Latest News Gillette National Youth League - Week 20 Reports
| Gillette National Youth League - Week 20 Reports |
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| Monday, 02 March 2009 07:15 |
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Round Up - On Thursday night, over 250 hardy souls braved the rain and were treated to a game of uncompromising forward power as SADDLEWORTH RANGERS defeated LEIGH EAST 14-6, to move above them in the table on points difference. After 20 minutes neither side had been able to make the breakthrough and, although both full backs had been tested under the high ball, neither were found wanting.
The game needed a spark and Rangers’ Ethan Langhorn provided it, breaking clear from just inside the visitors half, sidestepping two defenders and drawing the full back to send supporting Anthony Morrison to the posts, Langhorn converting. Easts took up the initiative in response but despite repeated sets, the home line would not be breached. Langhorn again led the counter attack, turning in the tackle after a fine dash to put James Greenwood over. As half time approached, Leigh were caught offside and the reliable boot of Langhorn added his third goal to make it 14-0 at the break. Easts were the dominant force at the start of the second half as Saddleworth’s indiscipline began to cost them and on the hour the mounting pressure told, Daniel Weaving crashing over from close range for their sole try. Both sides tired as the cloying conditions took their toll, Rangers indebted to the man of the match, custodian Stephen Nield whose coolness under the high ball and elusive running frequently relieved the pressure on them. The top six is becoming an eight horse race after victories for the sides in second, third and fourth. A try by Ricky Williams in the 57th minute gave FEATHERSTONE LIONS the spoils in a hard fought contest with SADDLEWORTH RANGERS who did tremendously well backing up from Thursday. Featherstone controlled the early stages and after five minutes hooker Adam Jones opened the visitors defence from half way with a superb break and, after Stephen Nield, his well timed off-load gave center Williams a clear run to the line. Saddleworth responded with props Tommy Hurdus and Gaz Morgan running determinedly and creating the space for scrum half Steven Kiss to question the Lions defence. After 12 minutes Lions increased their advantage, Williams, Tom Flounders and Grant Richmond paved the way for the ball to be released down the line for wing Craig Campbell to score a well-worked try. Saddleworth’s centre Josh Brown made an excellent break through the home line and loose forward Matt Fogerty continued the play and his step inside brought an excellent try converted by Longhorn. From the re-start Saddleworth knocked-on allowing Lions good field position and from the resultant scrum Adam Jones caught the defensive line offside and a quick tap saw loose forward Tom Flounders power over, Richard Frankland’s goal giving Lions a 14-6 lead. In the last minute of the half Saddleworth were given a penalty on halfway and a grubber from Kiss was collected by Josh Brown who strolled over try line assuming an easy score but for Zak Hardaker who chased back and caught the Saddleworth player napping and pushed him dead in-goal. In the second half the visitors started brightly, Nield, Dave Orwell and Hurdus drove hard and quick plays allowed Saddleworth’s wing Danny Bowker to score out wide to reduce the arrears to 14-10. Rangers continued to pressurise the home side with Conner Martin making a break down the middle and Hurdus’ off-load was well taken but Lions’ defence held firm. On 57 minutes Featherstone’s fourth try turned out to be the game breaker, Hardaker broke through a tired defence and his 50 metre break caught the Saddleworth defence wanting, Frankland’s clever kick through was collected for Williams to add his second try. Frankland was selected by the referee to be the Gillette Man of the Match but he was closely followed by Rangers prop forward Tommy Hurdus who worked tirelessly for the full 70 minutes. EAST LEEDS defeated NORTH LONDON STAGS at Fearnville, 26-12. Luke Tomlinson and winger Mike McHugh put them ten points up inside 17 minutes, Andre Vine replying. Easts led 16-6 at the break, Chris Hindle scoring their third try and Brad Langton kicking a penalty. Tomlinson increased the lead with his brace but Vine’s second score and Richard Johnson’s second conversion brought it back to 20-12. Prop Mike Massey’s try secured the win for the hosts in the 57th minute. WEST CUMBRIA kept hot on the heels of the leaders with a 46-12 win over KEIGHLEY COUGARS CUBS and CELTIC CRUSADERS stay third after a home success INCE ROSE BRIDGE. Results - |