Toronto Wolfpack: Out for 2021

[globaleagle]

Methinks the UK are getting desperate to try and keep Toronto out of Superleague!!

https://www.torontowolfpack.com/club-statement-darcy-lussick/

Toronto Wolfpack can confirm that the UK Border Agency refused entry into the UK yesterday to the Wolfpack’s Australian prop forward Darcy Lussick. Lussick had returned to the UK from a European City break during time off between the Wolfpack’s Betfred Championship games.

Toronto Wolfpack Majority Owner David Argyle commented:

“Managing immigration and work permits are just part of our journey as the world’s first transatlantic professional sports team. We are committed to bringing top players from all corners of the globe to Toronto to achieve our goal of growing the game of rugby in North America, and establishing Toronto as a global centre for Rugby excellence. The welfare of our players and coaches is always our top priority and we are going to continue working to make sure that the immigration process becomes easier moving forwards.”

“We are obviously frustrated by the decision to deny UK entry to Darcy, having followed protocol which have been in place between our governing body (RFL) and the Home Office. All protocols will be thoroughly reviewed, and we will ensure that the UK Border Control remain informed of any changes.”

The club expects Lussick to return to the UK promptly once these matters have been clarified, as well as taking part in the team’s next trip to Toronto to face Dewsbury Rams (Saturday June 15th) and Toulouse Olympique (Saturday June 22nd).


Though Toronto should get the job done against Swinton this weekend!

 

[Bearfax]

If your conspiracy theory has any truth GE, they have left it far too late. The bird has flown and Toronto are well on the way to winning this comp.

 

[globaleagle]

This might help with recruitment.....



TORONTO Wolfpack players will be given a high ride when they are treated by a product closely linked with CANNABIS!

The Canadian side has become the first professional sports team to launch a range of cannabidiol (CBD)-based products, or in other words, weed without the high.




And Happy Birthday Darcy!

 

[Uk eagle]

Methinks the UK are getting desperate to try and keep Toronto out of Superleague!!

https://www.torontowolfpack.com/club-statement-darcy-lussick/

Toronto Wolfpack can confirm that the UK Border Agency refused entry into the UK yesterday to the Wolfpack’s Australian prop forward Darcy Lussick. Lussick had returned to the UK from a European City break during time off between the Wolfpack’s Betfred Championship games.

Toronto Wolfpack Majority Owner David Argyle commented:

“Managing immigration and work permits are just part of our journey as the world’s first transatlantic professional sports team. We are committed to bringing top players from all corners of the globe to Toronto to achieve our goal of growing the game of rugby in North America, and establishing Toronto as a global centre for Rugby excellence. The welfare of our players and coaches is always our top priority and we are going to continue working to make sure that the immigration process becomes easier moving forwards.”

“We are obviously frustrated by the decision to deny UK entry to Darcy, having followed protocol which have been in place between our governing body (RFL) and the Home Office. All protocols will be thoroughly reviewed, and we will ensure that the UK Border Control remain informed of any changes.”

The club expects Lussick to return to the UK promptly once these matters have been clarified, as well as taking part in the team’s next trip to Toronto to face Dewsbury Rams (Saturday June 15th) and Toulouse Olympique (Saturday June 22nd).


Though Toronto should get the job done against Swinton this weekend!

There have been many instances of UK based players being refused entry into Canada when playing against Toronto due to their border entry requirements. As many players in that league have work commitments and can't travel to Canada an awful lot of the wolfpacks opposition is understrength when playing in Canada. So much for the conspiracy theories. The English RFL are falling over themselves to get Toronto admitted to Super league

 

[globaleagle]

Yeah, I think you're taking my first line a bit too seriously.

 

[eagle66]

Toronto Wolfpack forward Jon Wilkin will make his 500th career appearance as he takes to the field for the Betfred Championship leaders against Swinton Lions on Sunday.

 

[Uk eagle]

David Argyle the wolfpack owner has sacked himself as chairman and CEO after admitting making racist remarks to a swinton lions player. The players complaint was being swept under the carpet by the English RFL until he went public on twitter.

 

[globaleagle]

Toronto Wolfpack v Swinton Lions
​

Alright! Welcome back 'me'.

The Wolfpack are off to play the 'part time' team - Swinton Lions at Heyward Road (England) in this weekend's race to promotion.

Wolfpack are aiming for their 10th win in a row while Swinton are going for three in a row which they haven't done for three years.

It's overcast and the ground is damp and the crowd of ... hundreds are looking forward to a big game.

Game on!
​

Swinton kick off and Toronto try a new tactic of not catching the ball and seeing what happens.
What happens is Swinton grab the ball and are immediately on the attack!

Swinton grubber on the last, ricochets off a Toronto player but Swinton knock on when trying to regather the ball over the line.
Bullet dodged for Toronto. Bad luck for Swinton.

6th min: Some back to back sets, decent yardage made by both teams and a couple of early kicks. Toronto throw a forward pass, but Swinton knock on after winning the scrum.

9th min: Toronto attack the line but knock on when attempting to take the kick to score. A big defensive set causes Swinton to lose the ball. Toronto forwards just seem to be gaining the ascendancy now. Unfortunately another forward pass denies winger Liam Kay from scoring his 150th try.

12th min: Penalty Toronto (Swinton off side). A good kick and Toronto on the attack.
13th min: Try Toronto! A deft kick into the in goal allows forward Dixon to score untouched in his 200th game.
There's no Gaz O'Brien today so Blake Wallace is the kicker. He converts: 6-0 Toronto.

