The top of the table encounter between these two sides did not disappoint and delivered a nail biting match with Stanley taking the points away from home  against a top quality Shaw Cross side. The game was started with Stanley in top defensive form, showing no light at all to the Shaw Cross attackers who tried to break the wall of defenders.

 

The day started with the welcome news that "big tank" Jacob Ware was back from a 3 month layoff, and we were all elated with the news, but then to be brought back down with the news of our team captain, and front row stalwart Callum Sampson being out with a serious ear infection.

 

The game is always played in good spirits between these two sides, and today was no exception. The well drilled and coached opposition tested our resolve on attack after attack, but we all to a man defended with a collective spirit that made all parents and coaches extremely proud of them.

 

The man of the match today could have been awarded to any of the players, with top performances coming from several players. Max Jowitt after taking a solid but accidental hit on his temple played on, and in attack looked great considering his knock, and his centre partner Alex Keaney was superb. Alex is producing his best ever form at the moment, his defence is wonderful, great feet, and shows a clean pair of heels to most defenders.

 

Mathew Hobson also plaid his part, and looked confident throughout the game. Mathew English playing a year above his age group was awesome again, a real no nonsense player

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Tom Pawsey showed what he is capable of  today,  with a great first half performance hitting the ball up time and time again, and defending very well.  Keiran Holt as always showed some very aggressive defence, and lifted our defenders on more than one occasion with his gutsy hits on all the Shaw Cross attackers.  Jonny Holmes every week could get this award, he never fails to put his hand up to drive the ball out no matter where he is on the park, and today showed what a superb front rower he actually is.

 

The coaches however all decided that the man of the match today should go to a player who played 3 stone over his body weight, ran like a demon, tackled everything that moved, and all of this on his debut, that player was Jack Ledger. Jack showed what any player can do, and that size is not always a problem. Well done Jacko.

 

The opposition man of the match, chosen by Shaw Cross was awarded to Daniel Sowerby, for a wonderful all-round game of passing, running and kicking, and taking the plays right upto the Shaw Cross defensive line. Daniel was on top form and led us from the front in the absence of our captain Callum Sampson. Well done Daniel.

 

The Magic Moment was awarded to Ben Hardaker for a wonderful kick option from the base of the scrum, which was pin point accurate. Ben kicked the ball 35 yards to force out a drop kick from Shaw Cross, and showed his array of skills. Ben also proved that any position on the field would not be beyond him, he is aggressive in defence, and both skilled and determined in attack- well done Ben.

 

This was a great game to win, and hopefully puts our season back on line. The Opposition Man of the Match was awarded to Brandon Pickersgill from Shaw Cross by the Stanley coaches for his all round efforts. Brandon never has a bad game, and gave his all throughout the whole match.