Match Reports 1
2 September 1984
York 46 Southend Invicta 14
The new Invicta team faced a difficult first game at York, a team widely predicted for promotion.
So confident was the feeling at York that one of the directors had placed a £5,000 bet on the team
gaining promotion. York also boasted a player who was to go on to bigger things - the great
Graham Steadman.
Invicta got off to a good start and exerted some early pressure with Wayne Millington held just
short of the line. Following an illegal high tackle on Neil Bishop Invicta were awarded a penalty
which Dave Cholmondeley converted. Invicta were 2-0 up after 12 minutes.
However, York took control after this and built up a 22-2 lead at half time. Invicta hit back early in
the second half when Mark Elia intercepted a York pass in his own 25, cooly sprinted 75 years
upfield before arrogantly side-stepping the full back to score under the posts. Dave Cholmondeley
added the conversion.
Southend never managed to get back into the game. 5 minutes before the end Elia struck again.
From a tap penalty 15 yards out from the York line, he received a pass on the burst and rounded
four players to score under the posts - Cholmondeley again added the goal.
Invicta: Tries: Elia (2)
Goals: Cholmondeley (3)
York: Tries: Wilson (2), Morgan (2), G. Smith, Proctor, Price, Blackburn.
Goals: Steadman (7)
Attendance: 1,577
Referee: Bernard Walker (Barrow)
Southend Invicta: Penola, Feighan, Millington, Elia, London, Harding, A. Bishop, Briscoe, N. Bishop,
Cooper, Seldon, Neel, Cholmondeley. Subs: Bruen (Neel), Walker (Briscoe)
9 September 1984
Southend Invicta 14 Bramley 17
The first home game! In an end to end game Invicta narrowly lost to a Bramley side which boasted
Karl Harrison and the lively Andy Gascoigne at scrum half. In front of a disappointing crowd of
371. Southend battled hard with Frank Feighan scoring two tries and Dave Harding one (he also
dropped a goal). Dave Cholmondeley also kicked a goal.
The game was marred by injuries to Tony Cooper, Alan Bishop and Neil Bishop.
Invicta: Tries: Feighan (2), Harding
Goals: Cholmondeley
Bramley: Tries: Dyas (2), Lister
Goals: Kilner (2), Lister (1 dg)
Attendance: 371
Referee: Gerry Kershaw (Easingwold)
Southend Invicta: Penola, Feighan, Harding, Elia, Barwood, Millington, A. Bishop, Briscoe, N. Bishop,
Cooper, Seldon, Neel, Cholmondeley. Subs: Bruen , Grimoldby
23 September 1984
Southend Invicta 13 Wakefield Trinity 22
Despite what was to be a very disappointing season for them Trinity had a useful side boasting two
players with Dewsbury connections - the great Nigel Stephenson, who had played a key role in
Dewsbury's Championship victory in 1973; and a young Gary Cocks who would go on to be a
mainstay in the Dewsbury side of the early nineties. Trinity also had a young Nigel Bell at scrum
half, an outstanding hooker in Colin Maskill and a more than useful centre in Phil Eden.
Trinity were always too good for Invicta despite two tries from Mark Elia, two goals from Dave Cholmondeley and a dropped goal from Dave Harding.
Invicta: Tries: Elia (2)
Goals: Cholmondeley (2), Harding (dg)
Wakefield: Tries: Jones, Hughes, Maskill
Goals: Maskill (4), Stephenson (2dg)
Attendance: 374
Referee: Jim Smith (Halifax)
Southend Invicta: Penola, Barwood, Gillan, Elia, Pike, Millington, Harding, Briscoe, Feighan, Seldon,
Hanney, Neel, Cholmondeley. Subs: Bruen , Grimoldby
30 September 1984
Huddersfield Barracudas 22 Southend Invicta 14
Invicta travelled to the dreadfully named Arena 84 (Fartown to you and me) to meet the dreadfully
named Barracudas.
Huddersfield were obviously desperate to pull in the punters. Before the game had even started
one of the Huddersfield cheerleaders lost her skirt, but in true showbiz style carried on to the bitter
end!
The Barracudas dominated the first half, scoring three tries. Three minutes before half time Mark
Elia intercepted the ball and scored unchallenged under the posts - new kicker Tony Neel adding
the conversion.
This seemed to give Invicta heart and Elia again scored early in the second half following an up and
under from Dave Cholmondeley. Tony Neel goaled make the score 14-12 to Huddersfield.
