#SummerBash
For the second year running Summer Bash lit up Blackpool with two days of thrilling Kingstone Press Championship action and a spectacular iPro Sport Cup final at Bloomfield Road.
A record crowd of 15,912 Rugby League supporters were captivated by seven great contests that highlighted the talent and entertainment the Championship and League 1 have to offer.
Keighley Cougars were crowned iPro Sport Cup Champions beating York City Knights 22-18 in an action packed game that went right down to the final moments. London Broncos, Whitehaven and Leigh Centurions all emerging from the first day of the weekend victorious. As the sun shone down on Sunday Batley Bulldogs, Swinton Lions and Halifax were the teams who came out on top ensuring they enjoyed their day at the Championship’s big weekend.
The weekend delivered high intensity with 55 tries, one winning drop goal (Swinton Lions v Oldham), one hat-trick (Jarrod Summat for Workington Town), five games with a four point or less winning margin and an additional 531 spectators compared to Summer Bash in 2015.
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Speaking after the final game of the Summer Bash, RFL Chief Executive, Nigel Wood, said: “Once again the Kingstone Press Championship and League 1 showed how competitive and exciting it is with each game being extremely captivating and enjoyable for all to watch.
“Thanks must go to the 15,912 fans who made the trip to sunny Blackpool and created such a fantastic atmosphere with the festival action and kaleidoscope of club colours being captured live on Sky Sports for the viewers watching at home. Special congratulations to Keighley Cougars who lifted the first silverware of the season beating York City Knights in an incredibly close iPro Sport Cup final.
“The last two weeks have really showcased what a fantastic product Rugby League is throughout the First Utility Super League, Kingstone Press Championship and Kingstone Press League 1. Events such as the Dacia Magic Weekend and Summer Bash make a significant contribution to raising the profile of our sport. We would like to thank fans, players, clubs, commercial partners and broadcasters who all helped make it a memorable fortnight for the sport.”
A full evaluation of Summer Bash will now take place before any decision over the 2017 event is made.
