History for Hurricanes after thumping Championship Playoff Eliminator win

The Midlands Hurricanes created more history after progressing to the next stage of the Championship playoffs with a dominant performance.

The Hurricanes welcomed Whitehaven to Avery Fields in Bearwood on Saturday for a Playoff Eliminator clash, meaning that whichever team lost, it was the end of their season.

Whitehaven had proven tough opposition for the Hurricanes in the regular season, with a draw and win for the Cumbrians in the two games, but were completely blown away by the home side in a 36-4 win.

Halfback Lewis Else put in a man-of-the-match display with three tries, including a wonderful length of the field effort that he started and finished, diving on a kick from winger Matty Chrimes.

Chrimes himself added two more to his record-breaking season tally, while Ryan Johnson and Aidan McGowan also put their names on the scoresheet.

The game was over by half-time, with Johnson’s try on seven minutes beginning the deluge, and home fans were left entertained by one of the best displays by the home side all season, even better than dominant league wins over Rochdale, Batley and North Wales Crusaders.

The second half saw a more competitive contest, with the Hurricanes noticeably taking their foot off the pedal, and Whitehaven were able to end their season on something of a high when Ciaran Walker found space to slip over.

However, it was but a consolation for the away side, and the Hurricanes were able to celebrate a significant achievement with their first ever Championship playoff win, following on from an eighth place finish in their first Championship season.

The season will go on next weekend when the Hurricanes travel to Oldham in an Elimination Final on Sunday, September 13, with the winner progressing to the Sudden Death Playoff and the loser eliminated.

The Hurricanes has also named its award winners after holding its end of season awards ceremony for both the men’s team and the Wheelchair Rugby League team.

On the men’s side, Tyler Dickinson was named Player of the Year and Player’s Player of the Year, Sully Medforth was named Young Player of the Year, Matty Chrimes was named Supporters Player of the Year and Andy Shaw and the Cadbury College T Level Students were awarded the Extra Mile Award.

For the Wheelchair side, Lee Sargent was named Players Player of the Year and Supporters Player of the Year, Libbie Sargent was named Young Player of the Year, Tomos Parker was named Most Improved Player of the Year and James McCarthy was named Coaches Player of the Year.