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‘Dougie’ Hall can’t wait to go again!

‘Dougie’ Hall can’t wait to go again!

“Dougie” was a late re-arrival at the club in 2023 after initially announcing an intention to step away from the game following our promotion in 2022.

But both the club and Lewis himself were delighted that he changed his mind, as he went on to become one of our most consistent and versatile performers during our 2023 campaign.

Adept in a variety of positions, including middle, loose-forward and hooker, “Dougie” will be a great asset once again in 2024!

He said, “I’m really looking forward to next year and competing in the Championship once again. We’ve signed some quality players and already I can’t wait to get stuck into pre-season!”

News

Jayden happy to stay at ‘great club’!

Jayden happy to stay at ‘great club’!

Jayden Hatton has signed a new contract which will keep him at the Lions for at least another season!

He played an important part in our promotion season of 2022, and then contributed 5 tries in 18 appearances during the 2023 season as we secured our place in the Championship.

Solid in defence and a threat in attack, the Widnes born three-quarter is a player that we’re delighted to have secured for another year at the Lions!

Jayden said, “Since coming to Swinton Lions I’ve really enjoyed my time here. It’s a great club with brilliant fans who are passionate, and it will be a a pleasure to play in front of them again next year!”

News

Gavin stays & aims even higher!

Gavin stays & aims even higher!

Big middle Gavin Bennion has become the latest player to re-commit to the Lions for season 2024!

Following an early season injury in 2023, Gav returned to the side at the Summer Bash and was subsequently an ever-present as the Lions ultimately battled to 10^th position in the league. He is now firmly established as a top Championship forward.

Upon re-signing for the Lions, Gavin said, “I’m really happy to be staying at Swinton Lions for next season. I can’t wait to hopefully kick on from our recent success and aim to finish even higher than what we did this year. We’ve got a great set of lads here and I’m really enjoying my rugby again back at Swinton. See you in 2024!”

News

Mitch confirms it’s a privilege to stay!

Mitch confirms it’s a privilege to stay!

With 75 appearances to his name, Mitch Cox is now the most experienced player at the club in terms of outings for the Lions. Of our current players, he has also inherited the title of top try scorer at Swinton, with 24 to his name so far. But on top of those statistics, he has been a consistent and solid performer for Swinton for several seasons.

We are therefore delighted that the versatile second-rower or centre has committed himself to the Lions for at least another campaign.

Mitch said, “I’m buzzing to be at Swinton Lions for another year. The 2024 season will be my fifth at the club, and that alone for me is a huge privilege. We finished the season on a high last year, and I’m already really looking forward to next season’s challenges.”

News

Josh Eaves excited for 2024!

Josh Eaves excited for 2024!

Our hooker Josh Eaves has put pen paper and will be remaining at the Lions in season 2024!

Alongside George Roby, the pair were one of the finest number 9 duos in the Championship last season, and it was severe blow for both the player and the club when Josh was injured up at Newcastle in July.

But now well on the road to full fitness, Josh will be eager to get going again next season!

He said, “I’m excited to extend my time at Swinton. I loved every minute last year and was gutted when I got injured. But I’m now looking forward to getting back out there in front of the fans for the new season.”

News

Dan Abram commits to the Lions!

Dan Abram commits to the Lions!

We are delighted to confirm that our full-back and record-breaking goal-kicker, Dan Abram, has signed with the Lions again for season 2024!

Dan, who broke the club’s all-time goals in a season record in 2022, joined us ahead of our promotion season from Oldham and has since been a huge success. He was especially outstanding at full-back towards the back end of the 2023 season.

Dan said, “I’m thrilled to extend to my stay at the Lions. The club has got a real buzz around it for 2024 and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

News

LIONESSES END SEASON IN STYLE!

Swinton Lionesses 32 Widnes Vikings 24

Alan Dixon at Westhoughton ARLFC

The Lionesses ended the season with back-to-back wins. Widnes could not contain the Lionesses’ attack, especially Mia Atherton and the darting runs from Fatin Najwa Fadzli.

