Rhinos Reshuffle at Youth level

Current Super League champions Leeds Rhinos announced a reshuffle of the club’s youth set up today.
Leeds Head of Youth Development Barrie McDermott has endorsed the new Under 19 squad as ‘’the best group of young players in a generation’’.

This structural change comes off the back of the RFL’s decision to scrap the Under 18 and Under 20 teams of previous seasons, in favour of the new Under 19 side for the 2013 campaign.

On the new competition, McDermott said: ‘’I think the under 19s competition for next season is going to produce some great games for fans to come along and enjoy. Because you effectively have three age groups playing in the same team, it will be a very competitive competition.’’

There have also been some new additions to the Academy squad, most notably Liam McAvoy making the switch from Bradford Bulls.

He is joined by Jack Cochran from Castleford Tigers and 18 year old Jacob Morgan from South Wales Scorpions.

Joe Hudson, captain of Yorkshire students and former Huddersfield back Kyle Buckley-Mayall, have both been given trials.

Elgin Postponement, Latest, and the Return of one Kenny Miller

Rangers Scottish Third Division clash against Elgin City was scheduled for this Sunday just gone, was postponed on the grounds of safety issues. Those grounds were based on the Borough Briggs club having sold an excess of 1,100 tickets more than its 4,520 capacity.

A statement released on the official Scottish Football League website said; "It has come to light that there has been a substantial over-sale of tickets for this fixture.

"Elgin City could not confirm the exact number of tickets sold for this match.

"On the grounds of public safety, this match has been postponed," it added.

"Elgin City FC would like to apologise sincerely for this disappointing outcome."

In addition to the apology, the club are to refund supporters ticket prices, however tickets for the match will not be valid for the rescheduled fixture.

"We would ask all fans to note that tickets issued for the game due to be played on Sunday 25 November 2012 will not be valid for the re-scheduled date," said an Elgin statement.

"The club advises that those holding tickets issued by Elgin City return these to the club for a full refund. 

"New ticketing arrangements will be announced in due course once a rescheduled date has been announced by the Scottish Football League."

In light of the late call off, Ger’s boss Ally McCoist told the clubs official website;

"This was due to circumstances outwith our control but we were informed a short time ago that there was no way the match could go ahead on safety grounds.

"I am sure this is a huge disappointment to our supporters who have purchased match tickets and arranged travel in good faith.

"Elgin City have apologised to the club and we accept their apology but I feel for our fans."

The decision still rests with the Scottish Football League on when the fixture will be rescheduled for, as they have yet to release a statement to clarify.

Rangers have urged fans that until they receive word from the SFL on the new date for the tie to be contested, all fans in receipt of a ticket for the Elgin game via the Rangers ticket office should retain their ticket.

In other news, former Light Blues striker Kenny Miller has returned to the club this week to keep himself in shape.

Miller, who now ply’s his trade across the Atlantic for Major League Soccer contingent Vancouver Whitecaps, returned to train at Murray Park with the current squad following his present employers failing to progress beyond the first round of play offs.

David Beckham’s L.A. Galaxy halted the Canadian teams progress on November 1^st, of which Miller was a substitute.

With the new MLS season not starting until March, the Scotland international has found the ideal setting to maintain his fitness.

Assistant boss Kenny McDowell told the clubs official website; “Kenny approached us and asked if he could train with us to maintain his fitness and we were more than delighted to do that.

“It was like a blast from the past today as he joined in the session and he is free to train with us as long he wants to.”

The striker was signed from Derby County in 2008 by then manager Walter Smith. In his second spell for the Ibrox side, Miller spent two and a half years with the Gers winning two league titles, a Scottish Cup and a League Cup.

He moved to Turkey in January 2011 where he had a less fruitful tenure at Bursaspor, before transferring to Cardiff City that summer despite overtures from Ally McCoist to return to Glasgow.

He moved to the MLS in July, signing with the Whitecaps.

Another former Light Blues striker who has made the switch across the Atlantic is Kris Boyd. Boyd joined Portland Timbers in January of this year.

England vs. New Zealand: Preview

England face New Zealand in Saturdays final Autumn International, knowing that after their defeat to Australia, top tier seeding for the 2015 World Cup is beyond their reach.

Following a poor showing in the series, Stuart Lancaster’s men could be drawn against the likes of France, Australia and New Zealand in the group stages of the World Cup.

Less humble beginnings than in previous tournaments, however teams such as France may arguably find the fixture a true test of their metal.

