Final beckons for rampant Rangers

RUGBY LEAGUE

SADDLEWORTH Rangers under-14s surged into the final of the North-West Counties Development Cup with a 56-14 victory against Blackbrook Blues.

Rangers were dominant from the start, with Eribe Doro scoring two tries with his first two touches of the ball.

With Dan Boulter and Billy England dominating the game in the middle, full-back Will Mortimer was quick to finish another attacking wave out wide to put Saddleworth 14 points ahead before the Blackbrook players had caught their breath.

The game finally settled down, and despite the big defensive efforts of Ben Forster and Joe Molden, Rangers conceded a converted score.

The hosts responded, and with Dan Dalzell and Andrew Shuttleworth making good yards to take Rangers forward, Alex Gardener weaved his way through the crowd to score a fine solo effort, which Forster again converted.

Blackbrook were unruffled though, and hit back with another score to make the score 22-10 at half-time.

After the restart star player Jack Harrison-Brown powered through the Blackbrook tacklers for his first try of the day.

Blackbrook replied, but Tom Healy was quick to restore order, slicing through to score under the sticks.

Forster’s goal made the game safe at 34-14.

Doro went on to score three quickfire tries, two of which were converted by Forster.

Harrison-Brown scored a late long-range effort, while Brandon Ratcliffe chipped in with the closing conversion to round off a big semi-final victory.

OLDHAM St Anne’s under-14s were edged out 22-20 by visitors Halton Farnworth.

Tries were scored by Zak Critchley, Alfie Barker, Tom Mayoh and Ryan Wade.

Ethan Chiappe kicked two goals.

WATERHEAD under-sevens played their part in a thrilling game against HFH Greens, though they ended up losing 16-11.

The try-scores were Coen Taylor (four), Levi Coughlan, Max Hobin (two), James Burtonwood (two) and Ronnie McGiffin (two).