Stanley Rangers Under 14’s travelled to higher division team Birkenshaw Bluedogs on Sunday 16th September.

A scrappy first 10 minutes from both teams meant a forward battle was starting to form which Stanley was winning comfortably lead by hooker Gilfeather and half’s Harnetty and Logan Wheelhouse to send the Stanley forward pack on the rampage. Hopkinson Bradbury, Hampshire, Govoskiey and Blake Medlock punched holes in the Dogs defence but unfortunately the good work was undone with the ball going to ground too much. Rangers defence battered the Birkenshaw attack every defensive set and Stanley worked their way up the field and slick hands sent in Joel Kay outside. The difficult kick from Talbot just missed, making the Half time score 0-4 to the men in black and red.

Stanley again started strongly, with the Dogs struggling to get out of their own half. Some fresh legs for Rangers were doing some real damage - Lewis Kelly and Harrison Talbot making good metres. Some clever play and powerful running sent Medlock in under the sticks, the try converted 0-10. Rangers then shot into a commanding lead with the impressive Joe Hampshire showing power and great footwork to dive over under the black dot. Again the try converted by Earnshaw 0-16, the game then got a little tasty some big shots going in but Stanley’s discipline was exceptional. Stanley were wanting the shut out but the Bluedogs managed a consolation try to make the final score, 6-16 to Rangers.

Blake Medlock picked up Stanley’s Man of the Match with Logan Wheelhouse (Terry) picking up the Opposition’s. Stanley's head coach Paul Dean was happy with the defensive display but knows there’s a lot to work on with ball in hand, but to go into a higher division team's back yard and out-play them from start to finish was very pleasing.