Simon Grix: Halifax players deserve a beer or two!

Drew Darbyshire 27 Jul 2019 7:18 PM

Halifax coach Simon Grix could not be prouder of his players following their Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to St Helens.

Part-time Championship side Fax lost 26-2 against Super League leaders St Helens in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup at the University of Bolton Stadium on Saturday.

Grix was happy with his side’s display and spoke very passionately about his hometown after the full-time hooter.

He said: “Everyone was talking about Saints possibly getting 60 or 70 but going into half-time at 8-2 down, I think our lads should be really proud of themselves.

“I think we will be going out for the next couple of nights I think!

“It is a big thing for us – a Championship team playing in a semi-final. I know Hull KR did it however long ago it was but they were a full-time team then whereas we are a part-time team.

“It’s a big achievement, the lads have earned a beer or two and some of them might get some time off work out of it as well.”

Grix paid credit to St Helens and their coach Justin Holbrook because they decided to show respect and take a penalty goal to give them the lead early doors.

Grix added: “I thought that was really classic of Saints to be honest.

“I know that would have been the message passed down by Justin and it showed us the respect we deserved. It was a shot in the arm for our boys as well.

“I’m very proud of the players. I said all week that I didn’t want us to be beaten by effort and I don’t think anyone can argue with that.

“Saints had international after international in their team and they will know that they were in a game when they wake up in the morning.

“The Halifax fans were great today and we haven’t seen a lot of that this year because our form has been indifferent between these Cup rounds so it was nice for them to have something to shout about.”