Gateshead Storm 20 v Stanley Rangers 24
20.02.16

Stanley got the year off to a good start with a hard fought pre-season friendly win away at Gateshead Storm. In the first ever meeting between the 2 sides it was Stanley who broke the dead lock around the 15 minute mark after a fast paced opening where defenses were on top. Crawley, Grice and Ackroyd combined to send Marsh over for his first of the game. More slick handling by the same quartet resulted in Marsh’s 2nd before Gateshead hit back against the run of play. Cattley was the next to cross, bundling over from close range just before the stroke of half time.

This being Stanley’s first hit out for 4 months, match-fitness levels started to show in the 2nd half, tired bodies across the park resulted in sloppy play in both attack and defense. Gateshead capitalized on cheap penalties given away by Rangers to cross the white wash twice, before Stanley hit back through McMaster who got his reward for a number of strong carries. It was the Storm who rounded off the game with the last try to make it 4 tries each, with only the 100% record from the boot of Grice separating the sides.

Tries: Marsh (2), McMaster, Cattley

Goals: D Grice (4)

Man of the Match: Senkiw

Thanks to Chris Parker, Gateshead Storm for this photo.