Stanley Rangers 15 v Eastmoor Dragons 14
Preliminary Round Powergen Challenge Cup
15.01.05

Stanley pulled off a shock result when they defeated rivals Eastmoor Dragons in the preliminary round of the Powergen Challenge Cup 15-14. National Conference 2 leaders Eastmoor travelled to Stanley on the back of a 13-match winning streak but could not extend it at the expense of their Yorkshire League rivals.

In front of a good size crowd, it was Dean Sampson who opened the scoring for Stanley when stand off Gareth Dobson's ball skills caused panic in the visitor's defence and Sampson, playing at centre, crashed over from close range. The Dragons hit back with Hodgson and Fisher setting up the field position for Ross Stephenson to go over,with Leigh Joyce adding the conversion. Stanley regained the lead as Dobson's dummy split the Eastmoor defence ane using his supporting runners he dummied his way over the posts, with Gaz Whitehead adding the goal. Eastmoor levelled up the score before half time with a try from Andy Philips.

In the second half, Eastmoor took a 4 point lead with a Philip's try with 20 minutes to go. Stanley, however, made a determined fight back and Stuart Godfrey fashioned an equalising try for Sampson to power over in the corner. Whitehead just missed the conversion. Extra time looked a possibility but with five minutes to go Stuart Whitehead dropped a 35 yard goal to edge Stanley in front. In the final seconds an Eastmoor penalty taken by Mat Rogers hit the upright and Stanley were able to clear for a famous victory.

Photos of the match

Click on each photo to see the full size version. All photos can be ordered as prints in a range of sizes by emailing stanleyrangers@aol.com .

Victorious team (1)	Victorious team (2)
Crowd (1)	Crowd (2)
Match (1)	Match (2)
Match (3)	Match (4)
Match (5)	Match (6)