Shaw Cross Sharks U9s v Stanley Rangers U9s
26.04.09

Stanley Rangers relinquished their unbeaten record to a determined Shaw Cross team who defended excellently throughout the game.

Both teams found it hard to get into any sort of rhythm in the first half, with several mistakes from both sides contributing to a low scoring game. Stanley's go forward was not as intense as usual and they struggled to turn the Sharks defence early in the game. Stanley did manage to string a passage of play together which culminated in away team Man of The Match Cameron Lees crossing the whitewash for Rangers. Cameron was unlucky not to convert himself, hitting the cross bar with his attempt. This was matched by the Sharks who also scored to edge themselves in front by the half time break.

Both teams came out for the second period looking to take a hold of the game, but it remained a fairly even contest, although Stanley’s efforts were disrupted by injuryies to Jake Smith and a particularly bad ankle injury to Brett Miller. It was during this period that the Sharks broke away to run in the first score of the second stanza and increase their lead in the process. But Stanley refused to roll over and hit back with 5 minutes to go through a try by Alfie Goddard after some good work by Cameron Lees. Unfortunately Stanley missed the opportunity to level the scores when Alfie’s kick, from a difficult angle, went narrowly wide. Stanley looked like they could go on to win the game as they pushed forward looking for a decisive score. But time was against them, as the whistle was blown with Stanley ready to pounce near the Shark’s line .

Ben Green was outstanding and took the Man of The Match award as well as the Top Tackler award. Outstanding effort went to prop forward Owen Trout for a 50 yard surge from his own defensive line, and Man of Steel went to Brett Miller, who before he left the field injured was enjoyed a good game in both defence and attack. There were also good performances from Stephen Gibbs and Liam Brady.

Stanley will try to get back to winning ways next week away to Lock Lane.

Tries: Cameron Lees, Alfie Goddard.