Invicta took the lead 18 minutes into the second half when Frank Feighan touched down, following
a fine passing movement involving Adrian Alexander (a recent acquisition from Oldham),
Cholmondeley and Elia. Tony Neel added the goal to give Invicta a deserved 18-16 lead. But it was
not to be and a Barracuda's try and conversion left Southend still looking for their first victory.
Invicta: Tries: Elia (2), Feighan
Goals: Neel (3)
Huddersfield: Tries: Thomas, Senior (2), Bostock
Goals: Hirst (3)
Attendance: 703
Referee: Cliff Hodgson (Maryport)
Southend Invicta: Penola, Feighan, Millington, Elia, Harding, Burley, McGill, Alexander,
Cholmondeley, Briscoe, Hanney, Neel, Wellman. Subs: McCafferty, Grimoldby
7 October 1984
Southend Invicta 22 Dewsbury 12
During my now 50 years of watching Dewsbury I've experienced all types of highs and lows. So this
result was no surprise. I suspect I was the only Southend based "steam pig" to be at Roots Hall
when Invicta recorded their first victory in front of a crowd of 284.
To be fair Dewsbury were totally awful and gave no indication that they were a side who would
win promotion that year. Southend totally dominated in the first half and led 18-2 at the break.
Dewsbury came back in the second half with tries from Johnny Moore and Paul Jennings with
Shaun Dunford kicking two goals. But it was too little too late.
Mark Elia was again impressive with two tries. Dave Cholmondeley and Tony McCafferty also
scored tries with Tony Neel kicking two goals and a penalty.
At least I only had a 5 minute walk home!
Invicta: Tries: Elia (2), McCafferty, Cholmondeley
Goals: Neel (3)
Dewsbury: Tries: Jennings, Moore
Goals: Dunford (2)
Attendance: 284
Referee: John Mean (Leyland)
Southend Invicta: Penola, McCafferty, Gillan, Elia, Feighan, Harding, McGill, Alexander,
Cholmondeley, Briscoe, Hanney, Neel, Wellman. Subs: Grimoldby, Daley
14 October 1984
Bramley 30 Southend Invicta 8
Invicta found the trip to Bramley difficult to say the least. The coach blew a gasket
(no, not Bill Goodwin!) south of Sheffield on the M1 and the team had to wait for a replacement.
They arrived two minutes before the kick off at 3.30 and the game eventually got underway 15
minutes late.
Despite this trauma Invicta battled well and were only 11-2 down at half time with Dave
Cholmondeley dropping two goals. Four minutes after the break, a fine passing movement saw a
Wayne Millington touchdown 15 yards to the left of the posts - Tony Neel adding the conversion to
reduce the deficit to 11-8.
However, Invicta ran out of steam and Bramley added three further tries to finally win 30-8.
Invicta: Tries: Millington
Goals: Neel , Cholmondeley (2 dg)
Bramley: Tries: Cook, Bibb, Pitchford, Lunn
Goals: Kilner (6), Bibb (2 dg)
Attendance: 779
Referee: Stephen Haigh (Ossett)
Southend Invicta: Hanney, Gillan, Millington, Elia, Feighan, Harding, McGill, Briscoe, Cholmondeley,
Dean, Grimoldby, Neel, Wellman. Subs: McCafferty, Wadforth
21 October 1984
Swinton 22 Southend Invicta 18
Invicta were total underdogs for this game. Swinton were unbeaten and top of the table. They had
within their ranks Les Holliday who later played for Dewsbury (following his days as a Great
Britain international) and Danny Wilson (no, not the pop group but the father of Ryan Giggs).
Invicta had Frank Feighan, Wayne Millington and Adrian Alexander missing through injury. A
local bookmaker had given them 24 points. This turned out to be more than generous as Invicta
put up a great fight. They fell behind to an early try and conversion but Mark Elia's ninth try of
the season and Tony Neel's conversion saw them level the score at 6-6. Play switched rapidly
from end to end with Swinton scoring another try after 19 minutes. Invicta hit back quickly when
Tony Neel forced his way beneath the posts and added the conversion to make it 12-12. Swinton
then scored again to make it 20-12 at half time.
Invicta put up a great performance in the second half with Andy Scanlon outstanding at full back.
Ten minutes from time Tony Neel scored his second try and added the conversion to make it
22-18. Swinton hung on but it was a tremendous effort by Invicta against a team who were to be
the season's Second Division champions.
