Stanley came into this game with a couple of training sessions behind them but with 4 players missing due to injury or other commitments. The game however was just what the boys needed.
The first half was a tough and dogged affair and very scrappy but Stanley opened their account with a superb scrum play to the right side with Corey Eaton and Mathew Hobson both showing wonderful skills and vision. Corey has given us a very welcome boost in the middle of the park, with his sublime skills and vision. The move saw the ball flow out wide with Thomas Sowerby sprinting to the try line to score the opener.
The next 20 minutes saw Stanley do nothing more than defend, as we defended 7 sets on our line and conceded 8 penalties consecutively.The boys however stuck to the task and held Drig out.
The second half saw the pack led by Jordan O'Niell and Nick Fowler dominate the middle but we still had a huge penalty account against us. The next score was a superb scoot from Hooker Charie Holland who darted over the line to give us some breathing space with Harry Hirst converting to make it 12-0.
Drig got the ball from the kick off and pressed our line, kicking on the last with Tom Sowerby picking up a ball from his bootlaces and sprinting the full length of the field being tackled 1 metre short. Lewis Fletcher supported and dived over from the quick PTB to score, again Harry converted.
The pack today proved that they can really stand up with stirling efforts from the outstanding back rowers Alex Clegg, Jordan O'Niell, Nick Fowler with Mathew Sowerby, Charlie Holland and Ollie all being superb.
The whole squad were awarded the Coaches Man of the Match, with Magic Moment going to Tom Sowerby and Sean Smith. Thomas Sowerby was also awarded the Opposition Man of the Match for the 3rd time out of the last 4 games. Well done to all!
Harry Hirst was superb in both defence and attack, and kicked very well. The outside backs of Fletcher, TJ, and Jacob Barnes all looked superb too. The team defended well, having to defend 14 sets on our line and coping with the penalties awarded against the team.
Next weekend (17th) the team are away at Dewsbury Celtic U13s.