Widnes were first on the attack due to errors by the Lionesses. In the 8th minute, Harriet King raced down the king but, a superb tackle by Rebecca Roden and Maddie Higson forced her into touch just short of the line. Three minutes later, Widnes looked certain to score as Jazzmine Mason went through a huge gap. A brilliant cover tackle by Leah Christian stopped her from scoring. The Lionesses eventually got out of their own half after 14 minutes. A late hit on Fatin Najwa Fadzli earned them a penalty. From the penalty, the ball was moved to Maddie Higson who weaved her way through the Widnes defence to score under the posts. Holly Grimes kicked the goal to put the Lionesses 6-0 up. Widnes went back on the attack and a high kick to the corner resulted in a double knock-on and Widnes getting the scrum. Widnes wasted the possession with a forward pass from the scrum.

Widnes continued to pressurise the Swinton line. A sweeping move after 21 minutes ended with Mia Atherton making a superb tackle on Millie Clarke which made her drop the ball. The Lionesses got a penalty after 24 minutes for a high tackle on Fatin Najwa Fadzli. Lydia Elstone drove the ball up to the Widnes defence before Fatin Najwa Fadzli put Mia Atherton through a gap to run 40 metres to score. Maddie Higson missed the conversion. The Lionesses now led 10-0. Widnes attacked the Lionesses line and thought they had scored when Hannah Quirk crossed the line, but a Maddie Higson tackle prevented her from grounding the ball. Widnes eventually scored after 37 minutes. A knock on by the Lionesses on the last tackle handed the ball over to Widnes. They moved the ball out to Carraghan Hannon who scored out wide. Megan Jackson added the extras to cut the Lionesses lead to 10-6. The Lionesses recovered possession of the ball when Maddie Higson found touch with the kick off. The ball was moved across field for Mia Atherton to score. Holly Grimes added the extras to give the Lionesses a 16-6 lead at half time.

Widnes went back on the attack at the start of the second half. Hannah Quirk broke down the wing in the 43rd minute, but was stopped short of the line by a Maddie Higson tackle. The ball was moved across the field but another tackle by Mia Atherton forced Carraghan Hannon to drop the ball. From the scrum, Maddie Higson broke up the wing but, she was tackled into touch. Widnes were pressurising the Swinton line. They eventually scored when Catherine Bazley forced her way over by the posts from close range in the 46th minute. Anaia Nulty missed the conversion. The Lionesses hit back straight away. Widnes knocked on at the kick off. From the resulting scrum, the Lionesses moved the ball out to Maddie Higson who raced 30 metres down the wing to score. Holly Grimes added the conversion to give the Lionesses a 22-10 lead. The Lionesses scored again straight from the restart. The ball was moved out to Mia Atherton who ran 50 metres down the middle of the pitch to score under the posts. Holly Grimes missed the conversion. The Lionesses conceded two penalties for a shoulder charge and offside which allowed Widnes to get close to the Swinton line.  Tackles by Fatin Najwa Fadzli and Holly Grimes prevented Widnes from scoring. The ball was eventually moved out to Millie Clarke to score under the posts. Megan Jackson converted to reduce the Lionesses lead to 26-16.

Widnes scored again 3 minutes later. The Lionesses were penalised for offside. The ball was moved out wide for Jazzmine Mason to score in the corner. Anaia Nulty could not add the extras and the Lionesses now led 26-20. Widnes went straight back downfield from the restart but excellent defence from the Lionesses kept them out. Four minutes later , Hannah Quirk broke away down the wing but, a great cover tackle by Mia Atherton prevented her from scoring. Rebecca Roden was then sin binned on the Lionesses next drive in the 70th minute. Four minutes later, Elisha Foster broke away down the other wing. This time she was tackled short by Maddie Higson & Fatin Najwa Fadzli. Catherine Bazley tried to go over from dummy half but she lost the ball in the tackle. The Lionesses were penalised for offside in the 76th minute. Widnes got down to the Lionesses line but it came to nothing when Rachael Potter threw out a forward pass. From the resulting scrum, Ellie Walsh breaks through the Widnes defence to go 85 metres before being tackled short of the line. Ellie Thirkell dived over the line from acting half back to score. Holly Grimes converted to make it 32-20.The Lionesses knocked on at the kick off. From the scrum, Widnes moved the ball out to Hannah Quirk who scored in the corner. Anaia Nulty missed the conversion.

