Stanley Rangers 60 v Edinburgh Eagles 22
(Preliminary round Carnegie Challenge Cup 2012)
18.02.12

With a hat-trick from Sean Abson, Stanley Rangers overcame the challenge from visitors Edinburgh Eagles to beat them 60-22 in this preliminary round match for the Carnegie Challenge Cup.

Stanley opened their scoring with good work from Danny Sampson leading to tries for Craig Williamson and David Baxby in the first eight minutes. Danny Grice added the extras but the Eagles hit back. Hooker Ross Gray posed a threat and stand-off Dave Vernon scored on 15 minutes.

Rangers replied with a second try for Williamson and the first try for Sean Abson and further Stanley tries were added in quick succession from Dean Sampson, Abson and Baxby. The Eagles rallied however and tries from Niall Parkinson and Vernon reduced the gap to 38-14 at half time.

The second half opened with positive play from Rangers leading to tries from David Flynn, a third for Abson and a first for Joel Marsh, with conversions from Grice.

It was the Eagles who added to their score in the final stages of the match with tries from prop Colin Jarvis and centre Callum Cockburn.

The 1st round game away at Huddersfield Underbank Rangers will be played next weekend, Saturday 25th February, kick off 2pm.

Stanley: Tries - Williamson (2), Baxby (2). Sean Abson (3), Dean Sampson, Flynn, Marsh. Goals - Grice (8).

Eagle: Tries - Vernon (2), Parkinson, Jarvis, Cockburn.

Half time: 38-14