Two dropped balls and a penalty gave Toronto too much ball. Swinton will have to tidy this part of their game up.

19th min: Try Toronto! Ricky Leutele adds another to his overall tally. After Swinton kicked deep on the 5th, Wallace passed to Kay who charged up-field. Eventually a drop out was forced and in the ensuing set Leutele pushes off a couple to score on the left hand side. The ghost of Gaz returns and the kick from the sideline is unsuccessful. 10-0 Toronto. Just far too much possession to Toronto at the moment.

28th min: Try Toronto! Chase Stanley scores on the right hand side after yet another grubber into the in goal. Some mistakes creeping in from both sides but Toronto coming out slightly on top. Liam Kay (winger) made another big bust up-field leading to good field position and eventually the ball swung wide to the right, grubber, try.
Wallace converts. 16-0 Toronto.

Easy metres from the kick off for Leutele, he got back to half way. Toronto also gaining far too many post contact metres and now they get a penalty with Swinton too long in the tackle.

35th min: Good defending by Swinton. Defended their line about 14 tackles in a row.

39th min: Obstruction penalty against Swinton. Fullback Ashton runs behind another player and crosses the line but it's an obstruction every day of the week. Swinton have had the better of the last few minutes. A bronco like penalty against Toronto for playing the ball off the mark 5 metres out from their own line seemed a bit...dubious, but there we go.

Prop Sidlow does another offload but this time Liam Kay drops it cold and that's the first half. Toronto have put 50 points on Swinton the last three games they have played so all in all not a bad half for Swinton.

Toronto first half stats: 65% possession and 74% completion rate.

Drier conditions for the second half. Chase Stanley injured in the first half so Worthington replaces him in the second.

Second half:
​

Good opening set from Swinton who have realised that going through Toronto wont work, so they swing the ball wide and get good yards. The second time they tried it,however, Toronto have adjusted and get the ball back through a desperate pass back inside before the Swinton winger gets bundled into touch.

53rd min: The game is more expansive and with that it brings a lot more mistakes. Dropped balls, knock ons and some penalties. Though Toronto were ruled to have knocked on right on Swinton's try line. Replay shows an obvious rake. Sidlow, the man said to have dropped it has suggested to the ref that he should have sex with himself, so a penalty is forth...coming (possibly not unlike the ref later).

A great 'benji like' flick pass from Lions fullback Ashton almost leads to a Swinton try. Swinton also have a penalty but I have no idea why. (edit - it was for a late challenge). Swinton on top in the second half. Nice to get all the 50-50's. Toronto forced to drop out.

57th min: Try Swinton! A great inside pass a-la Jake to Tom leads to Swinton's first and well deserved try by Mike Butt! Try converted. Toronto 16 - 6 Swinton.

58th min: Swinton drop the ball from the re-start. Tragedy for the Lions.

60th min: Try Toronto! A 5th tackle grubber kick from hooker Beswick back towards the posts and into the arms of Leutele to score his second. Have to say, that was very soft. Conversion is successful Toronto 22 - 6 Swinton.

63rd min: Try Toronto! First set from the re-start. Beswick scores after a good play of breaks up field, offloading, and backing up. Good passing and a nice slide into the in goal. though one commentator called it the worst slide for a try in history. Lol. A bit harsh but Beswick made sure there was no double movement. conversion successful. Toronto 28 - 6 Swinton.

66th min: Commentator apologises for the third time about swearing picked up on the ref's mike. Hat-trick!

70th min: Try Swinton! After a couple of *cough* penalties and a very nice kick for a repeat set, Swinton go over thanks to a deft little kick again ricocheting off a Toronto player leading to a good pick up and put down. Swinton rushing to convert which is unsuccessful. Toronto 28 - 10 Swinton

76th min: Try Toronto! Big prob Adam Sidlow barges over after getting one on one with the Swinton number 12. A slight mismatch but there you go. Toronto had received two penalties *cough* in the lead up to this try and the amount of defence eventually proved too much for Swinton. Conversion successful Toronto 34 - 10 Swinton.

Gee it's nice to get decisions straight away and not having to worry about the video ref!

Swinton go for a 'medium' kick off and are judged to have knocked on from their attempt to regather.

79th min: Swinton halfback Fairclough kicks twice, regathers, kicks again and Toronto have to drop out. Great little play.
Swinton are throwing themselves at the Toronto defence. One last charge.

80th min: Try Swinton! After launching themselves at Toronto Fairclough kicks for the winger, Butt, which leads to a nice catch and a try in the left hand corner. Conversion unsuccessful.

Full time: Toronto 34 - 14 Swinton.
​

A very good effort by Swinton in the second half. In fact it was only 18-14 in the Wolfpack's favour. Toronto now move 6 points clear of second placed Toulouse. The coach said he was happy with the effort in light of the disrupted week.

500 gamer, Wilkins said that that game won't make the memoirs and 500 is just a number. He did thank everyone who helped him along his way, especially his parents.

Next week it's Toronto v Dewsbury Rams who are currently in 10th place - back home in Canada (Lamport Stadium, Toronto).

 

[Class of 96]

An informative, irreverent piece of top shelf sporting journalism as usual GE. Thanks for the Wolfpack update.

 

[eagle66]

Andrew Dixon for Toronto played his 200th career game.
Mike Butt played his 100th game for Swinton.