Invicta: Tries: Neel (2), Elia
Goals: Neel (3)
Swinton: Tries: Bate, Connor, Stapleton, Thomson
Goals: Rippon (3)
Attendance: 1,491
Referee: Derek Fox (Wakefield)
Southend Invicta: Scanlon, Wadworth, Penola, Elia, Wilkes, Harding, McGill, Dean, Cholmondeley,
Neel, Grimoldby, Hanney, Wellman. Subs: Burley, Briscoe
28 October 1984
Southend Invicta 22 Keighley 18
Invicta's second win. No match report available.
Invicta: Tries: Elia (3)
Goals: Neel (5)
Keighley: Tries: Hawksworth, Kitchingman, Brown
Goals: Rowse (3)
Attendance: 255
Referee: Robin Whitfield (Widnes)
Southend Invicta: Scanlon, Wilkes, Millington, Elia, Gillan, Harding, McGill, Dean, Cholmondeley,
Neel, Hanney, Grimoldby, Wellman. Subs: Alexander, Briscoe
4 November 1984
Bramley 20 Southend Invicta 6 (John Player Trophy - Preliminary Round)
Invicta managed to beat their Bramley jinx and arrived on time for the game. Invicta were on the
defensive for much of the first half but tackled well and restricted Bramley to a 6-0 lead at half
time. After half time Invicta gained more possession. Penola had a good 50 yard run and Chris
Wellman was held a yard short of the Bramley line. Invicta finally scored two minutes from time
when Mark Elia received the ball just outside the Bramley half and outwitted five Bramley tacklers
on a sparkling 50 yard run to the line for his 13th try of the season. Neel goaled to make the final
score Bramley 20 Invicta 6.
Invicta: Tries: Elia
Goals: Neel
Bramley: Tries: Dyas, Carroll, Kelly
Goals: Killner (3), Carroll (2 dg)
Attendance: 572
Referee: Stan Wall (Leigh)
Southend Invicta: Scanlon, Feighan, Gillan, Elia, McCafferty, Millington, McGill, Dean, Cholmondeley,
Neel, Grimoldby, Penola, Wellman. Subs: Burley, Briscoe
11 November 1984
Batley 19 Southend Invicta 10
This match was billed as the clash of the tryscorers as Invicta's Mark Elia and Batley's Carl Gibson
were joint second in the try list with 13 touchdowns so far.
Batley played in the first half with the benefit of the notorious Mount Pleasant slope. However,
Invicta defended resolutely and after 14 minutes scrum half Reg McGill made a lovely break on the
Batley 25 yard line and was backed up brilliantly by Chris Wellman who scored just next to the
posts. Cholmondeley added the goal to put Invicta in front 6-0. Batley rallied, however, and scored
two tries to lead 12-6 at half time.
In the second half Invicta failed to capitalise from playing down the slope and Wayne Millington,
playing in his uncustomary role of second row forward, scored Invicta's only points in the second
half with a well taken try ten minutes from time.
Invicta: Tries: Wellman. Millington
Goals: Cholmondeley
Batley: Tries: Illingworth (2), Gibson
Goals: Jones (2), Ferres (dg)
Attendance: 616
Referee: Bernard Walker (Barrow)
Southend Invicta: Scanlon, McCafferty, Gillan, Elia, Atherton, Harding, McGill, Briscoe,
Cholmondeley, Dean, Grimoldby, Millington, Wellman. Subs: Wadford, Nicholson, (Grimoldby)
18 November 1984
Wakefield Trinity 31 Southend Invicta 0
No match report available.
Invicta: Tries:
Goals:
Wakefield: Tries: Tosney (2), Rutherforth, Bell, Gerard, Swanston
Goals: Tosney (3), Box (dg)
Attendance: 1,293
Referee: John McDonald (Wigan)
Southend Invicta: Scanlon, Gillan, Elia, Johnston, Atherton, Wellman, McGill, Alexander,
Cholmondeley, Dean, Grimoldby, Neel, Harding. Subs: Wilkes, Burley
9 December 1984
Doncaster 12 Southend Invicta 4
This should have been Invicta's first away win of the season. Doncaster had lost their previous two
games 72-0 (to Dewsbury) and 64-0 (to Whitehaven).
Southend started well with Reg McGill backing up a good Chris Wellman break to cross the
Doncaster line, only for the try to be disallowed. Tight defensive play from Doncaster prevented
Invicta scoring during the fist half. Two penalty kicks gave Doncaster a 4-0 lead at half time.
