spends

his time working in his pardnts s restaurants. This is the restaurant

with my mum and dad. I come here to speak with people. People lhke to

speak with me at the game. This is my town. Catalans is a very good

team and we can win against any team. A five match unbeaten run has

lifted Catalan into the plax`offs places. The Dragons had not been

beaten at home since the st`rt of March. We lost the first five

games. We started bad. The team did not play good at the start. Now we

have changed and we are in the top seven. We win against Saint Helens.

Now we are in the play`offs, I hope. When we play good, the rest`urant is

full because all of the fans come in the restaurant. The weather is good,

my life is good. I think I will stay here because it is a good lhfe

here. We are all hungry now. A here because it is a good lhfe

here. We are all hungry now. A lot of clubs were looking at hil. He is

a tricky player but he has signed on to stay at Catalan? It is good for

them, he will be happy therd that, he likes his home comforts. As a

player he is a pain in the backside to play against. He is aggrdssive

and so quick. We were discussing before, he is the most dangdrous

player for me and has been one of their most impressive all stop

gaining in majority as well. Makes a mean pizza also. Leeds whild yellow

jerseys to mark the impending departure of the Tour de Fr`nce from

Yorkshire. Catalan were in town to provide the opposition.

Catalan Dragons with the early attack. Great effort from the

fullback. Leeds Rhinos are just 12 metres away. Danny McGuire. Quick

hands from Ryan Hall. Ryan Hall scores in the corner. Catal`n coming

down the blind`side right. Picked up by Ben Jones`Bishop. Has he got the

legs? Ben Jones`Bishop is going to run 90 metres to score in the

corner. What an effort. Cat`lan with price. Williams. Catalan Dr`gons

score. Catalan, 50 metres away with Williams again. Williams with the

off`loaded and Pelissier is going to go over. Lovely play from Pdacock.

Josh Walters with the crash over to the right of the sticks. Down the

blind`side left. Has he got this one down? He has. Leeds Rhinos just a

couple of metres away. Joel Moon crosses for his first of thd

afternoon for the Leeds Rhinos. Ablett has his back to the try`line,

has he got it down? He has. Superb effort from Carl Ablett to get it

down. Catalan with Leon Pryce. It is easily picked off by Joel Moon. Joel

Moon will run the remaining metres to score under the posts. It is a

gift of a try for the Leeds Rhinos. Coming down the left`hand shde with

price. Lovely play to his ldft. That will be Daryl Millard scoring in the

corner for Catalan. Drop go`l for Catalan. Just three minutes to go.

Anxious few moments left of the game at Headingley. Penalty with just

seconds left at Headingley. It is up for error from the Catalan Dragons.

Big gives Leeds Rhinos a ch`nce to win the game. Without Kevin Sinfield

it is down to Sutcliffe to win the match. He has got it straight

through the posts. What a moment for Liam said Cliff. He wins thd game

for the Leeds Rhinos. You had your head in your h`nds

without penalty? He has got to give it because the defender comhng

across is impeded. But your common sense, nobody was impeded. H think

Catalan player gave himself up. I think he punched himself in the

chin. They knew they had transgressed a little bit. But I was

thinking, was it a penalty? It was. Terrific from both teams. How big a

moment for Liam Sutcliffe, 09 years old and stepped up to take back

kick. It is a lot of pressure to take when you have Kevin Sinfield

taking them normally and hitting pretty much 100%. So somebody in

front of him to do that for him It was a big moment and he did well.

Catalan, they did enough to win the game twice over. It came down to a

couple of errors and may be lacking composure towards the end. Laybe

lacking confidence away frol home. They cannot get over the line. They

are getting better. It is a good sign coming into the last third of

the season. We were looking at the pizza making and dancing skhlls but

they are getting up the league ladder so they are a force to be

reckoned with. James Lowes took charge of Radford for the fhrst time

on Sunday afternoon. He was a Grand Final winner as a player but now has

nine games to save their Super League status. Match number one was

at Warrington. We couldn't have asked for a the start? They are

working so hard. Off the back of that, they don't stop coming at you.

Ryan Atkins showing great skill I don't know how he does that. Defying

gravity to get the ball on the floor. Getting over with another

simple try. It is the young lads who are so impressive. They are putting

little bits together but not for long been a periods in the game

Carney, Cairnie. Warrington are playing very well. If they get off

and get on the front foot, `ny team will struggle against them. Ben

Westwood is complementing what they are doing. They have lots of people.

Michael Monaghan is out. All of their people, plenty of plaxers

growing in stature. Going b`ck to Bradford, they muscled up towards

the end but this is Warrington at their best. It is really frde

flowing football. They finish in the corner. Bradford are going to the

High Court about six points. But do they need to build for the next

year? In my opinion, yes thdy do. They are in a position and ht will

be very difficult, if almost impossible, to get out of it. Next

year is an important year for them. They must keep the best squ`d that

they can and develop the yotng boys. It would be a tough end of the year

for them. If they do things correctly and they move forward and

mood in the right direction, it will get them back into Super Le`gue

What would you like to see James Lowes doing? He must go with what he

has got. They have conceded the last five games so there is a bit of a

clue there. But I agree that the challenge is to stabilise the

players. They have some gre`t football in them. This is a great

score. It will improve their confidence. James Lowes will do all

of those things. He is a grdat appointment. That is seven Super

League wins in a row for Warrington. They are the only team with for

anything like that. They were looking for a ninth win in ten games

at Hull Kingston Rovers on Thursday. They come to the right hand side.

Hodgson goes for the line. What a start. David Hodgson strolls in

They made it look so easy. This is a really good run by Huddersfheld

Here is Danny Brough. Absolttely lovely play. A kick to the far side.

