Saddleworth defeat in Dewsbury

RUGBY:  

SADDLEWORTH Rangers appeared to be heading towards victory late on at Dewsbury Celtic, but ultimately succumbed to a 29-18 defeat in their Kingstone Press National Conference League Division One clash.

Two converted tries in five minutes, from Gareth Morgan and Josh Bradbury, with the latter kicking both goals, had Shane Tupaea’s men right in the contest at 24-18 down with 14 minutes left. The Greenfield outfit looked favourites to take the points away from West Yorkshire.

But long spells of possession and good field position fell away when Celtic increased the gap to seven points four minutes from the end.

Anthony Dunford’s try in the closing stages was the icing on the cake for the home side, who moved up to the same points total as third-bottom Rangers.

Saddleworth had opened the scoring with a Benji Lloyd try, goaled by Bradbury, before Dewsbury hit back with tries from Matthew Sheridan and Josh Knowles, one converted by Mike Foulstone, for a 10-6 half-time lead.

Sheridan was again on the scoresheet three minutes into the second period. Dunford’s first two tries and a Sheridan goal had Rangers up against it, but for their quick flurry which threatened to take the points.


IMPROVED discipline failed to translate into points for Oldham St Anne’s, beaten 46-16 at Castleford Panthers in Division Two.

Dominic Igoe produced some strong running and was rewarded with a try which Kiel Lancashire converted, and player-coach Mick Fogerty came on as a replacement for injury victim Martin Ryan to inflict some telling tackles.

Panthers went in front through Lee Norton, before Fogerty touched down.

But two converted tries from Wayne Hardy and James Clarkson — the latter man kicking the goals — put the Castleford side 18-10 up at the interval.