After the interval play followed the same pattern as the first half, until Doncaster got an
unexpected interception try and conversion to put them 10-0 up. This spurred Invicta on to
greater efforts, with Atherton finally scoring a try in the corner, following good work from John
"Dallas" Donnelly (playing his irst game for Southend) and Andy Scanlon.
Invicta continued to attack during a furious last ten minutes but couldn't score. Two minutes from
time, a Dave Cholmondeley indiscretion gave Doncaster another easy penalty kick to make the final
score 12-4 to Doncaster.
Invicta: Tries: Atherton
Goals:
Doncaster: Tries: Moore
Goals: Harcombe (4)
Attendance: 157
Referee: John Mean (Leyland)
Southend Invicta: Scanlon, Feighan, Elia, Johnston, Atherton, Harding, McGill, Donnelly,
Cholmondeley, Dean, Grimoldby, Hanney, Wellman. Subs: Gillan, Burley
16 December 1984
Keighley 26 Southend Invicta 16
Things started badly for Invicta when Keighley scored two early tries to go 12-0 up after only ten
minutes. Invicta responded quickly with Atherton touching down just a minute later - a fine solo
effort taking advantage of some slack Keighley tackling. Invicta now stormed back into the game
with Alexander, Wellman and Dean causing Keighley plenty of problems up front. Four minutes
before half time Johnston scored a try following good approach work by Wellman and Donnelly,
with Alexander selling a couple of outrageous dummies. Two minutes later mark Elia snapped up a
loose ball to score beneath the posts. Tony Neel added the conversion to put Invicta 16-12 up at
the break.
During an exciting second half play switched from end to end. Invicta tried hard to score again -
Ken Johnston and Chris Wellman both being held just inches short of the line. Keighley took
advantage of their limited opportunities to score two further tries to finish 26-16 victors in a
tough, thrilling encounter.
Invicta: Tries: Elia, Johnston, Atherton
Goals: Neel (2)
Keighley: Tries: Brown, Smith, Illingworth, Atkinson
Goals: Rowse (5)
Attendance: 636
Referee: Ken Spencer (Warrington)
York 46 Southend Invicta 14
The new Invicta team faced a difficult first game at York, a team widely predicted for promotion.
So confident was the feeling at York that one of the directors had placed a £5,000 bet on the team
gaining promotion. York also boasted a player who was to go on to bigger things - the great
Graham Steadman.
Invicta got off to a good start and exerted some early pressure with Wayne Millington held just
short of the line. Following an illegal high tackle on Neil Bishop Invicta were awarded a penalty
which Dave Cholmondeley converted. Invicta were 2-0 up after 12 minutes.
However, York took control after this and built up a 22-2 lead at half time. Invicta hit back early in
the second half when Mark Elia intercepted a York pass in his own 25, cooly sprinted 75 years
upfield before arrogantly side-stepping the full back to score under the posts. Dave Cholmondeley
added the conversion.
Southend never managed to get back into the game. 5 minutes before the end Elia struck again.
From a tap penalty 15 yards out from the York line, he received a pass on the burst and rounded
four players to score under the posts - Cholmondeley again added the goal.
Invicta: Tries: Elia (2)
Goals: Cholmondeley (3)
York: Tries: Wilson (2), Morgan (2), G. Smith, Proctor, Price, Blackburn.
Goals: Steadman (7)
Attendance: 1,577
Referee: Bernard Walker (Barrow)
Southend Invicta: Penola, Feighan, Millington, Elia, London, Harding, A. Bishop, Briscoe, N. Bishop,
Cooper, Seldon, Neel, Cholmondeley. Subs: Bruen (Neel), Walker (Briscoe)
9 September 1984
Southend Invicta 14 Bramley 17
The first home game! In an end to end game Invicta narrowly lost to a Bramley side which boasted
Karl Harrison and the lively Andy Gascoigne at scrum half. In front of a disappointing crowd of
371. Southend battled hard with Frank Feighan scoring two tries and Dave Harding one (he also
dropped a goal). Dave Cholmondeley also kicked a goal.
The game was marred by injuries to Tony Cooper, Alan Bishop and Neil Bishop.
