Stanley Rangers put in yet another top performance to go into the semi final stage of the BARLA  National Cup. Stanley who have had the toughest of draws in every round have so far done it the hard way, and have been up to the task in every game.

 

The game opened with the massive Hull pack looking to take the middle ground with their size and power, but the Stanley boys stood firm and fast, and more than matched their much bigger and stronger opposition. Stanley won the opening exchanges, and looked the far better organised and disciplined of the two, and were rewarded with some quality field position.

The next few plays however went against the Rangers with back to back penalties which took the Skiraugh team up into our half, and on the last they scored in the bottom left corner to lead 4 nil, and against the run of play.

The Stanley reply came quick and fast, with a sweeping move and hard driving that took us deep into the Hull half. Ben Cornell called a right side move, and hit Daniel Sowerby who inturn hit Ben Hardaker, who slipped a super short ball to Jonny "10men" Holmes who blasted through the Hull defence drew the fullback and passed to strong running back rower Billy Hudson to score under the sticks. Tom McGretton converted to put us 6 to 4 up.

 

Stanley again were put under some pressure, conceded a penalty and had to defend on their own line. The Hull side again ran on the last, and one of the huge Hull props just managed to get over with 4 defenders around him.

 

Stanley on the back of some great go forward and top dummy half  play got us back into good attacking position. The next try got a huge cheer from all around. Kieran split the Hull defence with a blistering run deep into the opposition half and set up Callum Sampson the Stanley skipper, who ran onto the ball harder and faster than ever before and obliterated the online Skirlaugh defence to smash his way over under the posts. The whole team ran to congratulate Cal, and it was a great sight to see.

 

The second half started with the scores locked at 10 all, but within minutes it looked like the big Hull side were starting to struggle and slow slightly, but Stanley did not give an inch. The game began to swing our way, and it was obvious that we were the better drilled and structured side of the two teams, and at this stage its that which wins games not just size and power.

 

The next try was another team effort. Tom McGretton scooted and beat several defenders to go 25 yards, and after a very quick PTB Ben C fed Ben Hardaker who broke down the right side going 35 yards to almost score. Kieran Holt scooted from this play and crashed over with 3 Hull defenders on him.

 

The next try was another great team effort with Daniel Sowerby chipping over on the 4th play as Callum Day retrieved the kick from the Hull full back. Ben C shot a quick ball out again to Daniel Sowerby who ran at the line and placed a pin point grubber kick into the Hull corner with Eddie Daly chasing to score the final and winning try.

Max Jowitt and Tom McGretton kicked very well today, with Dom Jones, and Matty English both being outstanding in defence. Holmes, French, Donnegan, and Hardaker all excelling in attack.

The whole team can be very proud of their performance - its a team effort - and we showed what a well drilled side we are today.

The semi final is on the 27th March and we are hoping for a good draw and performance on that day.

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