First Utility Round 13 saw the Magic Weekend take place at an unbelievable venue in the Manchester City’s Etihad stadium, with a great crowd, great games and an unforgettable weekend.
London Broncos vs Catalans Dragons
Day 1 saw two teams who had to travel the longest to reach their destination, but I’m sure they would both have agreed it was worth it. London, who were still looking for their first Super League win, had something to prove in that they are worthy of a Super League status, in front of a large crowd, sky cameras and a pretty tough opponent. London weren’t doing that bad, either, only trailing 12-6 at half-time. And the second half was just as close, with a failed conversion being the difference. Tries from Duport, Whitehead (2) and Lima helped the Dragons towards a 24-22 victory. So close, yet so far for the Broncos, who still look on for their first 2014 Super League win.
Salford Red Devils vs Widnes Vikings
Widnes got their first Magic Weekend win in 3 attempts against the Red Devils, who are now without a win in 6 matches. A tight contest for the majority of the game, with Kevin Brown leading Widnes around the pitch and helping towards their victory. Salford Red Devils still don’t have enough to win the games at the end, and fans are now starting to get a little impatient. Tries from Flynn (2), Owens, Dean, White and Hanbury helped in Widnes’ success. 30-24 The fulltime score to the Vikings.
Hull KR vs Hull FC
My second favourite game of the weekend went to the Hull derby. Two great sides, with great sets of fans that travelled in big numbers and made a lot of noise throughout the game, helped towards the game being my favourite. Not as close as last year’s Magic Weekend Hull derby, but still a great game to watch. Travis Burns was the key man for Hull KR, who converted 7/7 on the day. The dismissal of Hull FC’s Jason Crookes would have pleased the KR fans, as his horrible tackle on Salter didn’t go unpunished. This didn’t damage the FC side though, who scored through Shaul just before half time. Hull KR were dominant in the second half, however, and eventually they ran out winners 38-24. Maybe next time, FC…
Wigan Warriors vs Leeds Rhinos
My favourite game of the weekend. Probably because I’m a Wigan fan…Wigan went into this one as clear underdogs with a long list, which is still growing, of injuries, including O’Loughlin, Farrell, Pettybourne, Charnley, Thornley, Flower and James, and now Green has been added to that list. Leeds were also hit with major injuries, with Burrow and Aiton still out. The game was tense throughout, including two fights which had the fans chanting. The last 2 minutes of the game decided who would win, with the video ref deciding it. A no-try for Joel Moon, who knocked the ball forward onto the defender before collecting it (the biggest sigh of relief I’ve ever had). Great game, great atmosphere and great fans. 18-14 The fulltime score to the Warriors.
Castleford Tigers vs Wakefield Wildcats
Classy Tigers got back to winning ways against the Wildcats, demolishing the Wildcats and putting 50 points past them. Sneyd was the key man for the Tigers, who had a great game and will be a major loss for them at the end of the season when he returns to his side, the Salford Red Devils. A gutting match for the Wildcats and their fans, after a pretty lousy performance which they’ll want to forget. 50-12 The fulltime score here to the Castleford Tigers.
Huddersfield Giants vs Bradford Bulls
The Bulls went into this one as underdogs, with injuries to the side and the fact that they were battered last week by the Saints. Bradford started off well and led for 20 minutes of the game, but then the Giants got their roll on and their forwards ruled the game. Tries from 9 different players got the Giants the victory. I must say however, that Bradford didn’t play all that bad and definitely didn’t deserve the score that was put against them. 54-16 The fulltime score to the Giants.
St Helens vs Warrington Wolves
A game which both sides would have really wanted to win to get them back in the winning ways. After Saints dominated Bradford last week, you would have expected them to play one of their best games, but this wasn’t the case. Instead, a Warrington side which beat the Catalans Dragons last weekend, played their best game of the season and looked like a top-four side for the first time this season. 41-24 The Wolves won in the end, with a great team performance form them.
This year’s Magic Weekend was the highest attended weekend ever; With 36,339 on the Saturday and 28,213 on the Sunday. It was a magical weekend!
Thanks for reading.
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