What a weekend it has been, it started off on Friday night with everyman and his dog expected Bradford Bulls to get the beating of their life after their performance against Warrington the week before.

However the Bulls had other plans and attacked St. Helensat every opportunity coming away with a remarkable victory, spoilt only by their first try coming from the most blatent knock on you have seen.

This result was made even better by the scorelines flashing up from the game at Headingley, where Harlequins RL, beat the Rhinos 21-4.

Meanwhile at the sharp end of the game down in the Co-operative Rugby League Conference National, everyone managed to field a side this weekend, with Nottingham Outlaws showing Warrington Wizards that they will be a force to be reckoned with come the business end of the season, winning comfortabley 52-22.

On Wednesday evening the first of the rearranged games will take place with Dewsbury Celtic taking on East Lancashire Lions.

On Saturday, unbeaten Buffaloes are at home to Huddersfield Underbank Rangers, in what promises to be a cracker of a game.

Till Next time.

Well the season finally kicked off with a cracking game at Wilderspool, against the Warrington Wizards, which ended with a cracking victory for the Buffaloes.  A great performance from the team with an outstanding debut from forward Nathan Anderson who scored two tries.

Elsewhere in the RLCN, Hemel beat East Lancashire and Liverpool beat Featherstone Lions in the shock result of the day.

This weekend see the Buffaloes take on new comers Nottingham outlaws on Sunday 19th April at the Arthur Miller Stadium, Free Entry for Everyone, read this for more details.  East Lancashire travel to Gateshead, Liverpool travel to Carlisle on Sunday, Dewsbury are away at Hemel, and Underbank travel to Featherstone.

Elsewhere in the world of Rugby League saw some strange results in the Superleague over the Easter Weekend Dual round.  With Salford beating the Rhinos on Easter Monday.

Heres to a good weekends rugby with everyone turning up.

Nearly Over.

Well at least for us anyway.

There were three games in the competition last week with Huddersfield beating Hemel 26-24, Warrington hammering Carlisle 70-14 and New boys Nottingham defeating 2007 champions Featherstone Lions 46-44.

The other two games, Liverpool Vs Gateshead, and Dewsbury Vs East Lancashire been postponed due to Liverpool and East Lancashire’s problems in raising a team.  these games will be played later on in the season, we are told.

This weekends fixtures were due to be –

Nottingham Outlaws v Carlisle
East Lancashire Lions v Hemel Stags
Liverpool Buccaneers v Featherstone Lions
Huddersfield Underbank Rangers v Gateshead Storm
Warrington Wizards v Bramley Buffaloes

But I understand that both Carlisle and Huddersfield are struggling to raise a side and their games are in doubt. 

After the successes of last year when we finished with the same number of clubs as we started with and no failures, we have started 2009 with a 40% failure rate already.

When these games will be played, who knows, but it will mean teams doubling up and playing 3 games in a 8 day spell, which is tough for the super league players but for lads at our level, even harder.

All the teams in this competition work hard. But the fixtures came out in late December giving teams plenty of time to get sorted out.

We are looking forward to our trip to Wilderspool, which isn’t one of our happiest hunting grounds, Mark Butterill is unbeaten there as a coach, so hopefully things will go our way.

Hope to see you on Saturday.
 

Until next time

We’re on the final count down to the season starting with the first round of fixtures in the RLCN taking place over the weekend.

On Saturday

Huddersfield Underbank Rangers vs Hemel Stags
Dewsbury Celtic vs East Lancashire Lions
Featherstone Lions vs Nottingham Outlaws
Gateshead Storm vs Liverpool Buccaneers

whilst on Sunday

Carlisle vs Warrington Wizards

We have a bye in the first round and have taken the opportunity to organise a friendly against South London Storm, down at Storm Park. This has been enable by National Express, who are collar sponsors of the Buffaloes in 2009.

This would have been the second hit out of the year had Hunslet not cancelled last week. This will leave us a little short of match practice, prior to our first league game on the 11th April at Wilderspool, where we take on the Warrington Wizards.

Tomorrow night see Danny “Boy” O’Connor take on Joe “The Hunter” Howey, in a Bramley Vs Hunslet clash at the Frontier Club in Batley for the Steve Prescott Foundation.

Danny has been training hard for the bout and he will do us proud.

