Alan Irving

Last updated 11:02, Tuesday, 03 June 2008

A VIRTUOSO three-try performance by schoolboy Gregg McNally sparked Whitehaven to a shock 26-22 victory over Salford at The Recreation Ground.

Gregg McNally crosses the Salford line for the first of his three tries.

It was magic McNally as the 17-year-old from Whitehaven School ran in a dazzling “hat-trick” on his first team dream debut.
Sky TV showed the match live and injury-hit Haven responded to the occasion to outplay the championship favourites and produce the season’s biggest upset in National League One.
Speed, sharpness and awareness saw McNally outshine his opposite number Richard Myler, the 18-year-old who had already proved himself one of the game’s hottest properties.
But the youngster also impressed with his maturity and authority to control the game alongside his veteran halfback partner Tane Manihera whose impeccable goalkicking, seven out of seven, also played a major role.
An elated McNally said: “This is something I dreamed about as a kid, I have had to pinch myself. It’s not just me, it’s a 17-man game, the lads put it in big time and we showed that not many team will beat us at The Recre.”
Coach Ged Stokes who jumped for joy at the finish, said: “Everybody was magnificent and young Gregg was something special. This is a tremendous win for our supporters and the whole town.”
Sky TV commentator, former Great Britain prop Terry O'connor quipped: “I would love to buy Gregg McNally a drink but he’s not old enough.”