Super League bosses today hailed the return of the double Easter holiday fixture programme as a major success despite protests from coaches.

A total of 102,798 fans have watched the 13 matches so far, with one game still to come at Huddersfield tonight.

More than 16,000 watched each of the derby matches at Bradford and Wigan while 15,042 turned out for St Helens' Easter Monday game against the Bulls.

"The fans certainly enjoyed the return to a full Easter programme of matches," said Super League managing director Maurice Lindsay.

"We are delighted that supporters turned out in such great numbers. There is a real feeling of excitement about the JJB Super League."

The fixture planners reverted to home and away matches over Easter following the decision to increase the number of games from 23 to 30.

But the move has brought widespread criticism from coaches, with most forced to field weakened line-ups for the second outing.

Bulls coach Matthew Elliott side consequently suffered a 58-14 trouncing at Saints - their heaviest defeat since the launch of Super League in 1996.

Leeds boss Graham Murray said: "They have given no consideration to the players. It's very unfair on them."

A collection for the family of former Leeds and Bulls forward Roy Powell at Odsal derby last Thursday raised £3,300.

Under-pressure Salford coach Andy Gregory called his players in for a 7am training session today after another disappointing performance in last night's 30-14 defeat at Halifax.

The Reds have now lost all four Super League matches, and Gregory, who has already faced an internal disciplinary inquiry for after making outspoken comments, once more rounded on his players.

"That was not a Super League performance," he said. "I'm disappointed for the fans who travelled across, and I feel sorry for the chairman who has put a lot of money into the club."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.