What a day was had by all! The Under 14's Wildcats had a fantastic win at home against Stanningly in the YJARL Continuation Cup semi final, and are improving week by week, followed by a superb win by the Under 14's Rangers in the National Cup semi final, and finally a wonderful performance from the outstanding Under 15's who ran in almost 60 points against Oulton who had 10 Leeds Rhinos Scholars on show.
This report however is about the 14's Rangers, and we are all so proud of this group of players, and what they have achieved over the years. The Rangers from Under 8's have been the top side in the top group, and have finally reached the one final that eclipses all other finals - the BARLA National Cup - after a superb win at home to Shevington Sharks from Wigan. The YorkshireCcup, and the District Cup are great, but this is the one that all teams and coaches want to win, and we have given ourselves a chance to do that. The great Stanley club have had some superb sides over the years, and we are very proud to be the first team in our history to make the National Final at Under 14's, which is superb, as we have won at both 16 and 18's, and its a reflection of our club's ability to produce good sides every year.
The home side, who were winning 28 - nil with 3 minutes to play and with Nathan Stone, Max Jowitt, Matty English, Tom McGretton and Will Hudson all off, just seamed to take their foot off the gas, and were hit by two very late tries.
The Stanley side out-played their opponents in every aspect of the game, and produced a master class performance of fast free flowing rugby league, and could have easily gone in at half time leading by this score.
The game started very well with Stanley going up hill, and looking 110% committed, and maintained a very fast line speed in defence and some quality go forward in attack. The game had a short and frustrating period with 4 incomplete sets on the bounce, and we needed some composure to finish what looked like several try-scoring chances that did not get finished off.
The team from here on in, looked more composed, and determined to execute the play's they had been coached, and that we did with some fantastic sweeping moves at both sides of the park.The pack looked very good, and won the middle ground, which allowed our half backs to play. The first half did not see any sin bins, and the scores made were done with 13 against 13 at the time.
The try scorers for Stanley were Holt, Stone, Sowerby,Jowitt and Daly, all of whom were outstanding, and made massive contributions to the victory.
The team have come a long way from the Under 8's. They have maintained a high level of consistency without dragging in players from other teams every year. They have lost players who people thought would effect us, and we have got better, as we have developed our team game, without relying on individual players, and this is the only way forward, as if we lose any player it does not effect our performance.
The Wakefield Cup game this week was called off, leaving Stanningley the next game in the league this weekend, and Milford away in the semi final of the YAJRL Challenge Cup.
I also would like to thank all the players supporters, family and fans from our club who came out to watch this game, your support and enthusiasm helped us win that game, and if you get the chance come and cheer us on on the 29th May at Blackpool.