 

[wombatgc]

Toronto Wolfpack Majority Owner David Argyle commented:

“Managing immigration and work permits are just part of our journey as the world’s first transatlantic professional sports team. We are committed to bringing top players from all corners of the globe to Toronto to achieve our goal of growing the game of rugby in North America, and establishing Toronto as a global centre for Rugby excellence. The welfare of our players and coaches is always our top priority and we are going to continue working to make sure that the immigration process becomes easier moving forwards.”
!

I don’t know wether it’s the journos miss-quoting, but they need to make sure they say Rugby LEAGUE. We don’t want to get ppl confused with that soft cock game.

 

[globaleagle]

I don’t know wether it’s the journos miss-quoting, but they need to make sure they say Rugby LEAGUE. We don’t want to get ppl confused with that soft cock game.

Agreed. But I think the wolfpack have 'sacrificed this battle to win the war' in so far as rugby v rugby league goes.

Their front page on their website states:

WE BELIEVE THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE WITH MORE RUGBY BALLS IN KIDS' HANDS

So I reckon the deal is to get them in and then show them the difference. I could be wrong though, maybe they just can't be bothered arguing the point every time and believe once the team gains traction, people will then learn.

 

[globaleagle]

Toronto Wolfpack v Dewsbury Rams.

​

Alright! Game Day! Toronto Wolfpack v Dewsbury Rams back home at Lamport stadium, Canada!

After the Toronto Raptors historical NBA win, will the wolfpack continue on their winning ways? Lets find out.
The Toronto mascot, Jefferson, is wearing a Raptors jersey in a nice cross sport celebration.

But first... the Swinton Lions have caused a huge upset beating the second place Toulouse meaning if Toronto get up, there will be an eight point gap between first and second. Fingers crossed!

With over 16 mins of ads at the scheduled start time, it seems someone didn't quite get the start time right. Sheesh, now some pre-match guff (happy father's day Canadian fathers). An interview with an Englishman whose son is playing for Dewsbury (nice travelling Dad), then another Pom and his son supporting Toronto as they are naturalised Canadians (eww), then another Pom, then an Irishman, then (is there any Canadian accents here?) - yup, the last lady is Canadian born and bred.

So...any footy yet? Not quite but the team list shows fullback Gareth O'Brien is back in. Chase Stanley hasn't recovered from last weeks injury (harden up son) and is replaced by Greg Worthington. Mellor and McCrone are the Halves.

There's no Darcy Lussick! I'm not sure what the problem is. Maybe stood down for being denied UK entry last week? I'm still not sure why that was. The most I heard was "Darcy said the wrong thing at immigration / customs." Answers on a postcard.

Dewsbury won last week but this week there have been a host of changes as a lot of players are unavailable. I don't recognise any names nor do I know why they are unavailable. (Part timers can't get time off work? Who knows but that's more than likley).


Ok. Any...minute...now.
*Cooks a roast dinner*

Here they come.
Wait...it's National Anthem time and the singer starts "God save the Queen" as the Toronto players are still walking out to line up. He too wants the game to get going!

A nice rendition of both anthems warmly applauded by the few thousand (a thousand?) fans at the ground.

GAME ON!​

Dewsbury kicking off...*Boot!*

After Toronto's decision last week not to go for the ball at the kickoff allowing Swinton to regather, that tactic has been reversed and now two players both go for the ball and knock each other over *sigh*. Toronto maintain possession though.

Toronto immediately shift the ball wide, and then back to the other side. Both wingers have touched the ball and Toronto go over! But the winger, Russell, has stepped into touch. Probably confused by the 3 different coloured lines running the length of the field as it's a multi purpose pitch. An eventful first minute.

3rd min: Penalty Toronto. Dewsbury player Trout took the bait and has been hooked for laying too long in the tackle. (I'm so funny).

It's apparently national "keep our forwards jerseys' clean" day considering how often Toronto are swinging the ball wide.

6th min: Try Toronto! After sustained pressure on the Dewsbury line Gaz O'Brien dummies and scores on the left hand side about 4 metres in from touch. Very high tempo start from Toronto. It's O'Brien's 10th try this year. Oh no! He's going to try and convert but it's not right in front. This'll be a disaster! And it is. O'Brien misses. 4-0 Toronto.

Second tackle after the restart Joe Mellor cuts through, races up-field and decides passing to an unmarked team-mate is like, so totally uncool, and gets tackled.

9th min: Try Toronto! Andy Ackers runs from dummy half, throws a dummy and crashes through two players to score on the right hand side about midway from the posts to the try line. O'Brien should make this one. Dewsbury were worried about Toronto going out wide yet again so the dummy and step inside caught everyone off guard. O'Brien converts. 10-0 Toronto.

Dewsbury have had one set in this game in the first ten minutes.

12th min: Try Toronto! The first set after the re-start ends with Matty Russell scoring in the left hand corner. Russell has 16 for the season (league leader). The ball went side to side three times in that set. 14-0 Toronto. I wont even bother pausing in case O'Brien converts because...well. Dewsbury should try a short kickoff next I think. Oh my God! Apology needed for Gaz O'Brien! He converts! I'm so sorry Gaz. 16-0 Toronto. Dewsbury stick with the long kick off.

15th min: Try Toronto! The first set after the re-start ends with Matty Russell scoring in the left hand corner. (I did copy and paste that because it was identical! Good meters gained by hard running prop Sidlow this afternoon, and a mini break by Ackers once again got Toronto all the way up-field. The Dewsbury winger should try staying on his man. No need to run in on that one. After O'Brien's great conversion just a few minutes ago, there's no chance he will miss! He doesn't. 22-0 Toronto.

