Drighlington U9s v Stanley Rangers U9s
28.06.09

Stanley travelled to Drighlington for their last game of the season for what turned out to be a thrilling and bruising encounter.

Stanley started the game well as did Drighlington and there was little to choose between the two sides early on. Stanley, who were missing one of their key forwards, looked to dominate early on with Decllan Honeyman and Ryan Snowden pounding the home defence, but after resisting Stanley’s early attempts to breech their defence it was Drighlington who went ahead after a neat kick out wide caught the Stanley defence a little narrow and allowed them to score in the corner. Rangers showed their usual desire and determination to hit back at Drigh, with some good work by their forwards was rewarded when Ben Green was allowed to scoot over on the last from dummy half.

But the home team were not to be deterred and to be fair showed a lot more aggression and will to win than Stanley in what remained of the first half. On several occasions they drove Stanley’s big forwards back to where they started and were committing numerous bodies to every tackle. This eventually lead to a turn over of possession, and as Drighlington turned on the pressure, aided by a dubious penalty for offside, they forced their way over to regain the advantage. Stanley continued to struggle up to half time as Drighlington looked to overwhelm them.

Stanley needed to start the second half showing the same determination, desire and aggression as the opposition, and that’ s exactly what they did. The difference in attitude was there for all to see , and there was some big hits going in from both sides. Stanley looked to move the ball around with Alfie Goddard, Cameron Lees and Jake Smith causing the home defence a few problems. Some stong running from second rowers Kyle Holroyd and Stephen Gibbs, the latter who heroically tried to play on after injury, put Stanley in a good position which was exploited by hooker Ben Green who again broke the defensive line to score, this time with a great run and step to beat the home defence. Stanley looked to contain Drigh during the next set, with Joe Hall, Lewis Pearson and Brett Miller tackling well. Another penalty gave Drigh another set off six, with Jake Smith and Ben Green seeing out the first five tackles between them, only for them to kick on the last and score from a player who was 10 yards in front of the kicker!!.

Man of the match for Stanley went to Ben Green who was excellent in both attack and defence, Man of Steel went to Decllan Honeyman for his aggressive running, Top Tackler went to Kyle Holroyd for a much improved display especially from the mar ker position, and outstanding effort went to Jake Smith for two try saving tackles. I applaud both teams for what was an excellent game of Rugby League played in the right spirit. The boys have a coup le of gala’s lined up but are essentially looking forward to a little break. Well do ne on a great season that has seen some massive improvements.

Tries: Ben Green (2)

Kicks: Jake Smith