Gainford Rewarded with Captaincy

THE Unison BARLA Young Lions play their second tour match on Wednesday afternoon against a South African Junior Development side with coach Garry Schofield confident of another good display after their 50-18 win over the South African Students on Saturday.

"We’ve just spent three days on a Lion Park at Sun City but it wasn’t all pleasure for the boys because we got in three excellent training sessions on a couple of fields they had," said Schofield.

"The sessions were excellent and the boys are raring to go for Wednesday. It’s been a good tour so far but we’re here for five wins and that’s what will make it a great tour."

Wednesday’s captain will be the Kells stand-off, Ross Gainford, whose father, Ian, was a previous BARLA tourist and whose uncle, David Seeds, enjoys legendary status at Whitehaven after a lengthy playing career that saw him become the club’s leading tryscorer.

"It’s a great honour to captain the side," said Gainford, "and we’re in great shape. We played well on Saturday, although it can be tricky coming up against teams you know nothing about. But you just need ten minutes out there to find out what they’re all about."

Gainford’s performance on Saturday and his combination with halfback, Daniel Rowse, drew particular praise from Schofield.
"I was pleased with my six and seven," said the former Great Britain captain. "They led us round the park well and were a constant threat to the South Africans."

Maryport forward Stevie Scholey was a late absentee with a calf injury.

Unison BARLA Young Lions team to play South Africa Junior Development on Wednesday (K.O. 4.00pm local time): 3 Peter Caddy (Wath Brow Hornets); 2 Matthew Bell (Thatto Heath), 24 Greg Worrall (Oldham St Annes), 21 Tony Tognola (West Hull), 14 Jack Murray (Egremont Rangers); 5 Ross Gainford (Kells), 8 Kenny Hughes (Thatto Heath); 7 Matthew Huby (Wath Brow Hornets), 11 Daniel Jones (Leigh Miners), 9 Thomas Hurdus (Saddleworth), 13 Adam Masson (Shaw Cross), 20 Liam Thompson (Queens), 23 Lewis Wilson (Kells). Subs: 16 Daniel Rowse (Lock Lane), 15 Daniel Rooney (Maryport), 17 Karl Sandford (Thatto Heath), 19 Tom Spencer (Wigan St Pats).