The All Blacks are unbeaten in twenty tests, prior to Saturdays two thirty kick off at Twickenham. This doesn’t bode well for an England side still reeling from defeats at the hands of Australia and South Africa respectively.

Nevertheless, after only a solitary victory over Fiji during the series, England will be looking to make a statement against the world’s top international rugby union side.

Huddersfield Town vs. Blackburn Rovers

nPower Championship
6th October 2012
K.O: 19:45, John Smiths Stadium, Huddersfield
Att: 14,597

In Huddersfield manager Simon Grayson’s programme notes, he welcomed back former frontman Jordan Rhodes claiming; ‘he did brilliantly for this football club and although we collectively hope he has a 90 minute goal drought tonight, we all wish him luck for the future as he was a joy to work with’.

That hope was short lived however, but not before Lee Novak put the home side ahead on sixteen minutes despite early pressure from Rovers; midfielders Ruben Rochina and Mauro Formica having long range efforts blocked.

Possession was evenly shared thereafter, Blackburn continuing to have the better of the chances, albeit it from distance, the returning Rhodes kept quiet.

Rhodes wouldn’t stay dormant for long, pouncing on a perfectly weighted ball into the box from wide left, with plenty of work still to do; Rhodes controlled and fired home right footed through keeper Alex Smithies’ legs, leaving the net bulging and the home fans in dismay a couple of minutes shy of half time. Ruthless and clinical from the £8million man.

The second half was a much more open affair, Blackburn taking the impetus, from 12 yards no less, a dubious penalty decision awarded on fifty three minutes.

Veteran Danny Murphy calmly stepped up to convert the spot kick, sending keeper Smithies the wrong way in the process.

Changes for Huddersfield added drive and vigour, Alan Lee using his big frame and strength to hold up play ala’ Andy Carroll, teeing up fellow substitute Danny Ward and the pacey Sean Scannell to run at the Blackburn backline.

With four minutes added time remaining, Huddersfield still in search of an equaliser, the ball sent over from the left headed on by Lee, Jordan Rhodes former strike partner Lee Novak was first to the loose ball, controlling poorly but wouldn’t be denied as he bundled the ball past Paul Robinson for his and Towns second.

Proving to be the last kick of the game, home fans were in raptures, Blackburn should’ve been out of sight after Murphy’s penalty, the home side rallied though and were worthy of their point.

Huddersfield 8 - 38 Hull Ionians

RFU National - SSE Nat League 2 North Fixture,

Saturday, October 13th, 

K.O: 15:00, Lockwood Park, Huddersfield

Hull Ionians Will Heylings summed up where the game was won and lost on an overcast and dreary day in what proved to be a relatively one sided affair at Lockwood Park, Huddersfield.

‘It was the best thirty minutes of rugby we’ve played this season’ the player enthused, as one of the outstanding performances of the day helping himself to two tries, as the home side Huddersfield went down eight points to Hulls thirty eight.

Huddersfield started well, kicking from right to left, gaining early yardage on the visitors, winning the ensuing line out; Thomas Owen converted the penalty kick to take an almost immediate lead.

The pendulum began to swing in Hull’s favour pressing with drive and purpose, Huddersfield initially strong in defence could not withstand the consistent pressure and subsequent scrummage, Joe Sanders going over to score the try, and Hull’s James Ferguson converting the kick.

Hull, second in the National League Two North only bested in position by early pace setters Stourbridge never looked back as they began to dominant possession, not allowing the home side to breathe.

It didn't take long for the away side’s evident superiority in possession to gain purchase once more, Richard Fletcher running with conviction, propelling his side forward resulting in a try from Joseph Martin after working the ball right to left, showing great cohesion as a team, Huddersfield out-muscled  Hull playing with pace, power and strength.

With the visitors beginning to turn the screw and open up a sizable points advantage over the hosts, Will Heylings provided the catalyst with ruthless try, splitting the Huddersfield defence.

Ionians were stronger in the tackle, so too in the scrum, showing more impetus in possession, the home side looking shell shocked  good handling from Hull’s Richard Fletcher again got the visitors on their way.

Poor ball retention proved to be Huddersfield’s undoing as they never looked a real threat in contrast to Hull’s dominance.

The second half performance showed signs of improvement for the Home side who hadn't won in their last six league games. Good endeavor was telling, as the home side instilled some pride before the end of proceedings with Jack Moon scoring the try.

However the damage was done and the gap proved too great.
A succession of tries from the visitors through, Stephen Johnson, Michael Bateman and a second for Will Heylings including four out of six conversions from resident number 10 James Ferguson come the finish proved the difference.

