Stanley Rangers U13s 44 v Lindley Swifts U13s 14
23.03.19

The U13s bounced back from defeat two weeks ago with victory at home against Lindley Swifts.

Lindley were short on players; Rangers had last-minute changes to the first XIII but started much better than previous games and scored 22 without reply in the first half, with tries from Harvey Harrap, joint captain Elliot Dixon-Griffiths and two from Luke Nicholls. Tom Hayes and Rowan Keenan shared kicking duties between them, converting 6 out of 8 overall.

The second half saw further tries from Dixon-Griffiths, playing out of position both at hooker and, later, full-back, Harrap and Nicholls (completing his hat-trick), with a last-second addition by Thomas Leaver just as the whistle blew. Rangers were solid and sometimes excellent in attack, Harrap and Nicholls in particular impressing at prop with little substitute cover, and Leaver popping up everywhere on the pitch. Slick offloading and some neat passing between Hayes, Keenan and joint captain Olly Fitzsimons showed what Rangers can do with the ball in their hands; Joshua Heywood’s confidence both in defence and under high balls grew through the game. Hayes took charge in the second half as lone half-back after Keenan’s injury forced a reshuffle. However, Rangers could have made more use of their wings and poor line speed and slow reactions in defence allowed a spirited and hard-working Lindley to get over the line three times in all. The final score of 44-14 was a deserved victory to Rangers but didn’t fully reflect Lindley’s efforts. It was no surprise that players’ (and opposition) man of the match was Leaver after another excellent performance.

Man of Steel went to Keenan for a number of try-saving tackles throughout the game. Harrap and Nicholls were both awarded Coaches’ Man of the Match. Overall it was great to get back to winning ways - but the work in defence continues.

Match Report sent in by Kath Hayes.