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27 June 2018
Lions centre Chris Hankinson takes pride in his achievement of 200 points for the club and insists the Lions must ‘put all of it on the line’ this weekend against Dewsbury Rams.
Chris Hankinson to make it 50 against Dewsbury Rams
Chris Hankinson is set to make his 50th appearance for the Lions this weekend as the battle for survival continues against 10th-placed Dewsbury Rams.
The centre kicked his way to his 200th point against London Broncos last weekend since joining the team in 2017, missing just two-games in his debut year.
Hankinson will make his 50th appearance this Sunday at Heywood Road against Neil Kelly’s Dewsbury Rams, who are just three-points ahead of Swinton.
The Lions found themselves just six-points behind Danny Ward’s side at the half-time break on Sunday, but the home team stole the show in the second half with a strong performance.
“I thought we had a good dig in first half and we had real good shot and equalled their tries with good responses,” said Hankinson.
“I think a lack of concentration affected us, such as that kick to a scattered middle which let Dixon through. Little things like that let us down in the second half, as we were in a comfortable place and in an arm wrestle in a game for us to take.
“They are a full-time team and they turned up, showed fitness and skill and we didn’t equalise what we did in the first. There was a lot to take in.”
The former Leigh and Salford centre partnered up with Jack Hansen in the halves against the Broncos at Trailfinders Sports Ground, a position in which he proved he has potential.
“I’ve had a bit of experience from the past,” said the 24-year-old.
“Wherever Stuart asks me to play I’ll do my best and he knows that and the team know that.
“It was good to get the ball in hands and run to the line. To be able to organise was nice and it was good to get the involvement.
“I feel like we have a good link when we’re playing. We can have a good shape and we saw some of that on Sunday and Joe Brown’s hat-trick was on back of some clever play.”
Hankinson made it 200 points when he converted Joe Brown’s second try of the game, assisted by Wales international Rhodri Lloyd who won the fans’ vote for man of the match.
“It’s always nice to kick your goals and as a personal achievement I’m proud,” he said.
“At the end of the day I’m just doing my job, and that involves kicking and scoring a few. I’m happy to do that.”
Swinton face arguably their biggest challenge yet, pushing for tenth place against Dewsbury Rams and avoiding the relegation zone.
Hankinson is set to make his 50th game at Heywood Road, in which kids can go for free.
“I didn’t know until now,” he admitted.
“It’s a good achievement and I obviously try and do my best playing in different positions and I want to do my best for Stuart and the team and have an impact in every game.
“The next few games are massive, including Rochdale but Dewsbury are first on the list.
“We have to put all of it on the line this weekend and we’re desperate for points.
“We’ll work hard in training and have a big team run Saturday and come out for the result. We know how much it means.
“The fans are important to us. They won’t see it as much as we feel it. We appreciate everything and the support and they have stood by us and the difficult position Swinton are in.
“It’s a long road but they’ll take us there.”
Written by Josh McAllister
Watch Chris in action for the Lions against Dewsbury Rams on Sunday 27th June. Tickets are priced at £18 for Adults, £13 for concessions and juniors get in for FREE!
The Associate Match Sponsor package is available at great rates for this weekend’s clash against Dewsbury Rams. Contact Steve Wild at [email protected] for further details.
