Rangers see lead slip by

Gareth Morgan is beaten to the ball. PICTURE: PAUL STERRITT

RUGBY: STEADILY-improving Saddleworth Rangers held a 6-0 advantage at home to Elland in Division One of the Kingstone Press National Conference League — but couldn’t hold on to the lead.

Craig Farrimond’s side eventually slipped to a 20-6 loss — their 10th in as many league games this season.

A Jack Bradbury try, goaled by Ben Whitehead, provided bottom club Rangers with an early foothold in the contest at Shaw Hall Bank Road. But two touchdowns towards the end of the first half through Luke Read and Thomas Harnett turned the match on its head.

Elland’s purple patch continued when, just after the restart, Andrew Shickell powered over. Taylor landed the goal.

Rangers impressed in trying to break their league duck, but a Pearson penalty late on meant there was no way back for them.



A YOUNG Oldham St Anne’s team found themselves 18-0 down after 12 minutes of their NCL Division Two fixture at Bradford Dudley Hill, who went on to seal a comprehensive 66-16 success at the Neil Hunt Memorial Ground.

A more physical and experienced Dudley Hill outfit were 38-0 to the good at the half-way stage.

Saints, for whom under-18s half-back Billy Barnes shone, got their rewards for a spirited display with tries from Dominic Bryan (two) and Niall Collins in the second period. Matty Whitehead kicked a brace of goals.

Winger Neil Wall claimed a hat-trick of scores for Dudley Hill, while Jamie Brentley (two), Damian Smith (two), Daniel Softley, Alex Dickinson, Lewis Evans, Simon Sewell and Andy Walker also crossed. Sewell landed eight goals and Softley one.

The scoreline didn’t reflect Saints’ efforts over the 80 minutes.

Next up is a key clash at fellow strugglers Castleford Panthers on Saturday.