Stanley Rangers U14's looked to bounce back from a disappointing trip to Elland with an improved performance away at York Acorn.
Both teams started well and defences were on top for the first 15 minutes. York broke the deadlock first with 2 quick tries, one converted, for a 10-0 lead. Rangers jobs were made harder when impressive fullback Joel Kay went off injured and Stanley had to reshuffle and the forwards started to get Rangers on top lead by new hooker Dan Gilfeather powerful runs from the pacey Liam Auty and forwards Hopkinson, Kelly, Medlock, Hampshire, lead to Ben Bradbury powering over - converted by Talbot - 10-6 at the break.
York caught Stanley early in the 2nd half with 2 quick tries to extend their lead to 20-6 but Stanley refused to give in and halfback Clay Harnetty, Joe Hampshire and Dan Gilfeather started to pull the strings for the team in red and black. A great run by Hopkinson and some quick hands sent Bradbury over for his 2nd try again converted by Talbot, 20-12. A mistake straight from the kickoff gave the ball back to Acorn and they scored another good try in the corner 24-12. With time running out Stanley went on the charge - some barn-storming runs from Lewis Kelly and a powerful Bradbury run breaking a number of tackles to score his 3rd out wide. Talbot missed his 1st conversion and the final score was 24-16. The Rangers were finishing the strongest but ran out of time.
Coaches Paul Dean and John Harnetty were positive about the performance and now look forward to facing Wetherby Bulldogs in their 1st league game this Sunday. Man of the Match went to Bradbury, closely followed by Dan Gilfeather and Clay Harnetty.
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