In the semi final of the YJL Challenge Cup, Stanley lost out 26 points to 22 in a very hard fought and tough encounter. Milford ran hard and at times with more aggression than we had ever seen at this age group and it was the difference between the teams.

Stanley started the game asleep, and after 5 minutes found themselves 12 points down, and totally under the cosh.

 

The Stanley boys re-grouped, and attacked the left side and in less than a minute Danny Sowerby put on a perfect inside ball for Kieran Holt to blast his way to the try line and score. The boys instantly attacked down the same channel and with quick hands Kieran Holt drew two defenders to pop a perfect short pass to Hobson to score.

 

The next 10 minutes were all Stanley and we blew at least 2 perfect try scoring chances but did not give up. The next attack again down the left side saw a three on two and Danny threw a face ball out to Hobson who flew in to score our third try.

 

The score was 12 all but all our tries were out wide and as such made all the conversions difficult. The Stanley side then took the lead for the first time with a blockbusting run by Jack Donnegan just after half time, with Jowitt's conversion took us to 18 12. The Milford side however had other ideas and ran in 2 quick tries to take the lead at 20 to 18, and again within minutes we had scored again taking us to a 22 20 lead. The game looked won at that point with only a minute to play, but blockbusting loose forward Mcauley Barrand raced 50 yards to score and win this game for Milford.

 

The game was played in fantastic spirit, and Martin can be very proud of his boys for reaching their first cup final. Stand out players for Milford were Chucky, Macca, and Colby Wilson who was the clear Man of the Match for his work rate and effort.

 

The Stanley side played some great rugby and looked the more skilful side, but the power and pace of Milford proved our downfall on the day !

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