Play-off place eludes Saints

Photo: Tim Bradley

Carl Fields of Oldham St Anne’s, is held by the Stanley Rangers defence.

RUGBY: OLDHAM St Anne’s wrapped up their Kingstone Press National Conference League campaign with a powerful team performance in defeating Stanley Rangers 40-24 at Higginshaw Road.

But the victory wasn’t enough to earn the side a place in the Division Two play-offs - Leigh East swept Waterhead aside 82-0.

Saints were quick out of the blocks, with tries from Kiel Lancashire and Carl Sneyd, one of which was converted, establishing a 10-0 lead.

The forwards were outstanding for the home side, with man-of-the-match Sean Thomas leading the way.

Saints had a 10-point advantage (16-6) at the break thanks to Mick Diveney’s try and Lancashire’s conversion.

The visitors started the second half in the ascendancy, with Saints defenders allowing a high ball to bounce. Jamie Bell gladly accepted the gift.

This galvanised Saints and despite close attention, Lancashire hacked the ball forward before gathering possession and touching down. He converted from the touch line.

Within minutes, Mick Smith had made one of many telling breaks for Greg Worrall to finish. Another Lancashire conversion put Saints up 28-10, though Stanley hit back. Grice converted and at 28-16, there was still plenty to play for.

Stanley’s star centre James Senkiw was denied a length-of-the-field try after 60min for an infringement early on in the move. This allowed Saints prop Carl Fields to storm over from a classy Diveney pass.

A Lancashire conversion put Saints 34-16 in front, only for Stanley to add to their tally with tries from Kyle Sampson and Grice.

But a Martin Ryan try and Lancashire’s sixth conversion saw the hosts coast home.