Thatto Heath Crusaders U14s 14 v Stanley Rangers U14s 26
X-Blade National Cup Round One
24.01.10

Stanley Rangers U14’s progressed to the second round of the X-Blades National Cup with a convincing win 26-14 over one of Lancashire’s top teams Thatto Heath Crusaders in wet slippery conditions.

Stanley made an impressive start to the game as each player tackled strongly and dominated the contact area.  Unfortunately both teams found it difficult to adapt to the cold and wet conditions and a number of unforced errors from both sides disrupted the flow of the match.

Stanley made the break through as they found momentum with a repeat set allowing them to dominate possession and establish good field position.  Jordan Howden took advantage and produced a clever cross field kick to provide Jordan Sharp with the opportunity to go over in the corner for a 4-0 lead.

These weren’t the conditions for open expansive rugby and the Stanley forwards took the game to the opposition with typically strong runs from Matty Burman and Will Carlos.   Substitutes Vinnie Cross and Tom Mulhern came off the bench and made an immediate impact on the game with solid defence and penetrating attacking play.  Demonstrating  great individual skill and awareness of the game Vinnie isolated Thatto Heath’s attacking player and executed a one on one rip and split the home defence and scored under the sticks to extend the lead. 

Stanley began to apply sustained pressure and the forwards and backs began to dominate in all areas of the field.  Jordan Howden was able direct the game and  from a good passing move Tom Mulhern was able to step his way through a couple of defenders creating space for himself to cross the white wash.

A combination of Thatto Heath’s determination and the conditions prevented Stanley from running away with the game.  Stanley were unable to convert numerous try scoring opportunities but the Rangers class eventually  shone through producing two further tries.   Jordan Howden produced another cross field kick again finding Jordan Sharp who sprinted clear to double his tally for the game.  Jordan Howden began to exploit the gaps out wide and put Vinnie Cross through to run the length of the pitch and seal Stanley’s victory.  Overall a great result for the lads after the Christmas break.

After the game the team had their photo taken with the legendary St Helens and GB player Paul Sculthorpe.

Stanley Rangers Under 14s team with Paul Sculthorpe