Rugby League Coaching Manuals

Featherstone Lions 18 West Cumbria 32 at Millpond - Two quick-fire tries around the hour mark proved to be the impetus for West Cumbria to get back to winning ways, after the weather had interrupted their progress in recent weeks, as they completed a merited success at the Lions.

An impressive opening for the home side saw prop Richard Hall open the scoring taking three defenders with him over the line, Zak Hardaker converting for the first of his 10 points. 

West Cumbria responded in fine style, with creative play maker Scott George linking well to send over Benjamin Agnew in response, George tying the scores.

Four minutes later the visitors had the lead, the ball being expertly worked through numerous pairs of hands to winger Nick Burgess who squeezed in at the corner, George adding a superb touchline conversion for 6-12 half time score. 

Lions scored first in the second half, scrum half Andy Wilson burrowing through from close to the line and Hardaker adding the extras to level. 

West’s responded again and more expansive play and superb passing saw Burgess post his second try.

Soon after man of the match Hardaker produced a touch of class, his early kick catching the visiting defenders unawares and he sprinted through to collect the ball on the bounce and score between the posts, his conversion again bringing parity.

The Cumbrians gained control with back to back efforts from second rower Jamie Martin and three minutes later substitute Troy Armstrong who increased their advantage to a decisive ten points. 

Loose forward Karl Olstrom completed the scoring with three minutes left, again good handling creating an overlap and allowing him a clear run to the line to secure a well deserved and impressive success.

Tries: Agnew (9), Burgess (13, 53), Martin (60), Armstrong (63), Olstrom (67) Goals: George 4 - Men of the match: LIONS – Zak Hardaker  WESTS – Scott George Half time: 6-12 Referee: Sam Ansell

ROUND UP - LEIGH EAST stand off Stephen Grundy was the difference between two well match sides on Friday night at INCE ROSE BRIDGE, the visitors maintaining their top four spot with a 24-12 win.

In a tough contest throughout, Phil Sprotson opened the scoring for Easts, Grundy converting and then swapping penalties with Nathan Penny in the run up to the break. Grundy’s fine solo effort and conversion increased the visitor’s lead to 14-2 in the 45th minute but Kenny Baker responded for Ince with an unconverted try.

Danny Weaving crashed over for Leigh to make it 18-6 but again Bridge refused to be daunted, hooker Chris Haines grabbing a touchdown, which Baker converted, to narrow the deficit to a score. In the closing minute, Grundy repeated his earlier effort for the clinching try which he also goaled for a 16 point personal haul.

A superb second half show by CELTIC CRUSADERS saw them overcome SIDDAL at the Brewery Field. Rhys Fenton’s 15th minute touchdown was the only score of the first period but with full back Philip Smith in fine form, the hosts opened out after the break.

Alex Herbert’s score straight after it, following great work by forwards in the build up, seemed to encourage Colts. Anthony Symmonds and prop Joe Burke extended their lead to 20-0, Fenton and Dafydd Carter kicking the goals.

Robert Murphy was outstanding for the visitors as he tried everything to get his side back in the match with some fine chip kicks and angled runs and Siddal were rewarded two minutes from time when Matthew Gee went over. In the final move, Dalton Grant broke clear to cross for the Colts, for whom Harri Grevill caught the eye on his debut.

A brilliant fight back from NORTH LONDON STAGS, who were delayed by an accident on the M1, was not quite enough to defeat KEIGHLEY COUGAR CUBS, who held on to win 34-28 in an absolute thriller. Andrew McGuire and Jack Haywood tries, along with two Callum Hudson goals, saw the Cubs into a 12 point lead inside nine minutes, Dapo Adewote replying for the visitors.

Jack Copperwaite and a Joe Copperwaite 80 metre interception on the following set made it 24-4, Ani Mustafa crossing in reply in the 29th minute. A minute after the interval, Smokie Junor went in for the visitors, Ethan Hawksworth responding in kind for Keighley. Joe Ehrich’s unconverted score signalled the Stags’ charge, Keiran Dixon and Andre Vine crossing with a Dixon goal making it 28-all on the hour.

Hudson kicked a penalty straight after to edge Keighley back in front and victory was secured for them by Ashley Honeymann’s last minute try which broke London hearts.

A stunning five-try first half performance from League Leaders LEIGH MINERS RANGERS was the key to their 32-12 success over SADDLEWORTH RANGERS.

Scrum half Sean Pendlebury, Joshua Hurst, Keiran Williams, Martin Gray and Matthew Rozman all crossed for Miners, Josh Heywood replying just before the break. Shaun Marsh and Ben Waterhouse traded touchdowns straight after the interval, Anthony Nicholson extending the hosts’ lead before Saddleworth winger Rob Kilvin completed the scoring.

WATERHEAD are still without a win after a heavy defeat at WEST HULL and EAST LEEDS held on to dent GATESHEAD THUNDER’S recent revival.

RESULTS
Gillette Friday Night Floodlit Footy -
Ince Rose Bridge 12 Leigh East 24

Celtic Crusaders 24 Siddal 4
Featherstone Lions 18 West Cumbria 32
Gateshead Thunder 10 East Leeds 16
Keighley Cougar Cubs 34 North London Stags 28
Leigh Miners Rangers 32 Saddleworth Rangers 12
West Hull 46 Waterhead 0

FIXTURES
Gillette Friday Night Floodlit Footy – 21st November
Leigh East v Leigh Miners Rangers

Sunday 23rd November
Celtic Crusaders v East Leeds
Gateshead Thunder v Saddleworth Rangers
Ince Rose Bridge v West Hull
North London Stags v Featherstone Lions
Siddal v Keighley Cougar Cubs
Waterhead v West Cumbria