17th min: The ref has had enough and rules a forward pass against Toronto. Let's get Dewsbury some ball he says. (It was forward though). Dewsbury attack the line and get a penalty for a very nice impersonation of a turtle on its back.

Good defence but Dewsbury get the ball back via a goal line drop out. 5th tackle kick on the following set was too short and Liam Kay defuses the mini bomb.

Worrincy, the Dewsbury winger is playing his 300th game today. Well done!

22nd min: Dewsbury are trying to go side to side as well but end up throwing a very, very forward pass. Toronto then get a penalty but it was probably a bit harsh against Dewsbury. Ball on the line, Toronto really didn't have a dummy half but Dewsbury pinged for running off the line and picking the ball up.

24th min: Try Toronto! Reserve forward Anthony Mullally goes in to dummy half with the ball on the line, swivels, and then just backs in and over the line for his first try for Toronto on the right hand side of the uprights. Trout just stood there and watched like a...like a... fish out of water. (sorry). Gaz O'Brien converts. 4 from 5 now. 28-0 Toronto.

31st min: Some end to end play. 3 substitutions by Dewsbury seem to have made a difference. They've saved a try and got some good field position. Toronto's Liam Kay then drops the ball cold meaning his elusive 150th try will have to wait little bit longer.

33rd min: Try Dewsbury! Liam Kay followed up his botched try by dropping a 5th tackle bomb, leading to a Dewsbury scrum. they go the short side and yup, straight through Kay and score. Not a memorable three minutes for Kay but Worrincy scores a try in his 300th game in the left hand corner. Well done. Conversion unsuccessful. 28 - 4 to Toronto.

35th min: Good energy by Dewsbury but the ball is lost in the second tackle after the re-start. Good attacking position for Toronto.

36th min: Penalty to Toronto for a high shot on Mellor.

37th min: Try Toronto! Mullally pushes and barges through 4 players to get his second try. I like Mullally, he always goes hard. Try on the right hand side and O'Brien converts his easiest attempt today. The people in the famous beer garden are getting plenty of value for their money as that is the end where the tries are getting scored. A short kick off attempt by Dewsbury but Toronto take it cleanly. 34-4 to Toronto.

39th min: Try Toronto! After swinging the ball wide all half, Mellor cuts straight through the middle, steps about 3 players, crashes through another four and scores under the post. O'Brien converts and it's 40-4 to Toronto. A short kick off is again caught by Toronto but the half time siren goes to end the half.

Dewsbury are trying hard but with so many player changes the combinations just aren't there. Toronto 40 - 4 Dewsbury half time.

Stats for Toronto: Possession 65%, completion rate 70%, tackles made 39 (wow), and 5 errors.

We get to see the real wolfpack mascot, Jefferson, on field with the stand in joke one, Gordo at the same time. Gordo is awesome in his scraggly-ness.

Second half!​

A good start from Dewsbury. for some reason their fullback is now their dummy half and is doing well. Toronto get a 7 tackle set but then throw a forward pass. A too long kick by Dewsbury mean Toronto get another 7 tackle set compounded by a penalty given away by Dewsbury.

45th min: Try Toronto! Liam Kay gets his 150th! Running the ball yet again on the 5th, the ball is swung right and an untouched Kay goes over in the corner. Will O'Brien's good form continue? A Dewsbury reserve player crazily starts to 'warm up' right in front of O'Brien so Gaz restarts his kicking process. Just as well as he converts a tough chance! Toronto 46 - 4 Dewsbury.

Some good defence by Dewsbury bundles Kay out of touch, then Dewsbury get a penalty and are on the attack. A disappointing end to the set. A fourth tackle kick and the ball is kicked dead. The ball really bounces quickly on the artificial grass, the commentators say.

Leutele gets penalised for a high shot on the Dewsbury fullback but really, it was just on the shoulder, as the replays confirm. A good kick for touch get Dewsbury right on to the attack. Trout's brother 'Owen' is also playing. Two brothers. It's a school of Trout! Anyway... good defence by Toronto who are now bringing the ball out of their half. Dewsbury defenders bundle Russell into touch on the 60 metre line. Scrum Dewsbury.

56th min: Forward pass by Dewsbury give Toronto a scrum forty metres out. Another left hand edge breakdown from good defence now gives Dewsbury a scrum.

58th min: A great 40-20 kick by Dewsbury put them right on the attack. Ball knocked down by Toronto so a scrum ensues, Dewsbury feed. I'm not sure if Toronto are clocking off or Dewsbury have really lifted. Bit of both I think.

60th min: Try Toronto! A flat pass along the try line is intercepted by forward Olbinson and he sprints 60 metres up-field before he is brought down. He will dine out on that run for years! A quick play the ball is swung wide immediately and Liam Kay holds off Worrincy to score his 151st try in the right hand side corner. Poor O'Brien, tough kicks today but he converts! Toronto 52 - 4 Dewsbury.

61st min: A short kick off is easily taken by Toronto.

62nd min: Try Toronto! Wilkins (forward) busts through a tiring defence and offloads to Sidlow (forward) who scores under the posts with another forward in support. Sidlow almost runs into the post (forward) but avoids it and much embarrassment. An easy conversion for O'Brien. Toronto 58 - 4 Dewsbury.

