Stanley Rangers U15s hosted East Hull U15s in the preliminary round of the BARLA Yorkshire Cup. Rangers went into the game as big underdogs against the Hull Tier 1 team, and Hull started aggressively in defence with some fierce hits going in but the lads in red and black weathered the early storm, and started to make metres up the middle. Medlock, Talbot, Govoskiej, Hopkinson and the impressive Joe Hampshire did more than just compete, getting the upper hand in the battle of the packs. Some good hands from the halfs Harnetty and Wheelhouse got fast centre Sam Moore away only to be stopped just short of the line but quick thinking from Gillfeather sent Medlock to power over, conversion kicked by Gilfeather 6-0. Stanley began to exert pressure again, powering down the left edge with Kay, followed by a great kick on the last which Hopkinson reacted the quickest to touch down under the posts. Gilfeather converted successfully again 12-0. Hull struggled to get any rhythm and Rangers wide defence shut down any scoring chances with Bradbury, Kay, Moore and Dylan Roberts getting through some good work and fullback Earnshaw safe under the high ball. Stanley’s pressure paved the way to a penalty 20 in from the touchline and confident kicker Gillfeather tagged on the 2 for a 14-0 lead at half time,

Rangers knew Hull would throw everything at them in the 1st 10 minutes of the second half and they did, powering over out wide to make the score 14-4 and again soon after in a similar position 14-8. Stanley needed to stop the momentum building and did with a great kick from Wheelhouse putting Hull under pressure and a mistake saw Harnetty pouncing on it to score with Gillfeather converting under the posts, 20-8. Hull didn’t give in and hit back with a converted try 20-14. Rangers looked to set up a field goal to seal the game but Gillfeather had other ideas sending Medlock down the right and five defenders were needed to stop him, leaving space from the next play of the ball. quick pace and no one was going to stop Joel Kay diving in the corner. The conversion was missed but Rangers had a decisive lead 24-14. although East Hull grabbed a consolation converted try to finish the game 24-20.

Every player did their job for Stanley but the Man of the Match went to Joe Hampshire. head coach Paul Dean said how proud he was for the performance and effort levels of his lads, and also we fear no one in the draw for the next round. Our fans were fantastic making up our 14th man, we will give the lads the week off and see you all at our presentation night.