Swinton Lions have started their season with a win after beating Whitehaven RLFC 16-10 in a windy fixture.
The game at Heywood Road ground saw the Lions kick off their season in winning form in front of a supportive 742 fans.
The tough opening league fixture saw the home side start strong with a good chance in attack, as Ellis Anderson worked his way down the left of the pitch before feeding the ball to the supporting Jordan Paga.
Paga with momentum was able to touch the ball down for the lead, with Dan Abram converting. However, the Lions lead would be tested with Whitehaven slowly finding their footing in the league fixture – although the wind was causing problems for both sides.
And this proved clear with a Lions handling error leaving the visitors in a dangerous position, with Ethan Bickerdike, managing to open Whitehaven’s account for the afternoon fixture.
But Swinton Lions were unable to capitalise on the try, as Kieren Tyrer did not add to the total with the conversion.
However, this would prove to be a pivotal moment in the fixture as the Lions were able to get themselves back into the lead within twelve minutes from the break.
Swinton 16 – Whitehaven 10
We open our League One campaign with a win!
Thanks to all for your support this afternoon. #OneClubOneVision #ROAR pic.twitter.com/EZsI3KmSxv— Swinton Lions RLFC (@Swinton_Lions) February 23, 2025
A superb angled run by Harry Higham, saw the centre cut inside to race in the posts with Abram aiding the conversion.
And with an extended half-time lead the Lions were able to regroup for the second half with something to hold on too.
Swinton were able to start the second half in strong form, and were close to extending their league further but a knock-on denied their chances to progress.
And this proved to be a detrimental turnover of possession, as Whitehaven were able to threaten Swinton’s lead once again as Aaron Turnbull broke through, taking a couple of defenders with him to score by the posts.
The Whitehaven comeback into the fixture proved to be no threat for the Lions, as they continued to push for the lead – as in the fifty-fifth minute, when they were awarded a penalty right in front of the posts.
However, the team chose to play the ball, and unfortunately, lost possession in the second tackle allowing Whitehaven to clear the line.
The tightly-fought game continued to test the defences of both sides, both remaining strong – not only battling against each other but the tough weather conditions.
But the match winner finally came for the Lions with just under two minuets left when Abram put a high ball towards the line, which was fumbled by a Whitehaven defender.
Higham was the first to react to collect the ball and dive over on the right, and Abram was able to convert, with the defence holding out in the dying seconds.
The victory for the Lions will leave them in good spirits, and will set them up nicely before they face Newcastle Thunder on Sunday 9 March.
More information about the club ahead of their upcoming fixtures can be found here.
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