Swinton Lionesses

Maddie Higson, Rebecca Roden, Ellie Walsh, Libby Curran, Catherine Sweeney, Mollee-Anne Pickering, Ellie Thirkell, Leah Christian, Fatin Najwa Fadzli, Lydia Elstone, Mia Atherton, Laura Bent, Holly Grimes. SUB : Eve Ashcroft

Tries: Higson (14,49), Atherton (24,39,52), Thirkell (78)

Goals: Grimes 4

Widnes Vikings

Megan Jackson, Elisha Foster, Harriet King, Carraghan Hannon, Hannah Quirk, Rachael Potter, Chloe Hunt, Jazzmine Mason, Anaia Nulty, Ellie Reid, Talitha Hannon, Emma Beaton, Jennifer Moss. SUBS : Catherine Bazley, Millie Clarke, Hannah Cleaver, Michaele Keenan, Jennifer Myler

Tries: C. Hannon (37), Bazley (46), Clarke (57), Mason (60), Quirk (79)

Goals: Nulty 1, Jackson 1

Penalties: 7-10

Half-Time: 16-6

News

FIVE LIONS SAY FAREWELL TO THE CLUB

DEPARTING LIONS SAY THANK YOU TO SWINTON FANS!

As preparations continue at full steam ahead of the 2024 season, sadly there will be a few goodbyes and tears.

Amongst those who will not be at the Lions next season will be some high profile names and indeed two or three club legends.

The high profile leavers include our skipper Rhodri Lloyd, and one of our all-time leading try scorers Mike Butt, plus three other top players who have all made a significant impression at Swinton Lions – namely Nick Gregson, Louis Brogan and Kenny Baker.

The 5 Lions concerned have asked if they can say a special thank you to Swinton supporters ahead of new chapters in their career, whilst for our part we thank them for their service and wish them nothing but the best for the future.

Other confirmed departures will follow within the next couple of days, but on a more positive front, will be in a position to begin announcing our 2024 squad from next week, so please keep an eye on our official social media!

This is a message to every single Swinton fan who has supported me and been with me throughout my journey. Beth and I will have fond memories my time here at Swinton, and it’s one that we will never forget.

 I want to say a massive thank you to the coaching staff, the Board, and everyone involved at the club for making it a very special 9 years. 

 It’s not a goodbye, because you never know how things pan out in the future. Swinton will always be with me in my heart.

 I’ll see you soon.

Rhod Lloyd

 Appearances 188; Tries 64

Nine years of a being Lion and I’ve loved every minute! I want to thank the club for giving me my first Rugby League contract and sticking with me for all these years. The club has been really good to me and my family and I can’t thank them enough. 

 The coaches and players I have worked and played with have been class and want to thank them for all the memories. 

 And of course the fans! The support you have shown, not just for the club but for myself personally, has been unbelievable!

Mike Butt

 Appearances 174; Tries 101

I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who’s been involved at Swinton Lions during the time I’ve been there. 

 It’s a club that will always have a special place in my heart. I have made friends for life and it’s been somewhere that I’ve found my love for the game again, and that’s something I’m extremely grateful for.

 The decision to sign elsewhere wasn’t easy at all but it was one that I couldn’t turn down and I believe it’s time to start a new challenge. So thanks again and good luck in the future.