Invicta: Tries: Feighan (2), Harding
Goals: Cholmondeley
Bramley: Tries: Dyas (2), Lister
Goals: Kilner (2), Lister (1 dg)
Attendance: 371
Referee: Gerry Kershaw (Easingwold)
Southend Invicta: Penola, Feighan, Harding, Elia, Barwood, Millington, A. Bishop, Briscoe, N. Bishop,
Cooper, Seldon, Neel, Cholmondeley. Subs: Bruen , Grimoldby
23 September 1984
Southend Invicta 13 Wakefield Trinity 22
Despite what was to be a very disappointing season for them Trinity had a useful side boasting two
players with Dewsbury connections - the great Nigel Stephenson, who had played a key role in
Dewsbury's Championship victory in 1973; and a young Gary Cocks who would go on to be a
mainstay in the Dewsbury side of the early nineties. Trinity also had a young Nigel Bell at scrum
half, an outstanding hooker in Colin Maskill and a more than useful centre in Phil Eden.
Trinity were always too good for Invicta despite two tries from Mark Elia, two goals from Dave Cholmondeley and a dropped goal from Dave Harding.
Invicta: Tries: Elia (2)
Goals: Cholmondeley (2), Harding (dg)
Wakefield: Tries: Jones, Hughes, Maskill
Goals: Maskill (4), Stephenson (2dg)
Attendance: 374
Referee: Jim Smith (Halifax)
Southend Invicta: Penola, Barwood, Gillan, Elia, Pike, Millington, Harding, Briscoe, Feighan, Seldon,
Hanney, Neel, Cholmondeley. Subs: Bruen , Grimoldby
30 September 1984
Huddersfield Barracudas 22 Southend Invicta 14
Invicta travelled to the dreadfully named Arena 84 (Fartown to you and me) to meet the dreadfully
named Barracudas.
Huddersfield were obviously desperate to pull in the punters. Before the game had even started
one of the Huddersfield cheerleaders lost her skirt, but in true showbiz style carried on to the bitter
end!
The Barracudas dominated the first half, scoring three tries. Three minutes before half time Mark
Elia intercepted the ball and scored unchallenged under the posts - new kicker Tony Neel adding
the conversion.
This seemed to give Invicta heart and Elia again scored early in the second half following an up and
under from Dave Cholmondeley. Tony Neel goaled make the score 14-12 to Huddersfield.
Invicta took the lead 18 minutes into the second half when Frank Feighan touched down, following
a fine passing movement involving Adrian Alexander (a recent acquisition from Oldham),
Cholmondeley and Elia. Tony Neel added the goal to give Invicta a deserved 18-16 lead. But it was
not to be and a Barracuda's try and conversion left Southend still looking for their first victory.
Invicta: Tries: Elia (2), Feighan
Goals: Neel (3)
Huddersfield: Tries: Thomas, Senior (2), Bostock
Goals: Hirst (3)
Attendance: 703
Referee: Cliff Hodgson (Maryport)
Southend Invicta: Penola, Feighan, Millington, Elia, Harding, Burley, McGill, Alexander,
Cholmondeley, Briscoe, Hanney, Neel, Wellman. Subs: McCafferty, Grimoldby
7 October 1984
Southend Invicta 22 Dewsbury 12
During my now 50 years of watching Dewsbury I've experienced all types of highs and lows. So this
result was no surprise. I suspect I was the only Southend based "steam pig" to be at Roots Hall
when Invicta recorded their first victory in front of a crowd of 284.
To be fair Dewsbury were totally awful and gave no indication that they were a side who would
win promotion that year. Southend totally dominated in the first half and led 18-2 at the break.
Dewsbury came back in the second half with tries from Johnny Moore and Paul Jennings with
Shaun Dunford kicking two goals. But it was too little too late.
Mark Elia was again impressive with two tries. Dave Cholmondeley and Tony McCafferty also
scored tries with Tony Neel kicking two goals and a penalty.
At least I only had a 5 minute walk home!
Invicta: Tries: Elia (2), McCafferty, Cholmondeley
Goals: Neel (3)
Dewsbury: Tries: Jennings, Moore
Goals: Dunford (2)
Attendance: 284
Referee: John Mean (Leyland)
Southend Invicta: Penola, McCafferty, Gillan, Elia, Feighan, Harding, McGill, Alexander,
Cholmondeley, Briscoe, Hanney, Neel, Wellman. Subs: Grimoldby, Daley
14 October 1984
Bramley 30 Southend Invicta 8
Invicta found the trip to Bramley difficult to say the least. The coach blew a gasket
(no, not Bill Goodwin!) south of Sheffield on the M1 and the team had to wait for a replacement.
