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Under 16s Match Reports, 2005-6 Normanton Knights 24 v Stanley Rangers 6 Report by Roger Fagge, League News 12.03.06 The first in this year's series of the Wakefield & District's Amateur Rugby League finals was decided at a snow hit Belle Vue, with Normanton Knights fending off a determined Stanley Rangers outfit to lift the trophy. In this Unison Youth showpiece (which earlier in the week, due to the Knight's progression in the National Youth competition, looked in doubt of being staged) both sides got to grips with the wintry conditions serving up excellent skills in a game worthy of any final complementing this grand old stadium. A double strike from Kieran Hyde and Darren Bryan within the first 10 minutes thrust Normanton into an eight-point lead. But Stanley rallied and after 15 minutes fullback Billy Maxwell crossed wide out hauling his side back into the game. This was followed by a 10-minute spell of sustained pressure from Rangers in which they looked sure to edge in front, but this was matched by a stern defensive stint from the Knights which kept their line intact and probably proved to be the match winner. With the half time break in sight Normanton, went further in front when Duane Straugher crossed. Hyde converted the try to give the Knights a 14-6 lead at the break. On the resumption two early tries from Hyde, both of which were converted by Josh Thompson, put Normanton into an unassailable 26-6 lead. But full credit went to the Stanley side who never gave up on their cause and despite almost one-way traffic, they held firm in defence to thwart any further score. A brilliant performance from Stanley fullback Billy Maxwell earned him a deserved man of the match award which in fairness could have gone to several contenders from either side. Source: League News http://leaguenews.co.uk |
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