The Odd Shaped Balls Podcast: Episode 1 - The Big Derby

Welcome to the very first episode of the Odd Shaped Balls Podcast. Join me, Andy Thompson, along with BBC Cumbria's Golden Boys, Dan Payne, and Jordan Weir as we dive into the thrilling world of rugby league, complete with all the highs, lows, and everything in between.

First off, a massive shoutout to our sponsor, Santa Marina, the best Italian takeaway and restaurant in town. They've got everything from delicious pizzas to mouth-watering sandwiches. Thanks for the support, Santa Maria!

In this episode, we kick things off by discussing the intense match between Barrow Raiders Ladies and St. Helens. The ladies finished fifth this season, which is a huge achievement considering the top teams are all full-time professionals. We also touch on the emotional retirements of Jodie and Michelle, who signed off in style. And let's not forget Becca Thompson's childhood dream of covering a rugby game at St. Helens, making history as part of the first-ever all-female commentary team for a men's game.

We then dive into the big derby – Bar Raiders vs. Whitehaven. From controversial decisions to passionate fights on the field, this match had it all. We break down the pivotal moments, including the disputed try by Andrew Bullman and the red cards that flew in the final minutes. The drama doesn't stop there, as we also discuss the strategic moves and potential impacts on future games.

But it's not all serious business. We had some fun moments too, like our chat about Luke Broadbent's antics and Dan's infamous puns that had us all in stitches. And of course, we couldn't resist giving our heroes and shithouses of the week. Spoiler alert: there's a lot of love and a bit of controversy!

As we look ahead to the upcoming games, we speculate on the outcomes and what's at stake for both teams. Will Whitehaven pull off a miraculous recovery? Can the Raiders maintain their momentum? Tune in to find out.

Thanks for listening, and we hope you enjoy this rollercoaster ride of rugby talk as much as we did. Don't forget to subscribe and join us next week for more banter, insights, and epic moments from the world of rugby league!

Cheers,

Andy, Dan, and Jordan