LIONS chief executive Tony Barrow has called on his players to score a hat-trick of victories in the next nine days.

Swinton face a tough programme with a trip to Bramley on Sunday before a rearranged home clash with Batley Bulldogs on Wednesday night and then a meeting with York at Gigg Lane a week on Sunday.

After the 48-2 triumph over Doncaster Dragons last weekend, hopes are high that Mike Gregory's side may, at last, be able to turn the corner and haul themselves away from the foot of the Northern Ford Premiership.

Barrow said: "The lads are growing in confidence. Every win breeds confidence and to prevent Doncaster from scoring a try was very pleasing. "It shows that things are improving on the pitch and that's down to Mike's good work with limited resources."

Loan stars Richie Eyres, Jason Hunter and Paul Gartland have three games remaining before they are due back at Widnes Vikings, although Barrow hopes to extend their deals next week.

There have been no developments this week in the Swinton/Salford merger row.

Lions chairman Malcolm White told supporters he would be discussing his plans for amalgamation with opposite number John Wilkinson, but no talks have taken place this week.

Wilkinson has been out of the country so any moves to bring about the creation of a new Manchester team have been on hold.

Angry fans voiced their concerns at White's suggestions at Sunday's home game with Doncaster.

Any merger would signal the end of Rugby League at Gigg Lane.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.