MMorgan

Published at 00:00, Friday, 09 February 2007

By Martin Morgan

ACADEMY forwards Danny Barker and David Ford have been rewarded for impressive performances against Barrow last weekend with call-ups to the Whitehaven squad to face Super League Wigan at the Recreation Ground on Sunday (2.30pm kick-off).

Coach Dave Rotheram was impressed with 18-year-old back-rower Barker’s progress in the Under-21 side last season, when he also made three first-team appearances, including a brave stint off the bench against an impressive Warrington in the Challenge Cup.

But Rotheram had never seen Ford play until Sunday, as he missed all of last season following knee reconstruction surgery.

The pair feature in a 21-man squad named by Rotheram and both will play, as will trialist Craig McAvoy, who started in the centres at Craven Park.

“Craig didn’t get much opportunity at Barrow, as it wasn’t the sort of game where we were shuffling the ball through much,” Rotheram said.

“But he said it was one of the quickest games he had played in, and that he had enjoyed it.

“Everyone has now had a run-out, at Barrow or against Workington over Christmas, and we have to be near to getting it right this weekend, in preparation for the Northern Rail Cup, which starts the following weekend.”

Rotheram is still expecting a mighty challenge from Wigan, despite news that boss Brian Noble will leave his strongest side at home.

Several of Wigan’s top prospects who could line up at the Recreation Ground were coached by Rotheram at English Schools or Lancashire Academy level, including back-rowers Joel Tomkins and Harrison Hansen, and centre Darrell Goulding, who all feature in the Warriors’ Super League squad this year.

“If Brian Noble took his best 18 out, and we got the best of the rest, it would still be a very good team, and produce a competitive and entertaining game,” Rotheram added.

“In any case, it’s more a game for us really, and getting our best team on the field.”

Winger Sean Gleeson, who is no stranger to Haven fans, could also feature.

He was awarded the controversial try that ended Haven’s season last year when on loan at Widnes.

The in-goal touch judge signalled ‘no try’ but was over-ruled by ref Karl Kirkpatrick and Widnes went on to win 24-20.

Prop Steve Trindall picked up a shoulder injury at Barrow, while centre Rob Jackson hurt his back in the squad’s visit to Kendal Judo Club last week, and David Seeds is working through a long-term groin injury.

All three have been named in Rotheram’s squad but will not be risked in the friendly if not fully fit.

Haven (from): Broadbent, Lebbon, Calvert, R Jackson, Seeds, Eilbeck, C McAvoy, Rudd, Joe, Trindall, M Jackson, Teare, Hill, Ford, Sice, Mattinson, Lester, S McAvoy, Miller, Wright, Barker.

Last week’s Pride of Five £100 winners were: S Haywood, New Street, Whitehaven, ticket number 166; LB Chappell Woodlands Avenue, Hillcrest, 453; JA Graham, Lingmell Crescent, Seascale, 1,550; A Lucas, Rowntree Crescent, Moresby Parks, 2,242; T Grears, High Road, Kells, 1,741.

200 Club winners: £500 - M Houghton; £100 - J Shepherd; £50 each - J Groggins, T Eilbeck, The Stump x2, T Grace, K Carton, G O’Connor, W Richardson.

Second section: £500 - D Nicholson; £100 - HD Cooper; A Goodwin, J Woods, G McDonald, Sports Section, K Shepherd, H Douglas, B Curwen, P Kenmare.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk