Summary of Matches

Match Reports

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 sprinting 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 eighties. 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 40 years of watching Dewsbury I've experienced all types of highs and lows (more lows than highs despite winning the Northern Ford Premiership). 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.

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 Donnelly (playing his first 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)

Southend Invicta: Scanlon, Gillan, Elia, Johnston, Atherton, Harding, McGill, Alexander, Cholmondeley, Donnelly, Neel, Dean, Wellman - Subs: Bishop (Alexander), Penola (McGill) 

23 December 1984

Southend Invicta 10 Swinton 28

No match report available.

Invicta:           Tries:  Atherton, Scanlon

                       Goals: Neel

Swinton:         Tries: Snape (2), Jones, Melling

                        Goals: Jones (6)

Attendance:    307

Referee:          Kevin Allatt (Southport)

Southend Invicta: Scanlon, Feighan, Elia, Penola, Atherton, Wellman, Harding, Alexander, Cholmondeley, Donnelly, Neel, Schaumkell, Johnston - Subs: Briscoe, Grimoldby 

1 January 1985

Southend Invicta 14 Fulham 16

This was a match of great significance - the first time a local derby had been played between two professional Rugby League teams in the South for fifty years when  Acton and Willesden (1935/36), Streatham and Mitcham (1935/37) and London Highfield (1933/34) had been in existence. 

The game started in exciting fashion with John "Dallas" Donnelly punching Fulham's Gourley after only 60 seconds of play. Four minutes later Fulham were punished in more legitimate fashion when Dave Cholmondeley dropped a goal. It was ten minutes before Fulham got out of their own half, only for Johnston to intercept a wild pass and run 50 yards for a touchdown. Tony Neel converted the try and Invicta were 7-0 up.

A Neel penalty after 27 minutes made it 9-0 but the Fulham scrum half, Davis, soon powered through from a play the ball to reduce the arrears. Davis's pace took him clear again four minutes from the break, but he slipped as he tried to round Colin Penola, playing at full back, and the chance was lost.

Two penalties by Chris Wilkinson took Fulham to within one point but another interception try by Dave Cholmondeley restored Southend's five point advantage.

Wilkinson kicked Fulham backed into contention at 13-10 but Cholmondeley kicked another dropped goal to make it 14-10. Invicta's third win beckoned but belated Fulham pressure brought its reward when Rochford broke clear to level the scores and Chris Wilkinson sealed Fulham's victory with a simple conversion.

Invicta:           Tries:  Johnston, Cholmondeley

                       Goals: Neel (2), Cholmondeley (2 dg)

Fulham:         Tries: Rochford, Davis

                       Goals: Wilkinson  (4)

Attendance:   504

Referee:         Frank Robinson (Leeds)

Southend Invicta: Penola, Feighan, Elia, Johnston, Gillan, Wellman, Harding, Alexander, Cholmondeley, Donnelly, Neel, Briscoe, Hanney - Subs: McGill, Dean

27 January 1985

Southend Invicta 2 Blackpool Borough 27

Severe frost and snow had led to the postponement of the games at home to Huddersfield (January 13) and away to Salford (January 20). The lay off didn't help Southend and they were totally outclassed. The lay off and bad weather also affected the attendance - a pathetic crowd of 86 watching. This was the beginning of the end for Invicta. 

Invicta:          Tries:  

                      Goals:  Cholmondeley 

Blackpool:     Tries: Brennan (2), Bailey (2), Sivori

                       Goals: Turley (3), O'Loughlin (dg)

Attendance:   86

Referee:         John Holdsworth (Kippax)

Southend Invicta: Scanlon, Feighan, Elia, Atherton, Gillan, Wellman, Harding, Donnelly, Cholmondeley,  Dean, Grimoldby, Briscoe, Penola  - Subs: McGill, Wilkes

3 February 1985

Whitehaven 22 Southend Invicta 8

No match report available. This was Mark Elia's last match for Invicta, having been called up for the New Zealand International Training squad (see Player Profiles ).

Invicta:            Tries:  Elia, Gillan

                        Goals:  

Whitehaven:   Tries: Gribbin, Cameron, Dalton, Huddart

                         Goals: Cameron (3)

Attendance:    1,327

Referee:           Fred Lindop (Wakefield)

Southend Invicta: Wilkes, Gillan, Penola, Millington, Atherton, Elia, McCafferty, Alexander, Cholmondeley,  Donnelly, Neel, Briscoe, Feighan  - Subs: Dean, Harding

24 February 1985

Bradford Northern 50  Southend Invicta 18 (Silk Cut Challenge Cup First Round)

Invicta's biggest game of the season. Although by no means the greatest Bradford Northern team ever (they eventually finished mid table in the First Division that season) they had the immortal Ellery Hanley playing at stand off together with Jeff Grayshon (another stalwart in Dewsbury's 1973 championship winning team), Keith Mumby and Brian Noble. 

Southend had been drawn at home but the club's deteriorating financial position had meant an inevitable switch to Odsal.  This caused great controversy with the Supporters Club much perturbed by the decision. Peter Jones, secretary of the Supporters Club, stated: "This move makes a mockery of the Club's supposedly long-term expansionist policy and has done nothing to maintain our credibility with the game's Governing Body and other Clubs in the League."

The game should have been played on 10 February but the continuing bad weather had meant the game had been postponed and the freeze meant further postponements on 14, 17 and 19 February. The game was eventually played two weeks after the original date. Invicta certainly didn't disgrace themselves. Playing some excellent open rugby they scored three tries through Atherton, Donnelly and man of the match Harding and earned the respect of both the home crowd and the northern press.        

Invicta:            Tries:  Atherton, Harding, Donnelly

                        Goals:  Neel (2), Cholmondeley (2 dg) Briscoe (dg)

Bradford:         Tries: Hanley (3), Rathbone, Kellaway, Fleming, Heron, Crossley

                         Goals: Parrish (9)

Attendance:     3,297

Referee:           Ken Spencer (Warrington)

Southend Invicta: Scanlon, Gillan, Penola, Millington, Atherton, Harding, McGill, Donnelly, Cholmondeley, Dean, Neel, Hanney, Wellman  - Subs: Cooper, Grimoldby

3 March  1985

Southend Invicta 14 Doncaster 17

As Doncaster hadn't won an away game since October 1983 hopes were high for an Invicta win. However, despite creating several scoring opportunities Invicta made too many elementary mistakes and eventually lost a keenly fought contest to an effective Doncaster team. 

Invicta:            Tries:  Briscoe, Wellman, Wilkes

                        Goals:  Neel 

Doncaster:      Tries: D. Morris, G. Morris, Harrison

                         Goals: Noble (2, 1 dg)

Attendance:    124

Referee:          Bernard Walker (Barrow)

Southend Invicta: Scanlon, Wadforth, Penola, Millington, Wilkes, Harding, Day, Donnelly, Cholmondeley,  Dean, Neel, Briscoe, Wellman  - Subs: Best, Atherton

10 March  1985

Southend Invicta 12 Salford 56

Invicta were totally outclassed by a very strong Salford team containing the likes of John Pendlebury, Mick McTigue, Darren Bloor, Clive Griffiths and Paul Fletcher.

Invicta:           Tries:  Day, Feighan

                      Goals:  Neel, Cholmondeley 

Salford:          Tries: Fletcher (3), C. Griffiths (3), Byrne, Major, Marsh, Bentley

                       Goals: C. Griffiths (8)

Attendance:   114

Referee:         Stan Wall (Leigh)

Southend Invicta: Scanlon, Feighan, Penola,  Wilkes, Atherton, Harding, Day, Donnelly, Cholmondeley,  Dean, Neel, Briscoe, Hanney  - Subs: Carson, Atherton

16 March  1985

Salford 42 Southend Invicta 6

Invicta did slightly better the following Saturday in a game rearranged from 20 January but were still well beaten.  Colin Penola scored a try after only 45 seconds and received an alarm clock for his achievement before the home game against Whitehaven on 24 March! Shortage of players meant that Coach Bill Goodwin had to name himself as substitute, even though he hadn't played for five years. Fortunately he wasn't called upon to play.

Invicta:          Tries:  Atherton

                      Goals: Cholmondeley 

Salford:          Tries: Bloor (3), C. Griffiths (2), Byrne,  Marsh, Muller

                       Goals: C. Griffiths (5)

Attendance:   1,134

Referee:         Peter Crashley

Southend Invicta: Penola,  Wilkes, Scanlon, Gillan, Atherton, Harding, Day, Donnelly, Cholmondeley,  Briscoe, Carson, Best, Feighan  - Subs: Goodwin, Dean

17 March  1985

Mansfield Marksman 18 Southend Invicta 31

Having been heavily defeated by Salford only 24 hours previously Invicta produced a miraculous performance against Mansfield, cruising to victory. They scored 29 points in the second half - the most points the team had  scored since their formation as Kent Invicta in August 1983. This was to be Invicta's only away win of the season.

Invicta:           Tries:  Feighan, Cholmondeley, Best, Day, Gillan

                       Goals: Cholmondeley (5, 1dg)

Mansfield:      Tries: Nicholson, Edgington, Cooper

                       Goals: Holden (3)

Attendance:    531

Referee:         John Mean (Leyland)

Southend Invicta: Penola,  McCafferty, Scanlon, Gillan, Atherton, Wilkes, Day, Donnelly, Cholmondeley,  Dean, Carson, Briscoe, Feighan  - Subs: Best, Grimoldby

24 March  1985

Southend Invicta 2 Whitehaven 22

Whitehaven had started the season well but had slipped to seventh place in the table by the time they arrived at Roots Hall for this game. They had the outstanding Vince Gribbin at centre who had scored a club record 6 tries in their 64-0 thrashing of Doncaster and who had recently made a try scoring debut for Great Britain against France.

Invicta:           Tries: 

                       Goals: Neel

Whitehaven:  Tries: Simpson, Dalton, D'Leny, Fisher

                       Goals: Lightfoot (3)

Attendance:   151

Referee:         Dave Carter (Widnes)

Southend Invicta: Penola,  McCafferty, Hanney, Gillan, Atherton, Harding, Day, Donnelly, Cholmondeley,  Dean, Neel, Briscoe, Feighan  - Subs: Cooper, Carson

31 March  1985

Southend Invicta 10 Batley 15

Batley came to Roots Hall having done the double over Dewsbury (!)  but had only just beaten bottom of the table Bridgend 14-9. Hopes were therefore high for a home win but Invicta disappointed yet again. 

Invicta:           Tries: Penola, Dean

                       Goals: Cholmondeley

Batley:            Tries: Arnold, Madden

                       Goals: Oulton (3, 1dg)

Attendance:   134

Referee:         Derek Fox (Wakefield)

Southend Invicta: Penola,  Wilkes, Scanlon, Gillan, Atherton, Johnston, Harding,  Donnelly, Cholmondeley,  Dean, Briscoe, Neel, Hanney  - Subs: Cooper, Best

5 April  1985

Fulham 24 Southend Invicta 17

No match report available. 

Invicta:            Tries: Wilkes (2)

                        Goals: Cholmondeley (4, 1dg)

Fulham:          Tries: Mills, Bryan, Cambriani, Barrow

                        Goals: Wilkinson (4)

Attendance:    720

Referee:          Fred Lindop (Wakefield)

Southend Invicta: Penola,  Wilkes, Scanlon, Gillan, Atherton, Day, Harding,  Donnelly, Cholmondeley,  Briscoe, Neel, Carson, Feighan  - Subs: Cooper, Dean

12 April  1985

Southend Invicta 14 Mansfield Marksman 12

This match should have been played on 25 November but the delay obviously favoured Invicta as they recorded their fist home win for over 5 months and their only double of the season. 

Invicta:           Tries: Feighan (2), Best

                       Goals: Neel

Mansfield:      Tries: Willis, Brannan

                       Goals: Nicholson (2)

Attendance:   100

Referee:         Frank Tickle (St Helens)

Southend Invicta: Penola,  Wilkes, Scanlon, Gillan, Atherton, Day, Harding,  Donnelly, Cholmondeley,  Briscoe, Neel, Carson, Feighan  - Subs: Cooper, Best

14 April  1985

Dewsbury 46 Southend Invicta 10

Two days after cheering Invicta to victory against Mansfield I was at Crown Flatt cheering Dewsbury to victory. Actually I had mixed emotions. Dewsbury had all but secured promotion and it was becoming ever clearer that Southend's future was very much in doubt. Dewsbury were a different team to the one I'd seen earlier in the season when they' performed so shambolically and they won this game at a canter. 

Invicta:           Tries: Feighan, Briscoe

                       Goals: Briscoe

Dewsbury:     Tries: Dunford (3), Mason (2), Busfield, Richardson, Stephenson, 

                                 Vasey

                        Goals: Dunford (5)

Attendance:    883

Referee:         Robin Whitfield (Widnes)

Southend Invicta: Penola,  Wilkes, Scanlon, Gillan, Atherton, Day, Harding, Briscoe, Cholmondeley,  Donnelly, Neel, Carson, Feighan  - Subs: Cooper, McCafferty

21 April  1985

Southend Invicta 10 York 30

No match report available. 

Invicta:           Tries: Best, Day

                       Goals: Cholmondeley

York:               Tries: Blackburn (2),G. Smith, Colley, White

                        Goals: Steadman (5)

Attendance:    136

Referee:          Jim Smith (Halifax)

Southend Invicta: Penola,  Wilkes, Scanlon, Gillan, Atherton, Day, Harding, Cholmondeley, Donnelly, Briscoe, Neel (?), Carson, Feighan  - Subs: Not known

26 April  1985

Southend Invicta 16 Huddersfield Barracudas 24

There was an eerie silence as you entered the ground for Invicta's final ever home game. The match should have kicked off at 8 pm but as the time arrived not a great  deal of activity seemed to be taking place. I had the horrible feeling that I was about to attend my first professional Rugby League game which would be cancelled due to shortage of players. However the two teams did eventually appear to a cheer from the 85 spectators present. 

True to form Invicta battled hard and lost, mainly due to the fact that they made more errors than Huddersfield. Twice they were guilty of wayward passes which were intercepted to pave the way for Huddersfield tries. The first allowed Huddersfield to get on level terms after they had trailed 10-4 and the second allowed them to seal victory in the final minute after they had been behind 16-11 just after the interval. The small band of Invicta fans did have three great tries to enthuse over. Calvin Wilkes and Tony McCafferty each showed a fine burst of speed to get down the flanks and cross the line for tries, and Tony Neel was all strength and muscle in in crashing his way over through the middle. 

Invicta:                Tries: Wilkes, Neel, McCafferty

                            Goals: Briscoe, Harding (2 dg)

Huddersfield:      Tries: Leathley, Knight, J. Johnson, Thomas

                             Goals: Hirst (3), Pickerill (2 dg)

Attendance:         85

Referee:               Ken Spencer (Warrington) 

Southend Invicta: Penola,  Wilkes, Scanlon, Gillan, McCafferty, Day, Harding, Donnelly, Cholmondeley, Briscoe, Neel, Hanney, Feighan  - Subs: Not known

28 April  1985

Blackpool Borough 14 Southend Invicta 12

Another narrow defeat for Invicta's final ever game. No match report available,

Invicta:            Tries: Cholmondeley, Anderson

                       Goals: Neel (2)

Blackpool:      Tries: Frodsham (2), Price

                        Goals: Turley

Attendance:    250

Referee:          Cliff Hodgson (Maryport) 

Southend Invicta: No details available.

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