Match Report

YORKSHIRE LEAGUE CUP FINAL

STANLEY RANGERS U18 39 SHAW CROSS 6

26th March 2003

This was a repeat final of the Yorkshire Youth Cup played at the Boulevard just 5 weeks ago against Shaw cross. Shaw Cross were out for revenge and started briskly enough and when Stanley were caught offside they kicked the penalty to lead 2.0 King duly obliged with a penalty at the other end 2.2 Stanley's quick play the ball were causing all sorts of problems in the Shaw Cross defence and when Millington moved the ball out wide to Grice he passed to King who passed to Chris Walker to score in the corner. Cawthray was next on the scoring sheet with a blockbusting run taking the final pass off Whitehead to score, King converted for a 12.2 lead. Whitehead's deep kicks and good chases by the Stanley team were keeping Shaw Cross at bay but they never stopped battling. Cattley who had gone close early on, followed a break by Hughes from acting half back and took the final pass to score, King converted and also kicked a penalty when Shaw Cross were getting frustrated and gave a penalty away for foul play. Shaw Cross kept battling away and were awarded a try in the corner. On the stroke of half time Whitedhead popped over a drop goal to make the half time score 21-6.

Stanley were not going to let this match slip, and roared on by their supporters they were soon on the score sheet when Grice went over quickly followed by the ever-improving Cattley to score. King kicked both goals and there was no way back into this match for Shaw Cross. Stanley's pace and power were too much for the Shaw Cross defence to handle and when Nichol showed an outrageous dummy he broke through to score under the post King completed the scoring with the kick at goal, to make the final score 39:6. Stanley defence played a big part in the result of this match with Hughes, Millington and Whitehead leading the way.

This is the second major trophy won by Stanley 18's this season and they now play Normanton 18's in the Final of the Wakefield Cup at Crigglestone on Sunday 30th March. Stanley play West Hull in the Final of the National Cup at Robin Park Wigan on Sunday 6th April.