Rangers target prestigious final

THE last four of the North-West Counties Cup awaits Saddleworth Rangers under-14s following a convincing 40-12 win at Ince Rose Bridge.

A rampaging run from Jack Connor sent in man-of-the-match Chris Bolton and Ben White, off Ryan Maneely’s superb offload, was next in to increase the lead, also converting his own try.

After Connor had crossed under the posts, White adding another two, Ince responded with a converted score to reduce the arrears.

But a clever short kick from White, which he collected before diving over the line, and another conversion gave Rangers a 22-6 lead at half-time.

Playing with increased confidence, John Casson opened the second half scoring in the left corner and Maneely soon followed up with one of his own. White added the extras.

A quick White pass then sent in Bolton for his second of the game before Saddleworth, playing only their second game in eight weeks, allowed Ince to pick up two unanswered tries.

White had the last say with a try which ended the scoring, leaving Rangers — whose top defender was Connor, with Casson claiming the coaches’ award — just one game away from the final.

Orrell are the semi-final opponents in a game which will be played on Sunday, January 4.


OLDHAM St Anne’s under-15s came away from their North-West Counties division one clash at Wigan St Jude’s with a hard-fought 8-6 victory.

Against a defensively solid St Jude’s side, all the visitors had to show for their first-half supremacy was a Kyle Mayall penalty which made it 2-0.

Emerging for the second period all guns blazing, Jarred Ward then scored a good try which was converted by Nathan Hughes for an 8-0 lead. Only sloppy ball work and good defence from the home team stopped further scores and though the Wigan side claimed a converted try, Saints held on for a deserved win which keeps them at the top of the table.

Ince Rose Bridge under-10s dominated from the off against St Anne’s, winning 36-4.

Only just managing to field a full team for the trip, Saints were dominated from the off and though putting up resistance in defence, weren’t able to offer much going forward.

Anthony Wooley led from the front to earn himself the Oldham side’s boy-of-the-match award, with Callum Molly the top tackler.

Saints’ endeavour was rewarded late. Hooker Alex France went 35 yards from acting half-back, only to be tackled into touch a yard short. But he repeated the feat two minutes later and this time made it to the line for the sole St Anne’s score.