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Open Age Match Reports, 2005-6 Upton 12 v Stanley Rangers 15 Stanley Rangers will meet Sharlston Rovers in the final of Wakefield ARL's Unison Presidents Cup at Belle Vue Stadium on Thursday 20th April, after winning at Upton 15-12 in the semi final at the second time of asking due to Tuesday's semi final abandonment by referee Owen Constance for an alleged brawl. Today's re-run with top trio of officials Ben Thaler, Eric Arnold and Phil Boot taking charge, went smoothly without a hint of any recurrence of Tuesday's botched tie. Upton drew the first blood with centre Chris Hulme crossing for a four pointer, Steve Beal failed with the extras, but Upton were on their way at 4-0. After coming close on a couple of occasions, in fact referee Thaler twice ruled out efforts, one for a double movement and one for a forward pass, Stanley got back on terms midway through the half when Johnny Molyneux forced his way over wide out on the right wing. Once again the conversion attempt proved too much and the scores were locked at 4-4. Upton did take a slender 6-4 lead with them into the interval when young stand off Steve Beal kicked his side in front with a smoothly hit penalty. On the turnround, Rangers stepped up a notch and spent plenty of time testing the home side's defence with their big forwards. In time, pressure told with first Jon Cooper then Steven Scholey crossing, both of these goaled by James Robins and suddenly Rangers had put a bit of daylight between the teams at 14-6 to the better. However, Upton clawed their way back to within touching distance of Stanley when Steve Froggett strode over, Beal hit the extras and Upton were clinging on the visitors’ shirt tails at 14-12 and looking for the winner. Unfortunately for the young Upton side, the winning score failed to materialise and with time on their side, Scholey wrapped up the scoring for Stanley with a coolly hit one pointer, to set up the midweek meeting with Sharlston Rovers. Upton: Adam Hinchliffe, Alan Thomson, Steve Froggett, Chris Hulme, Rob Iveson, Steve Beal, Dean Raikes, Neil Mears, Carl Spencer, Craig Brown, Ben Spencer, Mark Tepper. Subs: Peter Hobson, Chris Soulsby, Richie Longdon, Craig Hulme. (Report courtesy of Roger Fagge, http://www.leaguenews.co.uk/) |
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