Loch Lomond Legends: Frano Botica

[josie andrews]

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

They’re a BIG sponsor for Wigan Warriors

[Firestarter]

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

Im sure i once read that fox had stated that frano was actually a better goalkicker than himself but it was a long time ago so could be wrong

[Firestarter]

As i remember the all blacks also had mathew ridge and john schuster on the bench who both became excellent league players and great goal kickers also

[archiekeith]

Could be a good question to ask Frano when he visits Wigan. Both exceptional kickers as well as the two you mention by the way do you happen to know Why Loch Lomond relative to the above subject our posts. Just curious ?. Thanks Josie