The Under 11's 1st game of the season on Saturday 2nd March was played at home on St Peters field against Lindley Swifts.

This was the first game that these kids had been given their team positions and numbers, thanks to our new Centenary kit, made to measure with their names on the back. You could see the difference the new kit made to their attitudes, proud to wear it, relishing the responsibility of their positions.

We kicked the game off, playing down hill towards the school. Lindley took the ball cleanly, and ran 50 metres to score the 1st try. The Stanley supporters were stunned silent - 1st game of the season and it looked like our team were going to have a bad day. We played the ball at half way, our 2 props took the ball forward, straight down the middle. We finished the set 5 metres from Lindley's line and the home crowd started to breathe a little easier.

Lindley's following set got them just over half way, a great defensive set from this group of kids. Stanley were next to score, game on.

From that point in the game, we played some strong rugby, both in attack and defence. We took some knocks from big tackles, but we carried on stronger. Two moments in the first half that stood out: a great try and an amazing try-saving tackle, chasing down a Lindley player from half way to 1 metre from our try line.

The team were playing some outstanding rugby league, top drawer tackling, brave running, great support play and 110% effort. So much effort that these kids were showing passion I've not seen from them before.

Tries were scored by Wright x2, Talbot and Kirk.

We lost the game on the day, but only by 2 tries, and based on this performance, these kids are going to go from strength to strength.

Thanks to Lindley Swifts for coming over, their Under 11s team were excellent ambassadors for their club. They played respectfully and honestly, and showed the same characteristics off the field.

Opposition player; Joseph Saine-Cawthra
Parents player: Joseph Saine-Cawthra
Magic moment: Bobby Fagge
Magic moment: Matthew Talbot
Coaches award Jayden Dove

I would like to mention every player in this game, they surprised me with the way they performed throughout, showing a passion and maturity that made me proud to watch. We train these kids to try and prepare them for what they may encounter, and keep enforcing that they are a great set of kids, each bringing their own set of skills, which makes a team. They test us, and like to have fun at training, but on the field today, they are out there on their own as a team, and they pull together for each other for the whole 40 minutes.

Very proud - go team Stanley Rangers.

Match report by Coach Mark Talbot