They arrived two minutes before the kick off at 3.30 and the game eventually got underway 15
minutes late.
Despite this trauma Invicta battled well and were only 11-2 down at half time with Dave
Cholmondeley dropping two goals. Four minutes after the break, a fine passing movement saw a
Wayne Millington touchdown 15 yards to the left of the posts - Tony Neel adding the conversion to
reduce the deficit to 11-8.
However, Invicta ran out of steam and Bramley added three further tries to finally win 30-8.
Invicta: Tries: Millington
Goals: Neel , Cholmondeley (2 dg)
Bramley: Tries: Cook, Bibb, Pitchford, Lunn
Goals: Kilner (6), Bibb (2 dg)
Attendance: 779
Referee: Stephen Haigh (Ossett)
Southend Invicta: Hanney, Gillan, Millington, Elia, Feighan, Harding, McGill, Briscoe, Cholmondeley,
Dean, Grimoldby, Neel, Wellman. Subs: McCafferty, Wadforth
21 October 1984
Swinton 22 Southend Invicta 18
Invicta were total underdogs for this game. Swinton were unbeaten and top of the table. They had
within their ranks Les Holliday who later played for Dewsbury (following his days as a Great
Britain international) and Danny Wilson (no, not the pop group but the father of Ryan Giggs).
Invicta had Frank Feighan, Wayne Millington and Adrian Alexander missing through injury. A
local bookmaker had given them 24 points. This turned out to be more than generous as Invicta
put up a great fight. They fell behind to an early try and conversion but Mark Elia's ninth try of
the season and Tony Neel's conversion saw them level the score at 6-6. Play switched rapidly
from end to end with Swinton scoring another try after 19 minutes. Invicta hit back quickly when
Tony Neel forced his way beneath the posts and added the conversion to make it 12-12. Swinton
then scored again to make it 20-12 at half time.
Invicta put up a great performance in the second half with Andy Scanlon outstanding at full back.
Ten minutes from time Tony Neel scored his second try and added the conversion to make it
22-18. Swinton hung on but it was a tremendous effort by Invicta against a team who were to be
the season's Second Division champions.
Invicta: Tries: Neel (2), Elia
Goals: Neel (3)
Swinton: Tries: Bate, Connor, Stapleton, Thomson
Goals: Rippon (3)
Attendance: 1,491
Referee: Derek Fox (Wakefield)
Southend Invicta: Scanlon, Wadworth, Penola, Elia, Wilkes, Harding, McGill, Dean, Cholmondeley,
Neel, Grimoldby, Hanney, Wellman. Subs: Burley, Briscoe
28 October 1984
Southend Invicta 22 Keighley 18
Invicta's second win. No match report available.
Invicta: Tries: Elia (3)
Goals: Neel (5)
Keighley: Tries: Hawksworth, Kitchingman, Brown
Goals: Rowse (3)
Attendance: 255
Referee: Robin Whitfield (Widnes)
Southend Invicta: Scanlon, Wilkes, Millington, Elia, Gillan, Harding, McGill, Dean, Cholmondeley,
Neel, Hanney, Grimoldby, Wellman. Subs: Alexander, Briscoe
4 November 1984
Bramley 20 Southend Invicta 6 (John Player Trophy - Preliminary Round)
Invicta managed to beat their Bramley jinx and arrived on time for the game. Invicta were on the
defensive for much of the first half but tackled well and restricted Bramley to a 6-0 lead at half
time. After half time Invicta gained more possession. Penola had a good 50 yard run and Chris
Wellman was held a yard short of the Bramley line. Invicta finally scored two minutes from time
when Mark Elia received the ball just outside the Bramley half and outwitted five Bramley tacklers
on a sparkling 50 yard run to the line for his 13th try of the season. Neel goaled to make the final
score Bramley 20 Invicta 6.
Invicta: Tries: Elia
Goals: Neel
Bramley: Tries: Dyas, Carroll, Kelly
Goals: Killner (3), Carroll (2 dg)
Attendance: 572
Referee: Stan Wall (Leigh)
Southend Invicta: Scanlon, Feighan, Gillan, Elia, McCafferty, Millington, McGill, Dean, Cholmondeley,
Neel, Grimoldby, Penola, Wellman. Subs: Burley, Briscoe
11 November 1984
Batley 19 Southend Invicta 10
This match was billed as the clash of the tryscorers as Invicta's Mark Elia and Batley's Carl Gibson
were joint second in the try list with 13 touchdowns so far.
