After being dumped out of the Cup the previous week it was back to league action for the Wildcats and a tough fixture against the current league leaders Stanningley. This had been a much anticipated game for the Wildcats as a win would put them in a great position to achieve promotion to Division 2 next season.

The game started disastrously for the hosts with Stanningley making the most of a defensive error to register the first try of the game and with the conversion this put the visitors ahead by 6-0. This was the wake up call the Wildcats required and they responded very quickly and replied with a try from the outstanding loose forward Frank Mulhern. Then it was the turn of leading scorer and hooker Jack Pemberton with his 14th try of the season. Frank Mulhern then added another quick try and with all the tries being converted by centre Jacob Unwin this made the score a very healthy 18-6 in favour of the hosts. Captain Ben Fisher then ended the first half scoring with another try and again this was converted.

Half Time - Stanley Wildcats 24 - 6 Stanningley

The second half was expected to see a big response from the league leaders but it was the Wildcats that extended their lead with a try from prop Joe Smith, again this was converted leaving the score  at 30 - 6 in favour of the hosts and this effectively ended the game for Stanningley. In recent games the Wildcats have often taken their foot off the gas but not on this occasion as next it was Frank Mulhern that scored his hat trick try with an outstanding solo effort. Again Jacob Unwin was on target.

By now the visitors were chasing shadows and on the odd occasion they had the ball the very aggressive and forceful defence of the Wildcats halted them in their tracks. Next to score was Jack Taylor after an excellent off load by second row Joe Sampson. The conversion was the only one missed by the Wildcats and just as the game was ending the best try of the game was scored again by the very impressive Frank Mulhern as he took on almost the whole Stanningley team single handed to register his 4th and the Wildcats last try of the game. Jacob Unwin ended the scoring with a successful conversion giving him a very impressive 7 from 8 on the day.

A fantastic team performance saw the visitors scoring kept to a single try and a goal and this now strengthens the position of the Wildcats with 3 league games remaining. 2 victories will see the Wildcats secure second place and promotion. This was possibly the best performance of the season from the 15 players used.

 

The weekly awards went to,

 

Parents Man of the Match - Dom Dorgan for an excellent display from full back.

 

Coaches Man of the Match - Frank Mulhern for an outstanding solo performance.

 

Magic Moment - Joe Sampson for the excellent off load for a try.

 

Next game sees the Wildcats entertain title favourites Walton Warriors and if the Wildcats can produce a similar performance they could avenge a defeat earlier in the season