The Kingstone Press Summer Bash attracted a record attendance of 16,444 for the third year running at Bloomfield Road in Blackpool as fans were treated to two days of thrilling action in the lively coastal resort.
Cup winners in 2015, North Wales Crusaders returned to Blackpool to take on Barrow Raiders in the first game of day one. The Cumbrian side were made to work hard by the Crusaders as the Raiders emerged victorious in the League 1 Cup final – a game which set the tone for the rest of the weekend.
Rochdale Hornets, London Broncos and Hull Kingston Rovers all recorded a win on the Saturday in front of 11,557 spectators; the highest single day attendance at Summer Bash.
Bradford fans were another level at #SummerBash 🙌
— Championships-RL (@RLChampionships) May 27, 2017
From the 1st to the 80th minute & @OfficialBullsRL players showed then how much it meant pic.twitter.com/7g0Ar6pflJ
Sunday showcased more talent and entertainment as Sheffield Eagles, Toulouse Olympique XIII and Dewsbury Rams were the teams who came out on top ensuring they enjoyed their day at the Kingstone Press Championship’s big weekend.
Speaking after the final game of the Summer Bash, Rugby Football League Chairman, Brian Barwick, said: “The Kingstone Press Championship and League 1 has once again shown how exciting it is with each game providing superb entertainment for those in the stadium and back at home watching live on Sky Sports.
“Summer Bash is still a relatively new event in the Rugby League calendar, but to see everyone work so hard over three years and grow ticket sales to a record-breaking 16,444 in 2017 is fantastic. Like the Dacia Magic Weekend, it is a superb illustration of our sport coming together and delivering top-class action in an environment where fans from opposing teams freely engage with one another. It’s something we should all be very proud of.
Rovers 'til I die led by Ben Cockayne 🔴⚪ï¸
— Championships-RL (@RLChampionships) May 27, 2017
Huge win in a tough #SummerBash game for @hullkrofficial pic.twitter.com/fqqNkZ15LL
“Congratulations to Barrow Raiders who lifted the League 1 Cup. After facing Leeds Rhinos and making a trip to Toronto in previous weeks, Barrow came up against a committed North Wales Crusaders side and had to dig deep to get their hands on the trophy.
“This past week has been overshadowed by the atrocity in Manchester. A minute’s silence was impeccably observed at the start of each day to remember those that lost their lives and friends and families coming to terms with the tragedy. We would like to thank the fans, players, clubs, commercial partners, broadcasters and staff who have come together during a tough time to produce a memorable and safe event for all.”
#SummerBash
— Championships-RL (@RLChampionships) May 28, 2017
This weekend's attendance is 16,444 - the highest in Summer Bash history ðŸ‘
Thanks for joining us for a great weekend! pic.twitter.com/DBkBAIKMuZ
A full review of this year’s event will now take place before any arrangements for 2018 are made.
