McCormack praises professional Swinton

Steve McCormack praised Swinton Lions for their professional attitude as they ran in 15 tries against Gateshead Thunder in their final game in the Northern Rail Cup.

The Lions were clinical in their demolition of Richard Pell’s side where they followed up last season’s record 94-0 victory with a 76-4 success.

Coach McCormack said: “I watched the game up here last year and that was a great performance.
”But this is a new season and a new team and we gave another very good display.
”Execution wise we played really well, once or twice we were a little bit scrappy and dropped the ball, but generally I was pleased.”

The Lions made six changes from the side that beat Oldham last week with new boys Richard Mervill and Tony Stewart making their debuts.

“We made changes but we kept the spine of the team the same at half-back, full-back and at nine and then gave opportunities to players around the edges.
”It was all about attitude and being professional,” said McCormack. “That was what we talked about during the week and for the large part that was how we played and I think we can only get better.”

Dean Thompson led the scoring with three tries followed by Darren Hawkyard (2), Lee Wingfield (2), Tommy Gallagher, Barry Hamilton, Neil Rigby, Martin Ainscough, Karl Ashall, Tony Stewart, Mark Smith and Rob Foxen.

Gavin Dodd was successful with eight from 15 kicks.