67th min: Try Dewsbury! Following a scrum and a penalty the strong defence from Toronto finally cracks when Ryder barges through Kay for a try on the left hand edge. Commentators say it was probably a double movement (I agree) but there's no video ref so the game goes on with no complaints. Conversion unsuccessful. Toronto 58 - 8 Dewsbury.

70th min: A very good set by Dewsbury earns them a repeat set courtesy of a goal line drop out. Good stuff. Too much sideways movements result in a dropped ball, Toronto pick up the loose ball.

73rd min: Try Toronto! A repeat set via a goal line drop out. Short kick out attempt, Toronto regather, penalty for a stripped ball, then Wallace does a big dummy and charges over for Toronto's 11th try near the left upright. Gaz converts (his 10th). Toronto 64 - 8 Dewsbury.

76th min: Try Toronto! A basic set. Forwards marching up-field, bomb put up, Leutele pressures the fullback who drops it and Beswick (24 caps for Ireland, played over 400 games!) picks it up and scores. I was sure Leutele knocked that ball forward but there you go. Try on the left hand side. O'Brien converts (what a game). Toronto 70 - 8 Dewsbury.

80th min: A little chip on the 5th tackle allows Dixon through to pick up and score his 11th try in 12 games! No...Wait...the ref said he was off side. Replays show that it was close, but he wasn't. A shame for the good Toronto forward.

Full time!

Toronto 70 - 8 Dewsbury.​

To their credit, Dewsbury tried hard all game, but Toronto was just too clinical, too ruthless and far too classy across the park.

Toronto move to 32 points on the ladder and remain in first; 8 points in front of Toulouse who suffered that shock defeat yesterday. Dewsbury remain in 11th place.

There's an interview with the Scottish dynamo Matty Russell, but that's one hell of an accent and I have no idea what he's saying. I guess he's happy. Ah, he says he prefers the weather in Canada over England.

Liam Kay is up next: He's happy with his 150th try but didn't like his overall performance. Happy with the result as Dewsbury beat Toronto earlier in the year. Liam also said that it's a shame Dewsbury didn't bring as many of their 'firsts' over to play because of work commitments or whatever (I agree) but you can only play what is in front of you.

Next week:

The battle of the big boys!

Toronto wolfpack (1) take on Toulouse Olympique xiii (2) at Lamport Stadium, Canada. Toronto will be aiming for a win to show the home crowd that the 'Den' is fast becoming a fortress. Will we see Lussick and Sims? Who knows. Hoping for a good match!

Thanks for reading, hope it was ok.

 

[Woodsie]

All I could really take out of reading that is ...... you must be paid per word .....

 

[ManlyTragic]

Toronto Wolfpack v Dewsbury Rams.

​

Alright! Game Day! Toronto Wolfpack v Dewsbury Rams back home at Lamport stadium, Canada!

After the Toronto Raptors historical NBA win, will the wolfpack continue on their winning ways? Lets find out.
The Toronto mascot, Jefferson, is wearing a Raptors jersey in a nice cross sport celebration.

But first... the Swinton Lions have caused a huge upset beating the second place Toulouse meaning if Toronto get up, there will be an eight point gap between first and second. Fingers crossed!

With over 16 mins of ads at the scheduled start time, it seems someone didn't quite get the start time right. Sheesh, now some pre-match guff (happy father's day Canadian fathers). An interview with an Englishman whose son is playing for Dewsbury (nice travelling Dad), then another Pom and his son supporting Toronto as they are naturalised Canadians (eww), then another Pom, then an Irishman, then (is there any Canadian accents here?) - yup, the last lady is Canadian born and bred.

So...any footy yet? Not quite but the team list shows fullback Gareth O'Brien is back in. Chase Stanley hasn't recovered from last weeks injury (harden up son) and is replaced by Greg Worthington. Mellor and McCrone are the Halves.

There's no Darcy Lussick! I'm not sure what the problem is. Maybe stood down for being denied UK entry last week? I'm still not sure why that was. The most I heard was "Darcy said the wrong thing at immigration / customs." Answers on a postcard.

Dewsbury won last week but this week there have been a host of changes as a lot of players are unavailable. I don't recognise any names nor do I know why they are unavailable. (Part timers can't get time off work? Who knows but that's more than likley).


Ok. Any...minute...now.
*Cooks a roast dinner*

Here they come.
Wait...it's National Anthem time and the singer starts "God save the Queen" as the Toronto players are still walking out to line up. He too wants the game to get going!

A nice rendition of both anthems warmly applauded by the few thousand (a thousand?) fans at the ground.

GAME ON!​

Dewsbury kicking off...*Boot!*

After Toronto's decision last week not to go for the ball at the kickoff allowing Swinton to regather, that tactic has been reversed and now two players both go for the ball and knock each other over *sigh*. Toronto maintain possession though.

Toronto immediately shift the ball wide, and then back to the other side. Both wingers have touched the ball and Toronto go over! But the winger, Russell, has stepped into touch. Probably confused by the 3 different coloured lines running the length of the field as it's a multi purpose pitch. An eventful first minute.

3rd min: Penalty Toronto. Dewsbury player Trout took the bait and has been hooked for laying too long in the tackle. (I'm so funny).

It's apparently national "keep our forwards jerseys' clean" day considering how often Toronto are swinging the ball wide.

6th min: Try Toronto! After sustained pressure on the Dewsbury line Gaz O'Brien dummies and scores on the left hand side about 4 metres in from touch. Very high tempo start from Toronto. It's O'Brien's 10th try this year. Oh no! He's going to try and convert but it's not right in front. This'll be a disaster! And it is. O'Brien misses. 4-0 Toronto.

