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| | Tuesday, 18 June, 2002, 22:31 GMT 23:31 UK Millward salutes winning troops Barrie McDermott celebrates Origin glory Ian Millward praised his Lancashire team for the way they overcame the loss of Paul Sculthorpe in the second Origin game against Yorkshire. Sculthorpe, acting as captain in place of the injured Andy Farrell, left the field after just three minutes following an accidental clash with team-mate Barrie McDermott. There were fears the Great Britain and Saints star had broken his jaw, but it was later confirmed he had escaped with a badly-cut mouth.
"To lose a player like Sculthorpe in the first tackle is a huge loss," said Millward. "He is one of the best players in the UK but the way these guys responded was outstanding." Lancashire had to fend off a determined Yorkshire team to clinch an overall 2-0 success. Leading 30-0 at halftime, the Red Rose county only led by two points after the home side scored five tries in just 14 minutes. But the visitors eventually clinched a 36-28 win at Headingley to add to their 22-18 victory in the first game at the JJB Stadium in Wigan. "It was a bit like one-day cricket in that when we had the ball in the first half we got the points and then they came back at us," said Millward.
"We were outstanding in the first half and defended very well in the first game. I thought the better team won by a mile." White Rose counterpart Brian Noble felt his team produced a heroic performance to come within a sniff of victory. "I'll admit I told them at half-time that I didn't think they could win it from there but after 60 minutes I was ready to eat my words," said the Bradford Bulls chief. "In the first half we were woeful but they came within a smidgen of doing something special. "They stood up to be counted and I think over the two games we have showed up really well. I am proud of every one of them." | |
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