Weekend Goal Glut, Andy Little, Sandy Jardine.

Rangers stay top of the SFL Third Division, opening up a five-point cushion on the chasing pack after inflicting a comprehensive 6-2 away win at East Stirlingshire over the weekend.

Due credit to the hosts however, as they twice came from behind to level things up, nevertheless a rampant Rangers side would not be denied a second league away win on the bounce.

With goals from Lee McCulloch, Andy Little, Lee Wallace, Kevin Kyle, Kal Naismith and a second despatched by captain McCulloch from the penalty spot concluded the goal glut.

Amongst the goals for the first time in almost three months was striker Andy Little.

Returning to the first team in the last few games, after a lengthy lay off with a foot injury, the Northern Ireland international was delighted the wait was over to add to his seasons goal tally.

Speaking to the clubs official website, the 23 year old said; “I missed a good few games which was disappointing and I’ve been a little bit annoyed I’ve not got on the scoresheet in the last few games.

“From that point of view, I was just relieved to find the net and hopefully I can kick on again now.

“As I’ve said from the start of the season is I want to play as much as I can and get 30 or 40 games under my belt.

“But it’s good to get a few goals as well and that was a good thing today. My foot has been a bit of an issue for me but I wore a padded sock in the game, which helped.

“I’ve had a few scans and although my foot isn’t completely okay, the bad injury we feared might be there isn’t and I’m able to play on so hopefully I’ll get stronger.”

Finally, in the last couple of days it has been revealed that former Ger’s right back Sandy Jardine is being treated for cancer.

Jardine, made over 500 appearances for the light blues, whilst also amassing 38 caps for Scotland. Sandy currently works for the club after playing and then managing Hearts.

In an official club statement, the 63 year old said; "I would like to thank everyone for their best wishes and kind support,"

"As you can appreciate this is a difficult time for me and my family and I ask that you respect our privacy."

The Rangers footballing community have stated they will support Jardine and his family through the treatment process.

"There is little doubt he will fight this disease in the same way he fought bravely in every match he featured as a player and our thoughts are with him and his family at this difficult time," the club stated.

I’m sure everyone, not just Rangers supporters will wish Sandy Jardine a speedy recovery.

Captain Fantastic nets 17th of season as Ger’s stay top

Rangers Captain Lee McCulloch helped his side on their way with the first of two goals without reply at home to Peterhead, Lee Wallace adding a second on sixty-six minutes in front of a 48,000 strong Ibrox crowd.

Speaking to the clubs official website, Manager Ally McCoist was pleased with the victory;

“Outwith a scare in the first couple of minutes, I thought we were fairly solid and with the greatest of respect, I would have settled for everything we’ve got today.

“We gave an efficient, solid performance, scored a couple of well-worked goals and got a wee break or two as well.

“With the way things have been going, including our two centre-halves hobbling off the pitch at training yesterday, I have to say I’m absolutely delighted with our day’s work.

With solid performances from the academy players that could be observed again by spectators, McCoist added; “It really is great the supporters are getting to see some of the youths coming through from Murray Park.

 “But it’s only good if we continue to win and get promoted. That’s the target and that is what we have to do. I did say beforehand that one of the positives to come from our negative situation is we’d get to see some of the younger lads who have come from the academy.’’

“Even guys like Kal Naismith, who I thought did very well when he came on today during the short time he was on, are gaining experience. That’s a big, big plus for us.

“We’ve got an unbelievably young team and they’re playing again guys, especially this afternoon, who have a bit of experience at a higher level but they’re doing well.”

The result consolidates the Ger’s atop the SFL Third tier, with a two point cushion and a far superior goal difference to that of closest challengers Elgin City who have amassed nineteen points, however playing a game more.

Next up for the light blues is an away trip to second from bottom East Stirlingshire, who back in August were on the wrong end of a 5-1 score line at Ibrox on the opening day of the season, which included an Andy Little hat trick.

Naturally the hosts will be looking for a different result, whilst Rangers will be hoping to add to their first league away win invoked at the hands of Clyde at the end of October.

The Ger’s will face second placed Elgin City on the road the following weekend.

Which places additional emphasis on taking all three points at Ochilview Park, to continue the momentum and the Ranger’s juggernaut moving forward.

Distancing themselves from other potential promotion candidates will be top priority going into the December run in.

This includes a Scottish Cup fourth round tie at home to Elgin City and five league fixtures.

Manager McCoist will be hoping for more of the same from his relatively young side, as the end of the year is not too far away.