Perfect 10 in Rangers’ super show

RUGBY: SADDLEWORTH Rangers under-15s produced a terrific performance to defeat Rylands Sharks — winners of all the major trophies last season — by 10 points to six.

Lewis Galbraith grabbed the winning try in the corner off Ben White’s high kick to secure the victory and the man-of-the-match award, though it was Rangers’ defensive effort which was particularly outstanding on the day.

Jay Claridge, White, Ryan Maneely, Bobby Crossley, Danny Richardson and Chris Bolton were all high on the tackle count, Harry Ripley picked up the top defence award and Thomas Hilton the coaches’ gong after a solid display coming off the bench.

Rylands, playing downhill, scored the only try of the first half which was converted for a 6-0 lead.

White crossed to the right of the posts and converted his own effort before putting in a superb cover tackle to halt a breakaway, with Galbraith sealing a notable victory.

Sebastian Leech burrowed over for a pair of tries and won the man-of-the-match award for his Rangers under-14s, who defeated Chorley Panthers 26-4.

After scoring twice early on, Leech set in Dominic Elkin for the third and Jordan Buin dived over for another just shy of half-time for a 20-4 lead.

Joseph Harrison-Brown grabbed his customary try soon after the restart to stretch the Rangers advantage further.

Rangers under-10s paid for a slow start when going down 16-12 at Thatto Heath.

Finding themselves two tries behind early on, Rangers warmed up but although Finn Gallagher went over following a good passing move, a further Thatto score made it 12-4 at half-time.

Kristian Hilton powered through the line for a second Saddleworth score before the home side crossed again.

Gallagher added his second, and Rangers’ third, try but it wasn’t to be.

Bragging rights belonged to Rangers under-nines after they came out on top in the local derby with Waterhead.

Highlights of the match were first tries of the season for Sam Pellowe and debutant Jack Harrison-Brown.

Also catching the eye was the strong running of Elijah Wolstenholme, who claimed three tries and the man-of-the-match trophy.

Rangers under-eights took plenty of positives from their defeat to Blackbrook Royals.

Competing well for a large portion of the match, Robbie Coates grabbed a hat-trick of tries for Rangers, whose top performer was Sam Eyres.

Josh Wood was top tackler and Brendon Graham the most improved player.