On the field, Danny has been named as Club Caption for the 2009 season. Danny is one of our foundation players, having been with us since we started playing back in 2004.

What a weekend it promised to be, a re-run of the 2008 grand final, in form Cas taking on unbeaten Hull F.C., would Warrington bounce back from their woeful outing in the capital.

Friday night started off with a bang as Saint Helens beat the Leeds Rhinos, in a game that lived up to expectations, with Leon Price producing the form which seemed to have deserted him during the world cup and plenty of biff.

Whilst over on the East Coast, the Tigers beat Hull F.C. with a late drop goal to take the game 19-18.

The NRL again proved that it is the premier competition in the world again with two good games over on Setanta.   With Greg Eastwood, who should have been playing for the rhinos, making his debut for Canterbury Bulldogs. 

Lots of hype in the Australian press this last week about Hazem El Masri passing the Australian points in a career record held by Andrew Johns.  The typical jingoistic Aussie Press are claiming that Hazem, is now the world record points holder in the game.  These jurno types are obviously forgetting about the records of  Neil Fox (6,220 points) and Jim Sullivan (2,687 points).  The Aussies are morphing into Americans and re-writing history to suite their own needs.

Fox and Sullivans points totals were produced when you scored three points for a try and the balls we’re heavy as a heavy thing.

On to Sunday, The Wolves produced some of the form that we expect from their star studded squad, by beating Hull Kingston Rovers.  But as the day progressed sad news was emanating from Bridgend, with the news that the Celtic Crusaders Vs Wakefield Trinity Wildcats game had been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.  This later confirmed as the tragic death of Wildcats Academy Player Leon Walker, during the senior academy game earlier that afternoon.

What do Wakefield have to do to get some luck?

The thoughts of everyone involved with the Buffaloes go out to Leons family, friends and  team mates at this unfortunate time.

Last weekend normal service was resumed at Bradford, Wigan and Warrington, with all three sides suffering defeats, with the Wigan and Bradford coaches been under scrutiny again.

Tony Smith is only one game into his rein at the Wolves but, as i’ve said before the problem is deep set in the club and changing the coach will not change that.

Normal Service has been resumed over in Australia, with the players seemingly have a severe reaction to Alcohol, and not in a pretty way.

Brett Stewart and Anthony Watmough get drunk at the clubs season launch and abuse sponsors including alegedly punching one.  This took place two days after the NRL had launch the 2009 season, premiering the new commercial for the game featuring, role model, Brett Stewart, this advert was immediately canned and then edited to remove all trace of Brett Stewart, despite it being the most expensive todate.

Stewart was banned for four weeks for this misdemeanour  whislt Watmough has been fined $10,000 for his part.

this is the original video.

whilst this is the edited version

Following this event Stewart was accused of sexual assault.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg, Brett Seymour has been stood down following stories of his bender, ending with him throwing pizza at people and been asleep in a flower bed.

Theres talk of the NRL wanting to Ban alcohol during the season and lots of other measures being put in place.  the mad few spoil it for the rest.

On the Buffaloes front our first game is only a few days away with a game against Hunslet Hawks taking place next thursday 26th march kick off 8pm at the arthur miller stadium.

The road to Wembley Stadium began this weekend.  With French, Russian, Amateur and Professional Teams all doing battle in the 3rd round of the Carnegie Challenge Cup.

The Kells Vs Hunslet game fell foul of the weather, but all the other games are under way.

Disgraceful scenes at the Keepmoat Stadium yesterday, during the Queens Vs Doncaster game, with the game being abandoned in the 63rd minute after crowd trouble broke out.  Trouble seems to follow Queens around and if these allegations are proved to be true, then Queens should be kicked out of the game for good.  The Dons have made a statement here and the RFL here.

The Amateur Clubs have come close to a couple of shocks with Siddal taking Swinton Lions very near before going down 6-10, Leeds Met did well against Rochdale Hornets going down 24-38.  Wath Brow Hornets had taken the spoils against London Skolars 14-12.  In the other games the Professional teams have taken the spoils.

Warrington Wolves, despite starting the game against Leeds Rhinos poorly, have come back well to go down 14-20.  Tony Smith made a few changes but not that many.  The fans will now be happy and all will be forgotten.  The troubles of the last few games washed away in the euphoria of this performance.  However time will tell.

