Bridging the Humber gap
Last updated: 17th May 2008
Hull FC and Hull KR inspiring their neighbours
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On one side of the Humber estuary rugby league is thriving with two of the biggest names in the game -- Hull FC and Hull Kingston Rovers. But on the other side of the estuary the game is still trying to establish itself.
Scunthorpe is only twenty miles away from Hull, but the clubs competing in the nine-a-side tournament are relatively new comers to the game.
"There is a massive union area this side of the Humber," said Tony Wilkinson from the Scunthorpe Barbarians. "Lincoln is the most established team for us, but we now have three or four teams in Lincolnshire which can only be good for the game itself."
The other Rabbitohs -- the South Humber ones who were inspired by the South Sydney club are based in Grimsby and were only formed three years ago.
"League on the South bank has been non-existent in the last few years," said South Humber Rabbitohs player Steve Clayton.
"But we are slowly growing and we are very thankful to all the players who are participating.
The Barton Bulldogs may be just eight miles from the KC Stadium where Hull KC play, but they are world away in rugby league terms.
"We are always looking out for new players and trying to get youngsters involved," explained Shaun Morrison.
"Sometimes we are lucky to get a game."
The Scunthorpe tournament also includes the British Asian Rugby Association team and their aim is to build bridges in the community via the expansion of rugby league.
"The market here is saturated by football," said Jug Johal. "There is obviously a lot of union obviously in North Lincs as well.
" You wouldn't believe that hull is just over the water, but know we are trying to do something about it and this is the start of it."