Second tackle after the restart Joe Mellor cuts through, races up-field and decides passing to an unmarked team-mate is like, so totally uncool, and gets tackled.

9th min: Try Toronto! Andy Ackers runs from dummy half, throws a dummy and crashes through two players to score on the right hand side about midway from the posts to the try line. O'Brien should make this one. Dewsbury were worried about Toronto going out wide yet again so the dummy and step inside caught everyone off guard. O'Brien converts. 10-0 Toronto.

Dewsbury have had one set in this game in the first ten minutes.

12th min: Try Toronto! The first set after the re-start ends with Matty Russell scoring in the left hand corner. Russell has 16 for the season (league leader). The ball went side to side three times in that set. 14-0 Toronto. I wont even bother pausing in case O'Brien converts because...well. Dewsbury should try a short kickoff next I think. Oh my God! Apology needed for Gaz O'Brien! He converts! I'm so sorry Gaz. 16-0 Toronto. Dewsbury stick with the long kick off.

15th min: Try Toronto! The first set after the re-start ends with Matty Russell scoring in the left hand corner. (I did copy and paste that because it was identical! Good meters gained by hard running prop Sidlow this afternoon, and a mini break by Ackers once again got Toronto all the way up-field. The Dewsbury winger should try staying on his man. No need to run in on that one. After O'Brien's great conversion just a few minutes ago, there's no chance he will miss! He doesn't. 22-0 Toronto.

17th min: The ref has had enough and rules a forward pass against Toronto. Let's get Dewsbury some ball he says. (It was forward though). Dewsbury attack the line and get a penalty for a very nice impersonation of a turtle on its back.

Good defence but Dewsbury get the ball back via a goal line drop out. 5th tackle kick on the following set was too short and Liam Kay defuses the mini bomb.

Worrincy, the Dewsbury winger is playing his 300th game today. Well done!

22nd min: Dewsbury are trying to go side to side as well but end up throwing a very, very forward pass. Toronto then get a penalty but it was probably a bit harsh against Dewsbury. Ball on the line, Toronto really didn't have a dummy half but Dewsbury pinged for running off the line and picking the ball up.

24th min: Try Toronto! Reserve forward Anthony Mullally goes in to dummy half with the ball on the line, swivels, and then just backs in and over the line for his first try for Toronto on the right hand side of the uprights. Trout just stood there and watched like a...like a... fish out of water. (sorry). Gaz O'Brien converts. 4 from 5 now. 28-0 Toronto.

31st min: Some end to end play. 3 substitutions by Dewsbury seem to have made a difference. They've saved a try and got some good field position. Toronto's Liam Kay then drops the ball cold meaning his elusive 150th try will have to wait little bit longer.

33rd min: Try Dewsbury! Liam Kay followed up his botched try by dropping a 5th tackle bomb, leading to a Dewsbury scrum. they go the short side and yup, straight through Kay and score. Not a memorable three minutes for Kay but Worrincy scores a try in his 300th game in the left hand corner. Well done. Conversion unsuccessful. 28 - 4 to Toronto.

35th min: Good energy by Dewsbury but the ball is lost in the second tackle after the re-start. Good attacking position for Toronto.

36th min: Penalty to Toronto for a high shot on Mellor.

37th min: Try Toronto! Mullally pushes and barges through 4 players to get his second try. I like Mullally, he always goes hard. Try on the right hand side and O'Brien converts his easiest attempt today. The people in the famous beer garden are getting plenty of value for their money as that is the end where the tries are getting scored. A short kick off attempt by Dewsbury but Toronto take it cleanly. 34-4 to Toronto.

39th min: Try Toronto! After swinging the ball wide all half, Mellor cuts straight through the middle, steps about 3 players, crashes through another four and scores under the post. O'Brien converts and it's 40-4 to Toronto. A short kick off is again caught by Toronto but the half time siren goes to end the half.

Dewsbury are trying hard but with so many player changes the combinations just aren't there. Toronto 40 - 4 Dewsbury half time.

Stats for Toronto: Possession 65%, completion rate 70%, tackles made 39 (wow), and 5 errors.

We get to see the real wolfpack mascot, Jefferson, on field with the stand in joke one, Gordo at the same time. Gordo is awesome in his scraggly-ness.

Second half!​

A good start from Dewsbury. for some reason their fullback is now their dummy half and is doing well. Toronto get a 7 tackle set but then throw a forward pass. A too long kick by Dewsbury mean Toronto get another 7 tackle set compounded by a penalty given away by Dewsbury.

45th min: Try Toronto! Liam Kay gets his 150th! Running the ball yet again on the 5th, the ball is swung right and an untouched Kay goes over in the corner. Will O'Brien's good form continue? A Dewsbury reserve player crazily starts to 'warm up' right in front of O'Brien so Gaz restarts his kicking process. Just as well as he converts a tough chance! Toronto 46 - 4 Dewsbury.

Some good defence by Dewsbury bundles Kay out of touch, then Dewsbury get a penalty and are on the attack. A disappointing end to the set. A fourth tackle kick and the ball is kicked dead. The ball really bounces quickly on the artificial grass, the commentators say.

Leutele gets penalised for a high shot on the Dewsbury fullback but really, it was just on the shoulder, as the replays confirm. A good kick for touch get Dewsbury right on to the attack. Trout's brother 'Owen' is also playing. Two brothers. It's a school of Trout! Anyway... good defence by Toronto who are now bringing the ball out of their half. Dewsbury defenders bundle Russell into touch on the 60 metre line. Scrum Dewsbury.