Nick Gregson

 Appearances 69; Tries 13; Goals 8

I’d like to say a massive thank you to the club for this past four years, I’ve made some mates for life and met some fantastic people along the way,

 Everyone I have been involved with, the players, Board, staff and fans, have been amazing.

 I owe a lot to Swinton Lions because they gave me my first opportunity to come and play at this level and it’s one I won’t forget, To beat Halifax away and secure Swinton’s status in the championship was the perfect way to end the season and my time with the club. The Pridebuilder and all the fans have been amazing to me, I owe a lot to them and I can’t thank them enough. I’ll make sure I get down to a few games next year and say hello.

Louis Brogan

 Appearances 74; Tries 12

I would just like to thank Swinton fans for taking me in as one of their own.

 From day one I felt welcome at the club and I wish you all the best for the future. whatever it may bring. 

I’m so glad I could be a part of the team that has kept you were you belong in the Championship. Until we meet again. All the best.

Kenny Baker

 Appearances 25; Tries 3

News

2024 SEASON TICKETS – NOW ON SALE!

SWINTON LIONS SEASON TICKETS 2024

 We need your support more than ever!

Last Sunday, on a memorable afternoon in Halifax, the Lions secured their Championship status with a fantastic 22-12 victory!

This resulted in a final league position of tenth out of 14 teams, with a creditable tally of 9 wins in our first season back in the Championship following our promotion the previous season. We took some memorable scalps along the way, defeating the likes of high-flying Toulouse and Sheffield at home, plus some major away successes at Batley, Widnes and Halifax. We achieved our aims despite it turning out to be the most competitive Championship ever.

This fine achievement wasn’t without its challenges. Having achieved promotion late in the day via the play-offs, this hampered the smoothness of our recruitment. Other factors such as being ranked 14^th out of 14 in terms of central funding, alongside relatively modest home attendances compared with some of our opponents, it always meant that we were going to have to do it the hard way.

But with a spirit of togetherness which extended from the players and our coaching team, our medical and back room staff, through the boardroom, our fantastic group of volunteers and onto the terraces, aided by such great organisations such as Pridebuilder and the Supporters Trust, we achieved our aims. This spirit of togetherness cannot be underestimated – it absolutely 100% enables us to compete at this level.

As we thank outgoing head coach Allan Coleman for all of his brilliant efforts for the Lions, we now welcome a new Head Coach in Alan Kilshaw. Under Alan not only do we have to do it again, but we have to aim to set our sights higher, and certainly on a far more comfortable end to next season!

To achieve our aims and ambitions for 2024 we need YOUR support more than ever. Although our crowds held up last season well with an average of 1093, which is up there with our best since we left Station Road in 1992, our Season Ticket sales were modest 12 months ago.

If we are to hit the ground running NOW, and achieve our targets on 2024 recruitment, we will be helped enormously if as many of you as possible purchase an early Season Ticket.

As a thank you for your support we have fixed our ground Season Ticket prices at 2023 levels for adults and concessions, and slightly reduced the price of an Executive Season Ticket (Exec tickets automatically entitle you to onsite car parking and pre-match hospitality at each home game). As an added incentive everyone who purchases a season ticket by 31 October will be entered into a prize draw. The winner will receive their money back, plus a £50 merchandise voucher to spend against our new 2024 range.

Also, and to scotch any rumours on this subject, we can confirm 100% that we will continue to take to the field as SWINTON LIONS in 2024. However, it goes without saying that we need more people supporting the team as we aim to further consolidate at this level.

Season Ticket – Ground, including Main Stand

Adults £209

Concessions £175 (over 65, or student card holder)

Juniors £25 (16 or under on 1st Jan 2024).

Executive Season Ticket (includes hospitality and on site parking)

Adults £400

Concessions £365

Juniors £195

Match day prices 2024 :-

Adult

Gate £22; online purchase £20

Concession

Gate £18; online purchase £16

Junior

Gate £5; online purchase £4

Hospitality per game (online only)

Adult £37

Concession £33

Juniors £20

Season Ticket Holders £22