Match day reports from Stanley Rangers Under 12’s at Butlins 2019 festival.

Stanley enjoyed a hugely successful weekend in sunny Skegness going so close to the main prize only to miss out at the final hurdle!

Day 1. 

Game 1. Dewsbury Moor. (Dewsbury, Yorkshire).

First up for Stanley on day 1 was Dewsbury Moor who gave Stanley a real test to start the tournament. The game started out as it would carry on throughout, with both teams defending in a very physical manner and playing some entertaining rugby. The game was back and forth and despite losing 1 of their main defenders, Alfie Briggs for the day, to a split lip which would see him spend 3 hours plus in A&E, Stanley slowly started to dominate and eventually ran out winners. Won 20 - 12.

Game 2. Portico Vine (St Helens, Lancashire).

Stanley went into the game in a confident mood and maybe underestimated the opposition but were quickly given the wake up they needed as the opposition took an early lead. Stanley’s response was quick but again they took their foot off the gas and conceded to the opposition this really did make Stanley take notice and they moved through the gears to eventually run out comfortable winners. Won 24 - 12.

Game 3. Skirlaugh (Hull, Humberside).

Arguably Stanley’s hardest game of the day and the crunch tie to top the group was next up against a very big side and with a number of players already feeling a little stiff, sore and carrying some little niggling injuries they had to raise their game. They did just that and in a very intense match both teams gave their all  in a game that was nip and tuck with both teams registering 2 scores apiece in the early exchanges and this is how it stayed until Stanley dug into their reserves to register 2 more try’s in the latter stages of the match. Won 16 - 8.

Game 4. Seaton Rangers (Workington, Cumbria).

Stanley went into the last match of the day and having learnt their lesson earlier in the day about underestimating teams and they were always in control of the final game and they put in a controlled performance to run out comfortable winners. Won 16 - 0. 

This result put Stanley top of the group with 4 wins from 4 games and into the main cup the following day. 

Day 2.

Game 1. Stanningley (Leeds, Yorkshire)

The game that both Stanley’s players and supporters were looking forward to most with both teams sitting unbeaten in the league but yet to meet this season and the game lived up to expectations. In a feisty and hard fought match both teams went toe to toe with some crunching hits in defence and expansive play in attack the 2 sides looked very evenly matched. The game was in the balance again with both teams registering 2 try’s apiece until again like in the previous games match against skirlaugh, Stanley seemed to dig deep and find an extra gear to first get the decisive 3rd score before giving themselves breathing space in the last minute with a 4th score sending the Stanley supporters crazy. Won 16 - 8. 

Game 2. East Hull. (Hull, Humberside)

Stanley started the game on a high from the previous game and carried on from where they had left off looking confident and dominating both in attack and defence. Stanley put 2 scores on the board and they looked in complete control until they seemed to take their foot off the gas allowing the opposition to score 2 try’s to first draw level before they came up with a smart kick early in the tackle count taking Stanley by surprise to win the race to the ball to score and take the lead. This left Stanley with a uphill task with time running out but again they somehow found a way and on the last play of the game They came up with a match levelling try. Drew 8 - 8.

Game 3. Crossfields Cobras (Warrington, Lancashire)

Going into the game against Crossfields Stanley still knew they had a chance to finish as champions if they could beat the opposition but the task was a big ask against a side who had only conceded 1 try over both days of the tournament. 

The game started and as expected with both teams looking up for the biggest game of the weekend with both teams trying to suss each other out and break the opposition out and it was Stanley who found a way to break their opponents. Crossfields response was instant and this was how the rest of the game would go with both teams taking the lead before the other pegged them back. The scores reached 16 all and as the game entered the final quarter Stanley were dealt a huge blow as they lost half back Zack Leaworthy to a head knock whilst going close to scoring. This held the game up and when the game restarted it was  Crossfields who seemed to cope best and they scored the decisive try to finally break Stanleys resistance. In the dying seconds Crossfields managed to register 1 more score which gave a score line that didn’t reflect the closeness of the game. 

Lost 20 - 24.

To fall at the final hurdle was tough on Stanley after every player had given their all, running their blood to water. The players were understandably disappointed but every player could hold their head up high with their performances throughout the tournament. The players were all a credit to the club with opposition fans and coaches complimenting them on their rugby skills and teamwork but more importantly their sportsmanship and attitude off the field. 

The weekend was a true success and the coaches would like to take the opportunity to thank all those involved from family, supporters, sponsors and all who organised and contributed to the fundraising for the trip.

The final word however has to go to the players who’s efforts all weekend were immense and we couldn’t have asked for more. We are massively proud of you!!!

(Official the best under 12’s team in Yorkshire!)