Salford City Reds have replaced Wigan in the race to get rid of their coach after another poor performance, whilst Steve McNamara’s Bradford Bulls went down to a heavy defeat against the Wigan Warriors.  These two look to be the ones to pay the price for a poor start too the season.

Till next time.

The coach pays the price for poor team performance.

The Warrington Wolves board, this week annouced, England Coach Tony Smith, as their Director of Coaching, relegating Jimmy Lowes to first team coach. 

This was to be the worst kept secret in the game, with rumours rife that Tony Smith would be coming into the club at the end of the season.  Hopefully Smith will see the team for the poor performers they are and cut the dead wood, at the first opportunity.

How long will it take the Warrington Fans to turn on Tony Smith like they have Jimmy?  Answers not required on a postcard.

Having said that Warrington could get their first win of the year against the Rhinos on Sunday.  Last year after the World Club Challenge Leeds stumbled against bottom club Castleford, after they won the competition, this time they lost the game but will they be suffering a hangover from the World Club Challange again.

Two other coaches who were being touted about for the axe, face each other on saturday, when Wigan Warriors take on the Bradford Bulls at the JJB.  Bradford seem to be on the downward spiral, with lots of fans complaining about the coaching and pack not been good enough, where as Wigan seem to be suffering similar problems to Warrington, with too many players collecting there pay cheque and not performing on the field and showing no pride in wearing the shirt.

Last night saw the Varisity match shown live on sky and it wasn’t much of a performance from either side and the highlight was a toss up between, Bill Arthur commenting on the numbers on the shirts, or the Cake tasting competition at half time.  The Dark blues winger was a fiesty little thing wanting to try and fight everything that moved.  He had pace, but not the talent to back up the hardman act.

Next Thursday sees the return of the footy show over on Setanta.  which for all its critics puts boots n all to shame.  This means also that the NRL is just around the corner.

It’s been a strange old week in the world of the Buffaloes.

Firstly we had the press release saying the club could face going under if we didn’t find a new shirt sponsor.  Then someone hacked the website, meaning we have had to take it down for repairs as they destroyed most of hte content, look out for the website coming back up, we’ve had lots of calls regarding the story and lots of offers of sponsorship so hopefully some of those will come to fruition.  Finally we’ve had the launch of the RLC competition today, prior to the Carnegie World Club Challenge, so no coverage for us.

so we’ve sorted our own launch press release out, i would normally link to the website but since it’s down.

BUFFALOES READY TO CHARGE IN 2009!

Bramley Buffaloes will be going for a fifth consecutive league title as preparations begin in earnest for their 2009 Co-operative Conference National season.

The club has unveiled their 2009 fixture list and they kick off with a trip across the Pennines to face Warrington Wizards on April 11th before taking on league new boys Nottingham Outlaws in their opening home fixture on Sunday 19th April at the Arthur Miller Stadium in Stanningley.

The game against the Outlaws, who like Bramley have a history in the professional game, will be free entry for all thanks to an innovative sponsorship deal with the Co-operative.

The full list of fixtures is as follows:
11/04/2009 Warrington Wizards v Bramley Buffaloes
19/04/2009 Bramley Buffaloes v Nottingham Outlaws
26/04/2009 Liverpool Buccaneers v Bramley Buffaloes
02/05/2009 Bramley Buffaloes v Huddersfield Underbank Rangers
09/05/2009 Bramley Buffaloes v East Lancashire Lions
16/05/2009 Bramley Buffaloes v Dewsbury Celtic
24/05/2009 Hemel Stags v Bramley Buffaloes
30/05/2009 Bramley Buffaloes v Gateshead Storm
06/06/2009 Featherstone Lions v Bramley Buffaloes
13/06/2009 Bramley Buffaloes v Carlisle
20/06/2009 Bramley Buffaloes v Warrington Wizards
04/07/2009 Nottingham Outlaws v Bramley Buffaloes
12/07/2009 Bramley Buffaloes v Liverpool Buccaneers
18/07/2009 Huddersfield Underbank Rangers v Bramley Buffaloes
25/07/2009 East Lancashire Lions v Bramley Buffaloes
01/08/2009 Dewsbury Celtic v Bramley Buffaloes
09/08/2009 Bramley Buffaloes v Hemel Stags
15/08/2009 Gateshead Storm v Bramley Buffaloes
23/08/2009 Bramley Buffaloes v Featherstone Lions
05/09/2009 Carlisle v Bramley Buffaloes

Former Bramley professional Mark Butterill has been appointed coach in the wake of Paul Cook’s departure to Super League’s Huddersfield Giants and he can’t wait to get the season underway.

