Olde Church Tavern 29 v Stanley Rangers 24
31.10.09

Rangers were just edged out 24-29 by Olde Church Tavern in CMS Yorkshire League Division Three clash.

In this battle of the giants this game was a must-win for both sides to keep the pressure on the top two in the League. First to get on the score sheet was Old Church when Steve Lawrey took the ball from Josh Blackmore to race under the post and score a try which Danny Giles converted to make it 6-0. Stanley hit straight back with a good try of their own when Chris Nichols scored, John Chaddick converted to equalise at 6-6. Stanley then took the lead with a well worked try finished by David Finley. The kick was missed (6-10).Tavern then went over when Jake Blackmore scored for Giles to convert making it 12-10. However with a try from David Brown for Stanley, the goal was missed and this took the score to 12-14. With half time minutes away,. Giles kicked a penalty for Old Church to give a score of 14-14.

With all to play for both sides stepped up the pressure in the second half. Church scored first when Lawrey got his second try, the kick missed (18-14). Back came Stanley when Nichol scored his second try, goaled by Dave Finley (18-20). Nobody could make up their minds as to which way this game was going to finish and a draw seemed a fair score.Jake Backmore then put Church back in front with a good try which was converted by Danny Giles, making the score 24-20.

Stanley hit straight back when Andrew Cattley scored in the corner. The kick was missed,making the score 24-24. With 5 minutes left on the clock, Giles dropped a goal for Tavern making the score 25-24. With tension high from both teams and both looking at the referee to see if the whistle was going to blow, Scott Hawkins scored in the corner to seal the match for Old Church at 29-24.

This result leaves Stanley Rangers A in 7th position just below Olde Church Tavern. The A team's next fixture is in the Physiowise Cup semi-final against Kettlethorpe on Saturday 7th November at 2pm.