Stanley Rangers U14s 24 v Castleford Panthers U14s 8
Round 1 of the FAM YJARL Challenge Cup
07.02.10

Panthers produced an impressive performance and deservedly took an early 4 point lead but the home side proved too strong and ran in four converted tries to progress to the next round of the Challenge Cup. 

Panthers arrived with a depleted team and played much of the game with less than thirteen players, despite that they produced some direct attacking rugby and scored an early try.  Will Carlos replied with a try of his own making, he followed up his own high kick and pressured the Panthers' defence into a knock-on, and was able to complete the move with a try.  Jordan Howden converted to hand Stanley a 6 – 4 lead. 

Liam Green fielded the restart and took the ball half the length of the pitch before the move broke down due to a forward pass.  Panthers were unable to make any impression as the Stanley defence closed them down well and reduced the space they had to play in.  Jordan Sharp had his score disallowed as the referee judged the pass to be forward.  Stanley eventually extended their lead with a well worked move between Tom Mulhern and Liam Green with Jack Briggs finishing in the corner.  Will Carlos converting from the wide angle to give Stanley a 12 – 4 half time lead.

CJ and Adam Newby were prominent in defence for Stanley while Briggsy and Lewis Astbury made notable contributions to Stanley’s attacking play during the first period. 

As the second half progressed Tyler Kaye made a number of penetrating runs into the Panthers territory providing Stanley with a strong platform to attack from.  Bernard and Rulsey were equally effective in providing defensive cover.  

Tyler Kaye stretched Stanley’s lead, Liam Green and Jordan Walker linking well to feed the ball to Tyler who finished the move with a fifty yard gallop to score under the posts.  Will Carlos converting to add the extra two points for an 18 – 4 lead.

Stanley were reduced to 12 men after Jordan Sharp was shown a yellow card for a hard tackle.  Panthers were able to take advantage and score an opportunistic try when their kick on the fifth and last rebounded off the cross bar into the arms of their player who scored under the posts to reduce the deficit to 18 – 8.

Stanley responded with another well worked try with good interplay between Tom Mulhern, Liam Green and Vinnie Cross with Liam Green completing the move, Will Carlos converted to give the home side a hard fought 24 – 8 victory.