Batley played in the first half with the benefit of the notorious Mount Pleasant slope. However,
Invicta defended resolutely and after 14 minutes scrum half Reg McGill made a lovely break on the
Batley 25 yard line and was backed up brilliantly by Chris Wellman who scored just next to the
posts. Cholmondeley added the goal to put Invicta in front 6-0. Batley rallied, however, and scored
two tries to lead 12-6 at half time.
In the second half Invicta failed to capitalise from playing down the slope and Wayne Millington,
playing in his uncustomary role of second row forward, scored Invicta's only points in the second
half with a well taken try ten minutes from time.
Invicta: Tries: Wellman. Millington
Goals: Cholmondeley
Batley: Tries: Illingworth (2), Gibson
Goals: Jones (2), Ferres (dg)
Attendance: 616
Referee: Bernard Walker (Barrow)
Southend Invicta: Scanlon, McCafferty, Gillan, Elia, Atherton, Harding, McGill, Briscoe,
Cholmondeley, Dean, Grimoldby, Millington, Wellman. Subs: Wadford, Nicholson, (Grimoldby)
18 November 1984
Wakefield Trinity 31 Southend Invicta 0
No match report available.
Invicta: Tries:
Goals:
Wakefield: Tries: Tosney (2), Rutherforth, Bell, Gerard, Swanston
Goals: Tosney (3), Box (dg)
Attendance: 1,293
Referee: John McDonald (Wigan)
Southend Invicta: Scanlon, Gillan, Elia, Johnston, Atherton, Wellman, McGill, Alexander,
Cholmondeley, Dean, Grimoldby, Neel, Harding. Subs: Wilkes, Burley
9 December 1984
Doncaster 12 Southend Invicta 4
This should have been Invicta's first away win of the season. Doncaster had lost their previous two
games 72-0 (to Dewsbury) and 64-0 (to Whitehaven).
Southend started well with Reg McGill backing up a good Chris Wellman break to cross the
Doncaster line, only for the try to be disallowed. Tight defensive play from Doncaster prevented
Invicta scoring during the fist half. Two penalty kicks gave Doncaster a 4-0 lead at half time.
After the interval play followed the same pattern as the first half, until Doncaster got an
unexpected interception try and conversion to put them 10-0 up. This spurred Invicta on to
greater efforts, with Atherton finally scoring a try in the corner, following good work from John
"Dallas" Donnelly (playing his irst game for Southend) and Andy Scanlon.
Invicta continued to attack during a furious last ten minutes but couldn't score. Two minutes from
time, a Dave Cholmondeley indiscretion gave Doncaster another easy penalty kick to make the final
score 12-4 to Doncaster.
Invicta: Tries: Atherton
Goals:
Doncaster: Tries: Moore
Goals: Harcombe (4)
Attendance: 157
Referee: John Mean (Leyland)
Southend Invicta: Scanlon, Feighan, Elia, Johnston, Atherton, Harding, McGill, Donnelly,
Cholmondeley, Dean, Grimoldby, Hanney, Wellman. Subs: Gillan, Burley
16 December 1984
Keighley 26 Southend Invicta 16
Things started badly for Invicta when Keighley scored two early tries to go 12-0 up after only ten
minutes. Invicta responded quickly with Atherton touching down just a minute later - a fine solo
effort taking advantage of some slack Keighley tackling. Invicta now stormed back into the game
with Alexander, Wellman and Dean causing Keighley plenty of problems up front. Four minutes
before half time Johnston scored a try following good approach work by Wellman and Donnelly,
with Alexander selling a couple of outrageous dummies. Two minutes later mark Elia snapped up a
loose ball to score beneath the posts. Tony Neel added the conversion to put Invicta 16-12 up at
the break.
During an exciting second half play switched from end to end. Invicta tried hard to score again -
Ken Johnston and Chris Wellman both being held just inches short of the line. Keighley took
advantage of their limited opportunities to score two further tries to finish 26-16 victors in a
tough, thrilling encounter.
Invicta: Tries: Elia, Johnston, Atherton
Goals: Neel (2)
Keighley: Tries: Brown, Smith, Illingworth, Atkinson
Goals: Rowse (5)
Attendance: 636
Referee: Ken Spencer (Warrington)