New Super League record for Ratchford

Warrington Wolves utility halfback Stefan Ratchford has equalled the world record and set a new Super League record for the most consecutive successful conversions.

The 35 year-old is showing no signs of slowing down with age, after being drafted into Sam Burgess’ 17-man squad for Sunday’s trip to London Broncos.

Warrington ran in 10 tries in a 4-58 demolition of the London club, and Ratchford was awarded player of the match after a stunning performance.

Scoring a try and assisting two others, Ratchford went on to convert all but one of his attempts at goal, perhaps missing the easiest of the lot.

With a mixture of kicks from the side line and in front of the posts, his first seven successful conversions were enough to break the Super League record that was previously held by Leeds Rhinos’ Rhyse Martin(39).

His eighth successful goal kick of the day took his total tally to 41, equalling the world record set by Rhyse Martin, Liam Finn and Jamie Ellis. However, with a new record in sight he sliced his next attempt wide of the posts, keeping that world record intact.

There’s now four players stuck on 41, but Ratchford will be hunting that mammoth tally once again after converting his final attempt of the day.

After the game Ratchford was congratulated and commiserated when asked how he felt after such an agonising attempt at the world record. He responded:

“Definitely a mixture of that. Obviously I’m delighted with what I had done previously, but I think with that last kick I kind of got inside my own head and the technique just went out the window.

“It was like one of my golf shots, a nice old shank to not break the record. But overall it was a good afternoon.”

Ratchford has lacked game time so far this season, but his performance on Sunday and his continuously excellent kicking ability shows that his motivation is higher than ever. He went onto say:

“I’ve had to bide my time and I’m one of those players that will just do what they’re asked when the time comes.

“We’ve got a quality squad here and you can only pick 17 for each game. The lads who don’t play every week are right behind the 17 that do.

“We’ve just got to be ready to perform when the time comes and hopefully my performance has given Sam a few headaches.”

Warrington host London again this weekend in the Challenge Cup where Ratchford will be hopeful he can get more game time, and continue his impressive form with the boot.

 

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