“The squad is raring to go and ready to make amends for last year’s Grand Final defeat,” explained Mark “and we have a number of new faces that bring a great deal of experience and strength to the side.

“We face a tough opener at Warrington who have proved themselves to be one of the league’s bright lights in recent years but we’ll be ready!

“The opening home game against Nottingham Outlaws is a step into the unknown as they are one of two new teams to join the league together with Carlisle Centurions but there is sure to be a fantastic atmosphere with free entry for all as part of our innovative approach towards marketing the club.

“Facing Nottingham will be just like the old days of McLaren Field when we took them on in the early nineties and I’d urge anyone and everyone to get themselves down to the Arthur Miller Stadium to cheer on the lads as we bid to open our home campaign in style,” added Butterill.

The Buffaloes will shortly be announcing their main sponsors for 2009 and they have already secured the ongoing support of Bramley print firm Resource Print Solutions and the PRomotion PR consultancy.

Sales of season-tickets, priced at £35 for adults and £17.50 for concessions, are already taking club officials by surprise. To order season-tickets contact Steve Crossley on 07802190108. Postal applications can also be made with cheques payable to “Bramley RLCC” and sent to Bramley Rugby League Community Club. 34 Bramley Centre, Bramley, Leeds, LS13 2ET.

Matchday prices have been fixed at £4/£2 with under 16s admitted free of charge.

For more information visit www.bramleybuffs.com, or sign up to the club’s Facebook page. All the action from the Buffaloes’ home matches will continue to be shown on the club’s YouTube channel

on the verge of another working week and having watch one really good game on Sky, one mediocre game and well Fridays game doesn’t bode well for the Warrington Wolves fans or team for the year.

The Warrington Fans are going wild calling for the head of their Coach Jimmy Lowes and whilst his comments in the post match press conference, which can be read here , aren’t too clever, i think they are being premature.

Super League has change this year in that there is no relegation so what have they got to lose?  sure they want sucess and they want it now but I’m not sure the full blame lies with Jimmy.

Having seen the Wolves on the TV the last two weekends, i can say that the players weren’t playing at anywhere near their full potential.  Lee Briers had another stinker, Michael Monaghan, well what has happened to his form since he came to the UK?  And what about Matt King?  His Melbourne Storm form is long long gone, last year his form dipped after a horrendous tackle from Richie Mathers, but this year he doesn’t seem interested.  Maybe he see that his team mates aren’t interested in the fans or the club, so why should he be.

Either way, sacking Jimmy Lowes won’t change the Warrington Wolves fortunes.  Read the fans comments on RLfans.com.

Another coach under pressure this weekend was Wigan’s Brian Noble.  His Wigan players have been under performing, in similar style to the Warrington players, seemingly only interested in their Pay Cheques and not the fans who loyally turn up week in week out.

But enough of the negativity

Tonight saw the Carnegie World Club Challenge take place between Leeds Rhinos and Manly Sea Eagles.  Elland Road had over 32,000 spectators packed in with not many Australians making the long trip over.

Having seen the Sea Eagles play in their warm up game last weekend against Harlequins RL, at the Twickenham Stoop, i thought that we would be in for a cracking game, and i wasn’t wrong.  Manly in the second half, once they’d put their first grade side out, were outstanding.

And they were outstanding tonight for 70 of the 80 minutes, tiring slightly in the last ten giving the score a trace of credibility.  But no doubting the fact Manly were head and shoulders the more skillful side and with a couple more games under their belts the score would have been much larger in their favour.

Matt Orford, proved again that his non selection for the Aussie Test side is a joke, he was sublime, both with ball in hand and on his foot.  Anthony Watmough, was superb, with pace and a beautiful step for a big guy.

Big up to the Rhinos for to giving it up and pushing to the end, and trying to take the spoils in the biff, but they’ll have a big week, getting over the disappointment, getting ready for the weekends fixture against the Warrington Wolves.

Heres to another eventful weekend next weekend.