Stanley came into this game on the back of some decent form and with a full squad of players. The game started in the best possible way for Stanley with some hard yards up the middle from the kick off, followed by a super slick passing move for Ben Hardaker to score the game's opening try.
Stanley again led by a solid and dependable pack laid the platform to work off, and on the right Stanley's Man of the Match, and hattrick hero Will Hudson was unstoppable in attack. Will took the bull by the horns and ripped through the defence of Lock Lane with some displays of power, and determination. Will earned a well deserved Man of the Match award.
The side looked very balanced and with Tom and Daniel operating the left and right side, we now have a structure to work from and to. Tom showed some nice touches, passes and tactical kicks and is making the right side attack his own.
Daniel Sowerby was in scintillating form, scoring 4 tries and helping to create 2 others in the process. Danny, also produced a great defensive effort and directed the boys around the park, with a top quality display of timed passing, running and supporting. Daniel was awarded the Oppositions choice of Man of the Match - well done Danny.
The Magic Moment went to tough second rower Matty "Chernobyl" English, who covered 30 yards back to make a try-saving tackle on Big Brendan, all 6'3" of him, and slamming him into touch in the process. Well done Matty.
Kieran Holt was asked to go back into the pack, and wow, what a performance from the lad, he is an inspirational player, tough, aggressive, fast, and like I have said on many occasions, he is the NUMBER 1 strike player out there. Forget the big try scorers in lower divisions, this lad is the best strike player out there, full stop !
The other players all played their part, Callum having his best game for a month, with a real workman-like effort and almost having his head knocked off came back on to give a top effort in defence and attack. Max Jowitt, again getting better by the week, and looking the complete full back for a player of this age.Ben Cornell, distributed the ball with ease, direction, and smartness, and getting a rave review in the bargain from Paul Flemming, the Lock Lane coach after the game
Jonny Holmes looked the part, but when does he not; Luke Smith did his bit and looks strong, and quick, but did not get enough ball today. Eddie Daly was simply superb on the wing and is developing at an alarming rate, and a local pro coach spoke to me after the game, and commented on his all round skills and abilities - not bad for a relative novice.
Sam Mawson bagged a real beauty of a try late in the second half, dusting off defenders, and racing to score a 4 pointer, diving through the air into the mud, and still coming out with a perfectly gel' d hair do !
Sam Walker, our Mr Dependable, came on, and as always looks solid, and safe, and again had to make a try-saving hit, which he nailed with ease.
Lock Lane came and in some ways did not play to the standard I know they can, and are looking like they may be relegated at the end of the season. I wish Paul and Rob all the best this season, and hope that they develop next season with a view to coming back bigger and stronger.
The Lock Lane side had some notable performances, Scott Flemming tried and looked good in patches, but had no runners to play to, the pack kept going, Cappo in the centre gave his all, but our Opposition choice for Man of the Match went to the tireless and determined loose forward James Brown. Well done Jimmy.
The next game up for the boys is Stanningley away on the 10th April and its fair to say we can't wait for that game to kick off.
Well done to all.
