Safe and sound!

RUGBY: A STRONG first-half show set Saddleworth Rangers on their way to a 42-30 victory at Milford Marlins and NCL Division One survival.

With Millom already doomed, four clubs - including Rangers and their hosts - were battling to avoid the other two relegation places.

Though Rangers had a two-point cushion going into the final fixtures, wins for the other teams in danger could have sent down Shane Tupaea’s side.

Rangers made a terrific start on an unfamiliar 4G pitch. Flowing rugby and powerful defence denied Marlins field position and possession, and a 14–0 advantage after 15 minutes didn’t entirely reflect Rangers dominance in that period.

Jack Connor was unlucky to be shown a yellow card after 17 minutes — the first penalty of the game.

Marlins took advantage with a converted try two minutes later.

Both sides’ commitment and skill, which belied their league positions, produced a thrilling game.

Though Rangers never lost the lead, a second yellow — Matt Bottom was sin-binned for dissent after 68 minutes — raised Marlins’ hopes.

Disciplined defence restricted the hosts to one converted try while he was off the field.

Man-of-the-match Bottom returned for the final two minutes and was instrumental in sealing Rangers’ Division One status.

He burst through from half way and passed to the supporting Ollie Kerr to score Rangers’ seventh try.

Ethan Langhorn, who scored a hat-trick of tries, pushed Bottom all the way for the top player award, while Ben Whitehead notched a try and seven goals. Connor also dived in.

Marlins also survived the drop — on points difference — as Eccles and Dewsbury suffered heavy defeats.