56th min: Forward pass by Dewsbury give Toronto a scrum forty metres out. Another left hand edge breakdown from good defence now gives Dewsbury a scrum.

58th min: A great 40-20 kick by Dewsbury put them right on the attack. Ball knocked down by Toronto so a scrum ensues, Dewsbury feed. I'm not sure if Toronto are clocking off or Dewsbury have really lifted. Bit of both I think.

60th min: Try Toronto! A flat pass along the try line is intercepted by forward Olbinson and he sprints 60 metres up-field before he is brought down. He will dine out on that run for years! A quick play the ball is swung wide immediately and Liam Kay holds off Worrincy to score his 150th try in the right hand side corner. Poor O'Brien, tough kicks today but he converts! Toronto 52 - 4 Dewsbury.

61st min: A short kick off is easily taken by Toronto.

62nd min: Try Toronto! Wilkins (forward) busts through a tiring defence and offloads to Sidlow (forward) who scores under the posts with another forward in support. Sidlow almost runs into the post (forward) but avoids it and much embarrassment. An easy conversion for O'Brien. Toronto 58 - 4 Dewsbury.

67th min: Try Dewsbury! Following a scrum and a penalty the strong defence from Toronto finally cracks when Ryder barges through Kay for a try on the left hand edge. Commentators say it was probably a double movement (I agree) but there's no video ref so the game goes on with no complaints. Conversion unsuccessful. Toronto 58 - 8 Dewsbury.

70th min: A very good set by Dewsbury earns them a repeat set courtesy of a goal line drop out. Good stuff. Too much sideways movements result in a dropped ball, Toronto pick up the loose ball.

73rd min: Try Toronto! A repeat set via a goal line drop out. Short kick out attempt, Toronto regather, penalty for a stripped ball, then Wallace does a big dummy and charges over for Toronto's 11th try near the left upright. Gaz converts (his 10th). Toronto 64 - 8 Dewsbury.

76th min: Try Toronto! A basic set. Forwards marching up-field, bomb put up, Leutele pressures the fullback who drops it and Beswick (24 caps for Ireland, played over 400 games!) picks it up and scores. I was sure Leutele knocked that ball forward but there you go. Try on the left hand side. O'Brien converts (what a game). Toronto 70 - 8 Dewsbury.

80th min: A little chip on the 5th tackle allows Dixon through to pick up and score his 11th try in 12 games! No...Wait...the ref said he was off side. Replays show that it was close, but he wasn't. A shame for the good Toronto forward.

Full time!

Toronto 70 - 8 Dewsbury.​

To their credit, Dewsbury tried hard all game, but Toronto was just too clinical, too ruthless and far too classy across the park.

Toronto move to 32 points on the ladder and remain in first; 8 points in front of Toulouse who suffered that shock defeat yesterday. Dewsbury remain in 11th place.

There's an interview with the Scottish dynamo Matty Russell, but that's one hell of an accent and I have no idea what he's saying. I guess he's happy. Ah, he says he prefers the weather in Canada over England.

Liam Kay is up next: He's happy with his 150th try but didn't like his overall performance. Happy with the result as Dewsbury beat Toronto earlier in the year. Liam also said that it's a shame Dewsbury didn't bring as many of their 'firsts' over to play because of work commitments or whatever (I agree) but you can only play what is in front of you.

Next week:

The battle of the big boys!

Toronto wolfpack (1) take on Toulouse Olympique xiii (2) at Lamport Stadium, Canada. Toronto will be aiming for a win to show the home crowd that the 'Den' is fast becoming a fortress. Will we see Lussick and Sims? Who knows. Hoping for a good match!

Thanks for reading, hope it was ok.

Excellent information and well articulated. If only our media would reports facts like you have rather than giving us their opinion.

 

[globaleagle]

All I could really take out of reading that is ...... you must be paid per word .....

Lol.... I just checked and it's just under 2300 words.

Oops




edit: That's about 30 words per point.



edit edit: The official site's word count is only 512!! Pfffft amateurs!

Plus they're getting better, someone has told them about mine I reckon. that explains Gaz O'Brien not being happy with me. lol

 

[Jethro]

45th min: Try Toronto! Liam Kay gets his 150th!

60th min: Try Toronto! A flat pass along the try line is intercepted by forward Olbinson and he sprints 60 metres up-field before he is brought down. He will dine out on that run for years! A quick play the ball is swung wide immediately and Liam Kay holds off Worrincy to score his 150th try in the right hand side corner.

A great result for the Wolfpack but at just what point did Liam Kay get his 150th?

 

[globaleagle]

A great result for the Wolfpack but at just what point did Liam Kay get his 150th?

No one likes you!










Jefferson v Gordo. You can tell which is which...probably

 

[Bearfax]

Great to have you back GE. Enjoy your commentary. You make our Telegruff reporters look like amateurs. They could learn a few lessons from you.

 

[globaleagle]

Toronto (1) v Toulouse (2)
​

We’re all hoping for less words from me this week!

It’s beach day at Lamport stadium today celebrating the first day of summer meaning there’s people dressing up in their best ‘heading off to get sunburnt and sandy’ gear. Ugh.

Only one change for Toronto, Anthony Mullally the prop who I said played well last week…gets his chance starting the game.

