Morley’s All-Stars play in Memorial Trophy

Adrian Morley‘s All-Star’s took on a Manchester & District Town amateur side last night for the inaugural Don Preston Memorial Trophy.

The All-Star team included the likes of Denis Betts, Ian Watson and Nathan McAvoy. Every All-Star player had been coached by Preston at some point in their careers.

Preston was a big influence in rugby league around Salford in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, being a coach and chairman of English schoolboy rugby league. He is also known for coaching at professional teams Swinton Lions, Rochdale Hornets and Salford City Reds as well as amateur teams Langworthy Juniors and Folly Lane.

Sadly he passed away in 1999 but his legacy lives on. Players such as Morley, Lee Briers, Sean Long, Paul Sculthorpe and Kevin Sinfield have all been coached by him at some level. The latter was in attendance at the Salford City Stadium for last night’s game.

The final score was 30-28 to Manchester & District Town and their head coach Paul Viller, who knew Preston well, said: “Having been coached by him for around 10 years I know that the effort from all the players would have done him proud.”

Opposing coach Morley said: “When I was asked to be involved it was a great honour. This is a great idea and long may it continue.”

After the success of last night the organisers are hoping to raise the profile of the event and expand on the crowd of over 700 for next year.