Shaw Cross U10s v Stanley Rangers U10s
19.09.09

Stanley continued their good start to the season with a hard fought game away to Shaw Cross.

Stanley started brightly and good work by forwards Owen Trout, Ryan Snowden and Stephen Gibbs pinned Shaw Cross back and provided the opportunity for Alfie Goddard to use his pace to great affect and cross the whitewash for the opening try. Shaw Cross soon hit back, and from the next set of six they managed to get round the outside of Stanley’s defence and level the scores. Stanley hit back again in what was to prove a yo-yo first half with the teams regularly trading scores. Again Stanley’s forwards provided the platform from which a lovely pass by Alfie Goddard saw Cameron Lees go over for his first try of the season.

Shaw managed to level the scores again before Alfie scored his second in the top corner. Shaw Cross put the Stanley defence under pressure once again and when they struggled to deal with a high bomb, Shaw Cross managed to gather the loose ball and even the scores again. Stanley went into the half time break in front thanks to a score from prop forward Declan Honeyman, who steamed over from close range.

The second half saw Stanley increase their lead when a great run by Man Of Steel Ryan Snowden created the opportunity for Man Of The Match Declan Honeyman to bag his second try of the game. Shaw did hit back again only for Alfie Goddard to scoot from dummy half to secure his hatrick, with Top Tackler Ben Green coolly converting what proved to be a crucial kick. Stanley were made to work hard late in the game, especially after loosing the impressive Owen Trout and Jake Smith to a nasty clash of heads, the latter needing hospital treatment after the game.

With only one substitute available it meant that Stanley were a man short and Shaw Cross did manage to bring the scores closer together, but a resilient Stanley held on for a deserved result.

There were excellent performances from Outstanding Effort winner Liam Sawyer and some great tackling from Liam Brady, Jake Smith, Owen Trout, Cameron Lees, Stephen Gibbs and Lewis Pearson.

Tries: Alfie Goddard (3), Declan Honeyman (2), Cameron Lees.

Kicks: Stephen Gibbs, Ben Green.