Loch Lomond Legends: Frano Botica

[josie andrews]

I think this event sounds very interesting. Frano had a very unusual route to Wigan and it was a big risk to come here, but he left as one of my all-time favourites, and the best kicker we ever had (although others who saw earlier teams might correct me on that). He also "wasn't a 6" - at least in the RL sense - but eventually held that position truly on merit IMO. I'd be interested in hearing what he's got to say. I hope its a good interview.

I agree. Richards came close

Cant agree josie, richards not in his league but was very good

Richards was an excellent kicker who wasn’t a natural kicker, much like Botica, who trained extensively just like Botica. I didn’t say he was in Botica’s league, but he does deserve some credit for the games he won from his boot!

[Firestarter]

I agree. Richards came close

Cant agree josie, richards not in his league but was very good

Richards was an excellent kicker who wasn’t a natural kicker, much like Botica, who trained extensively just like Botica. I didn’t say he was in Botica’s league, but he does deserve some credit for the games he won from his boot!

Richards was awesome josie,no doubt about that and andy farrell was up there also

[josie andrews]

Cant agree josie, richards not in his league but was very good

Richards was an excellent kicker who wasn’t a natural kicker, much like Botica, who trained extensively just like Botica. I didn’t say he was in Botica’s league, but he does deserve some credit for the games he won from his boot!

Richards was awesome josie,no doubt about that and andy farrell was up there also

Yes, forgot about Andy Farrell

Really bad on my part as I have a large, addressed to me , signed framed photo of him kicking with the ball in the forefront which he presented to me in his Testimonial year

[Firestarter]

Richards was an excellent kicker who wasn’t a natural kicker, much like Botica, who trained extensively just like Botica. I didn’t say he was in Botica’s league, but he does deserve some credit for the games he won from his boot!

Richards was awesome josie,no doubt about that and andy farrell was up there also

Yes, forgot about Andy Farrell

Really bad on my part as I have a large, addressed to me , signed framed photo of him kicking with the ball in the forefront which he presented to me in his Testimonial year

Superb

[ancientnloyal]

Perhaps Wigans second greatest kicker after Mr Sullivan

[archiekeith]

Perhaps Wigans second greatest kicker after Mr Sullivan

The unforgettable Jimmy Birts Leg and!upsy daisy

[lucky 13]

Anyone have % success rates for the kickers? Sulivan Botica Farrel and Richards.

[Firestarter]

Anyone have % success rates for the kickers? Sulivan Botica Farrel and Richards.

Ide back botica on this.It was amazing how he always seemed to hit the post when he actually missed

[archiekeith]

Perhaps Wigans second greatest kicker after Mr Sullivan

The unforgettable Jimmy Birts Leg and!upsy daisy

I am obviously kidding,however, in relation to the subject title, I don't know what the significance of Loch Lomand is ,perhaps someone will tell me ? I must have seen all of Botica's goalkick's but try as I can I can't remember any single kick at all. I do recall his hitting the posts already referred to but not any particular goal or near miss. In fact I can only remember 3x kicks quite clearly eg the said Jimmy Birts effort,Joe Lydon's long range drop goal at Maine Rd if memory serves and the audacious kick,collect ,try executed by Henry Paul at Central Park. All legendary in my opinion.
To have Frano visit the Warriors Is good to see and I think well worth the entrance fee

[archiekeith]

I think this event sounds very interesting. Frano had a very unusual route to Wigan and it was a big risk to come here, but he left as one of my all-time favourites, and the best kicker we ever had (although others who saw earlier teams might correct me on that). He also "wasn't a 6" - at least in the RL sense - but eventually held that position truly on merit IMO. I'd be interested in hearing what he's got to say. I hope its a good interview.

I have watched them since early 60s Mike and best kicker I have seen. Looking forward to it. Went to night with ellery Hanley last Saturday night was a great night. He was there when I got there at 6.30 and still there when I left at 11.30 mixing with people his talk was brilliant never swore once and talked about all players he had played with. Even Edward's called in to see him .

My dad said he was the best kicker he had seen and he came as a fly half mike.Stand off was his beat position although he was very comfortable at seven and wing and fullback also

Yes, second only to Grant Fox who was first choice for the All Blacks, who was chosen above the 5" 9" Botica's because of his better kicking abilities ( Botica's was considered more of a running 10 than a kicking 10 the position "fly half " was known as 1st five 8 2nd five 8 being scrum half" in New Zealand