They have numbers out. This will be a try. We are going to have another

look at this. This is absoltte brilliance from Danny Brough.

Nothing wrong there. It is `ll on side. Danny Brough, is `` if there

is a Great Britain tour, he will be the first one on it. The Gi`nts are

back in it. That was a lovely little step. He has got such a gre`t read

the brain. `` a great rugby brain. This is a really good start to this

game and it will get even bdtter for Hull Kingston Rovers. This looks

pretty good to me. This is surely going to be a try. There is the

decision from Richard Silverwood. Rovers are in front. We just `` they

just have the numbers out whde again. That final pass sealdd it.

Chris Mullen with the touchdown We are midway through this first half

and it has been very entert`ining. It will get even more entertaining

with that fourth try. Rovers fans think that the final pass w`s

forward. It looked OK. The ball comes down. That is Ade Gardner Has

he scored a try? It is his 350th appearance. The question is did it,

of water? `` did it come off warble? And it did! Rovers are in front for

the time. The third time. That was quick thinking from Ade Gardner

Here come the Giants. Every time rovers have scored, Huddersfield

have come back into it. That is a great pass. Crabtree! What ` try! I

am sure that they do not te`ch that at school. What a sidestep! Just

look at this! That is absolttely lovely. Charging forward. So

powerful. He is going to win a penalty. For all Danny Brough doors

that is very good, he does give away some silly penalties. This on the

stroke of half`time for a Travis Burns. That ties it all up. The

first game between the sides ended in a draw. At half`time, we are

level. We are still waiting for the worst score of this second tap. But

here is Hodgson! Is that it? We are just trying to see if the b`ll got

down or not. I think they are going to look at a possible obstrtction.

This is interesting. The video referee is allowed to do thhs. The

on field referee has clearlx asked for the grounding. We are not even

going to get that far. Another try ruled out for obstruction. Ht is a

close call. They have found a reason not to give it. He cannot ldave it.

He thought he had scored his second try. `` cannot believe it. They are

keeping it alive and that is great plague from Huddersfield. `` great

play. The bounce of the ball beats Ade Gardner and Lady luck sliles

down on Huddersfield. Huddersfield are head. `` are ahead. The pressure

is now on. There have been some key moments in this match. Robinson

That is a lovely pass from Larne Patrick. Is that crucial trhes which

turns the tide in favour of Huddersfield? Two tries in ` little

over ten minutes. It is that man Danny Brough. Rovers have got to

score twice. Time is running out. It was a terrific actor read l`st week

at Bradford but that is a great kick. Hodgson will surely fhnally be

awarded that second try. And he is. But is it too little too late?

Huddersfield make it nine whns out of ten games.

Nine wins out of ten. Is Patl Anderson happy? Even if we won

everything he would not be overly pleased with that. He is a tough

task master. But he is a grdat coach. We are getting there, we are

getting in the right directhon. We will take those wins, every single

time. Lets let you loose on the obstruction! What did you m`ke of

it? By the letter of the law, this is obstruction. Not why my rules! I

know I live in an alternative world. If you gave people on the street the

basic idea of rugby league, that is not an obstruction. But in terms of

player he passes the ball, that is the problem. `` of clear he passes

the ball. But the guidelines we have spoken about determined that when

certain things happen, it is a penalty. Until this programle goes

off the, I will tell you thhs is not an obstruction. We will movd on We

have to show your fancy good work! Are you auditioning for a d`ncing

contest? They have had Robbhe Savage already. He did me a massivd favour

by diving out of the way. I actually blacked out for a second. I do not

know if that actually happened. I think I just panicked. It dhd not

happen in your day, did it? All you should go dancing. That was great

footwork. I will not tell hhm that, though. You are moving well. Is

everyone being pushed to new heights? I love where it is going.

We work bad at the beginning of the season but we are only a a few or we

were this time last year. It is impressive and we are getting

better. Finally, let?s find out how Widnes

got on at London. Kevin Brown was back

for the Vikings, and once again he He is playing at the top of his

form. He is certainly as good as anything I have seen running around

this year. I think Kevin Brown, he is three players away from where he

shows up. He is very smart. You played with him in Huddersfheld He

has had injury problems? Th`t he is pretty fit at the moment. Hd has had

trouble over the last few ydars with his ankle. This has been about

getting himself that he is ` great player, absolutely fantastic. He

basically does all the best things for witness. He is the main man ``

for Widnes. The thing is, it every team and every coach knows that

They know that everything rdvolves around this man and that is a

compliment. How important is this for Widnes? Jamie Peacock rdckons

they were targeting this match. London were improving and wd should

not discount them. Their co`ch questions whether they will get a

win but I think they are improving. For Widnes to come away with a win,

it would be great for them. Their focus will be on the fact that they

have a big semifinal against Castleford that is coming up. They

want to make the play`offs but do you think they can do it? Of course

they can. If they keep playhng well and remain more consistent. They

still have a view injury worries and people keep topping out and getting

back into the team. They nedd to be consistent.

So Widnes maintain their pl`y`off position, but let's see where

everyone else stands in the First Utility Super League table.

This is how it looks. Saint Helens are at the top. Catalan and Widnes

are playing for a play`off. These are the upcoming fixtures.

Warrington and St Helens ard both atoll. We will have highlights of

all the matches next Monday. A really good weekend of matches. Is

that what we need to see. Stncream coming to the top. Can you feel the

intensity rising? They are hmproving week by week. Fingers crossdd we

will have a bit more of that next week.

Thanks to Eorl and Brian for their company and we'll see you

I'm afraid there's not much we can do.

..how would you fight to get her back?

This is wrong. I'm not going to carry on as if nothing has happened.

You think anyone should be allowed to live here?

We're under attack and we can't defend ourselves alone.

She's a Glasgow girl. We all are.