Stanley Rangers U9s v Eastmoor Dragons U9s
14.06.09

Stanley Rangers got back to winning ways with an outstanding team display against local rivals Eastmoor Dragons.

The tempo was set early in the game with both sides working hard in very hot conditions. Stanley looked the more threatening during the early exchanges, but it took a piece of individual brilliance from stand off Alfie Goddard to open the scoring. Alfie picked the ball up at first receiver and after a little ‘show and go’ he effortlessly beat two Dragons defenders to break the line and raced fully 50 metres to touch down. Alfie was again involved as Stanley extended their lead, it was his kick over the Dragons defensive line that allowed Jake Smith to touch down after a great chase. Jake converted the try to increase Stanley’s lead.

Eastmoor refused to roll over and for once Stanley went to sleep a little as Eastmoor ran in their first try virtually straight from the re start. But Stanley were determined not to waste all the hard work they had put in and after some great work by Stanley’s forwards to get down to Eastmoor’s line allowed Hooker Ben Green to scoot over for Stanley’s third try, which he also converted.

Eastmoor came out for the second half determined to get back into the game, but Stanley’s defence stood firm, with Man of Steel Liam Brady and Ben Green making some important tackles. But it was the impressive work by Stanley’s forwards - Owen Trout, Ryan Snowden, Stephen Gibbs and Kyle Holdroyd - that allowed Stanley to dominate field position, and ultimately lead to Owen Trout smashing his way over the line to increase Stanley’s lead. Owen also landed the conversion. As the game progressed Stanley’s game became more expansive, with a couple of impressive passing moves nearly adding to the scoreline. The support play from the likes of Ryan Snowden, Jake Smith and Alfie Goddard meant that the Stanley ball carrier always had options that would trouble the drag on’s defensive line. 

Eastmoor did manage to cross the whitewash in the second half, and even though Kyle Holdroyd made an outstanding tackle on the breaking winger, a quick play the ball saw them catch the Stanley defence cold to score their second try. But Stanley were determined to finish on a high, and Owen Trout managed to get over in the corner for his second try and Stanley’s fifth to seal the win. There were improved displays from Liam Sawyer and Lewis Pearson, whilst Brett Miller showing his usual strong running and tackling, Joe Hall also worked hard defensively.

This was our best team performance of the season, so a big well done to the boys.

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

Kicks: Owen Trout, Jake Smith, Ben Green..