Toulouse on the other hand have an injury crises with 6 changes needed. Ouch.

The French national anthem is sung loud and proud by a lady with a pretty good voice (they never sing the second verse about killing those dirty Englishmen anymore!)

Not to be outdone four ladies sing the Canadian anthem in a ‘barber shop quartet’ style. It’s pretty good also. A healthy crowd gives them a warm round of applause.

Game on!
​

Toronto seem to forget they were kicking off and all sheepishly run back to the half way line. We now have the old picture in picture with an ad for Dyson vacuum cleaners ruining the kick-off. (sheesh)

1st min: First set and Toulouse go for the up the middle smash-a-roo but Toronto defend them well. The ball is kicked dead and is followed by a penalty for Toronto. Not a good start for Toulouse. Toronto then get a repeat set.

5th min: Try Toronto! After receiving the goal line drop out (which would have gone out on the full, by the way) Toronto swing the ball from side to side including many offloads and eventually on the 5th tackle Worthington (right centre) scores near the right hand corner post. Will Gaz O’Brien continue his great kicking form from last week? Yes! 6-0 Toronto.

9th min: Good defence by Toulouse after Toronto goes all the way up field. They hold up Anthony Ackers when he was over the try line and eventually force a mistake by the attacking Toronto.
Then a bad 5th tackle kick by Toulouse followed by an offside penalty give Toronto good field position and force another goal line drop out.

12th min: A short drop out is almost caught by Toulouse but Toronto take it then Leutele loses the ball going for the try line. Scrum Toulouse.

17th min: Try Toulouse! Some tough forward running followed by a high tackle penalty against Toronto led to a good attacking position. A massive inside forward pass was missed but some lazy inside defence led to a try next to the right hand upright for Toulouse. Conversion successful: It’s 6 all!

19th min: Looking for the ‘good set after a try’, Toulouse knock on in the first tackle. Toronto return the favour by doing the same. Coach killers everywhere. Too many unforced errors by Toronto this game.

27th min: Try Toronto! Matty Russell gets another try in the left hand corner. After Toulouse knock on deep in their own half, Gaz O’Brien puts through a deft kick and Russell picks the ball up and scores his league leading 18th try. Another difficult conversion for O’Brien is nailed! Toronto 12-6 Toulouse.

32nd min: Try Toronto! Toulouse try to go wide but drop the ball deep in their own half. Lussick is on (finally, after two games off) and almost goes over. The ball is passed to the right, then a nice tap on, and then Worthington goes over untouched on the right hand side. Too many errors by both sides this game. The camera crosses to “Gordo the non-official mascot” getting his picture taken with fans. O’Brien misses his easiest conversion attempt. Toronto 16 – 6 Toulouse.

38th min: Penalty goal Toronto! Ill-discipline from Toulouse. A lazy high shot followed by a ball strip gets Toronto up field and a penalty right in front of the posts. Toronto go for the penalty goal and get it. Toronto 18-6 Toulouse.

Half Time:
​

Toronto stats:

Possession: 61% Completion rate: 68% Errors: 7 Penalties 8-2 in favour. Tackles 49.

Beach balls are flying around in the crowd. Everyone likes the bikini stand.

Second Half!​

47th min: Try Toulouse! A 5th tackle kick brushes the upright just enough to deflect the ball into the Toulouse player’s hands who was running through and scores under the posts. Easy conversion. Toronto 18 – 12 Toulouse.

Toulouse must have 5 Usain Bolt’s in their back line because they certainly get up into Toronto’s line quickly but the ref thinks it’s all ok.
Liam Kay drops another ball with the try line begging.
Lots of end to end footy here liberally sprinkled with mistakes.

60th min: Penalty goal Toronto! An unlucky penalty (if you’re Toulouse. Player reached in, grabbed dummy half’s arm) right in front of the posts and 1 metre out leaves O’Brien with and easy kick. Toronto 20–12 Toulouse.

65th min: Try Toulouse! There’s scrappy play everywhere by both teams but somehow Toulouse comes out on top, kept the ball alive on the 5th tackle and eventually a player picks the ball up off the ground and scores in the right hand corner.
All this started off with a scrum to Toronto being turned into a penalty for Toulouse dissent and then dropped balls and, and, and, … well the kids are having fun out there. The conversion is missed so it is: Toronto 20–16 Toulouse.

73rd min: Penalty goal Toronto! A high tackle right on Toulouse’s try line gives O’Brien and easy attempt at stretching the lead to 6 points. Toronto 22-16 Toulouse.

The re-start by Toulouse is a terrible kick which was short and out on the full.

77th min: Try Toronto! Toulouse were ruled to have dropped the ball coming out of their half (claims of a strip went unheeded) and two tackles later Ackers takes on the line and scoots through some tired defenders for a well-deserved try on the right hand side of the uprights. Not a hard conversion for O’Brien who is successful. Toronto 28-16 Toulouse.

Game over!

Toronto 28-16 Toulouse.
​

That’s 12 wins in a row now for Toronto but I’m not sure how happy the coach will be with this performance. It was a strange one. Toronto seemed to be in Toulouse’s 20 metre zone all match but unforced errors and good defence kept Toulouse right in this game all the way to the final whistle.

The Toronto Wolfpack now return to the UK next week with a game against Batley who sit 9th with six wins and twelve losses.

It’s interesting to see the Widnes Vikings are now 10th on 10 points after being deducted 12 points at the start of the season for financial problems. They’ve had a pretty good season otherwise.


Thanks for reading.