Stanley Rangers U9s v Crigglestone U9s
10.05.09

Stanley managed to get back to winning ways in a very tough and closely fought encounter against a strong Crigglestone outfit.

Stanley, who were back to full strength, showed their usual attacking flair, but made life difficult for themselves with some shaky defending at times. The first half saw the two teams trading tries, as attack dominated defence. Man of the Match Alfie Goddard opened Stanley's account with a scoot from dummy half, and then produced a neat kick from the fifth for Man of Steel Owen Trout to pounce on for Stanley's second try.

It was at this point that Stanley's seemed to ease off and allow Crigglestone back into the game, an opportunity that Crigg grabbed with both hands as they ran in three tries either side of half time without reply. It was at this point that Stanley showed great resolve and determination to claw their way back into the game, lead by their impressive forward line of Owen Trout, who scored again to narrow the gap, Declan Honeyman, Stephen Gibbs, Ryan Snowden, Brett Miller and Kyle Holdroyd. As Stanley's pack looked to dominate Crigglestone it allowed Stanley's back line to work their magic, with first Top Tackler Jake Smith jinking past two defenders to cross the white wash. This put Stanley within a score with only minutes remaining and Crigglestone in possession, but Stanley defended their line well with Lewis Pearson, Liam Brady and Ben Green making some nice tackles along the way.

This allowed Stanley one last opportunity to win the game, and outstanding effort winner Declan Honeyman provided the platform for that to happen with a lung-busting 60 yard run and drive from his own 10 metre line. It was an excellent run, and one that wasn't going to be wasted by Stanley as Alfie Goddard broke from the stand off position to score in the corner and level the scores. Alfie was playing his first full game at No 6, and did extremely well. The pressure fell on the shoulders of Ben Green to score the winning conversion, which he did with style and ease.

Tries: Alfie Goddard (2), Jake Smith, Owen Trout (2)

Kicks: Alfie Goddard, Ben Green.