Wolfpack Win Storm Shortened Game

This afternoon the 23-1 Toronto Wolfpack played host to the Rochdale Hornets who has the opposite of Toronto's record at 1-23. Rain was in the forecast but for most of the afternoon it was sunny and warm.

As usual, there was a contingent of fans who made the trip over from England to cheer on their club. I love that and hope to travel to England next year to watch the Wolfpack on the road.

Teena and I.

My friend, Roger and his dad, Ben, joined us.

The Toronto Wolfpack Dance squad performed before the match.

The Wolfpack take the field.

National anthems were sung.

And the game begins.

The game wasn't televised so this good Samaritan streamed the game into the Toronto Wolfpack Fans FB group.

Some first half action.

Rochdale were tough in their own end.  Plus Toronto made some bad passes and fumbled a few times. Toronto were in the lead 12-0 when the halftime buzzer went.

The Dance Team performed again and so did the Junior Wolfpack Dance Squad. They are quite good.

It was country day so there was line dancing by the fans done to Boot Scootin' Boogie sung by Lee Michelle. Jefferson joined in.

The second half kickoff.

I thought I caught the exact moment Toronto scored a try but...

More action.

The game was stopped at 73:16 for a short conference with the Wolfpack leading 46-0. Although it was still sunny, the game was called due to thunderstorms in the area. The crowed was confused as it was still a nice day but moments after the announcement there was a huge clap of thunder overhead. The fans now agreed to the decision and the stadium was quickly and orderly evacuated.

The Rochdale Hornet players made time to go over to thank their fans.

The Wolfpack on field reporter, Samantha, took a minute for an interview.

Teena and I went to the Brazen Head Pub after, which was about a five minute walk and the skies opened up the moment we got there. We would have been soaked if the game hadn't been called. There was also lots of thunder and lightning so it was a great call by the officials.

The Barrow Raiders come to town on August 31. Teena and I will be there.

Wolfpack Win and Showoff Their Championship Shield

Above is one of two goals which teams strive for in the Betfred Championship Rugby League ... the Championship Shield. The second, of course, is advancement to the Super League. That is still to be determined for 2019 but the Wolfpack's chances are excellent.

The Toronto Wolfpack's last game was an away game and with that win they clinched the shield. At today's game at The Den, Lamport Stadium, they showed if off before and after the game. Here is the Toronto Wolfpack Dance Team with the Shield before the game.

As usual, a contingent of fans came over from England to support their team. Today it was fans of the York City Knights, who came into today's game in second place with a 15-7-1 record.

Teena and I before the game.

The Wolfpack take the field.

The national anthems are sung.

Opening kick-off and first half action.

Gareth (Gaz) O'Brien kicks a 2 point conversion near the end of the half.  He scored the first three tries of the game and added five, two point conversions in the contest.

The Wolfpack dominated the first half and led 32 - 0 at the half.

Jefferson was part of the entertainment at the half and throughout the game.

The Wolfpack Dance team also entertained.

Knight fans finally had something to cheer about in the second half with a try and a conversion. It were the only points they scored but put some pressure of the Wolfpack defence during the half.

A couple of players suffered cramps on this hot afternoon.

Fighting for the ball during a kick.

It was never close. In the end, Toronto triumphed 56 - 6.

They hit hard during the game but shake and hug after game.

The York City players came over to thank their fans after the game.

Time to present the Shield to the team in front of their adoring fans.

The players are so fan interactive. After the presentation, they walked the stadium with the Shield.

I hope they put it on display at the store like they did last year. It was a thrill to have our picture taken with it. I want to have another one taken with this year's trophy.

Next week, the Wolfpack take on the Rochdale Hornets. Of course, we'll be there.