Rangers roar to title triumph

RUGBY: SADDLEWORTH Rangers under-15s became the North West Counties premiership champions when Orrell St James lost their game and their chance to catch up at the top.

Rangers are the first Oldham team to win a premiership title at any age group for more than 20 years.

The lads went through a super season losing only three league games and two cup semi finals, with a relatively small squad of 19 players.

Sunday’s game against Bold Miners was academic for the champions.

Before they could get their hands on the ball they where 18-0 down after 15 minutes and Ryan Maneely received a yellow card.

Bold went on to score a further two tries before Danny Richardson popped over before half time for try to make it 24 - 6 to Bold.

The Saddleworth lads regained a bit of composure in the second period and started to play through their sets.

But poor discipline kept gifting the opposition possession and valuable yards.

Their opponents eventually scored again before Jack Connor crossed for Rangers. After a period of sustained pressure, Josh Bradbury kicked his second conversion of the game. It finished 30-12 to Bold.

Man of the match went to Richardson, coach’s award was given to Bobby Crossley, while Maneely received the best defence accolade.


Oldham Cup ties

The Oldham Chronicle Cup finals day takes place at Saddleworth Rangers on Sunday.

It’s Rangers under-13s up first at 10.30am, when they take on Waterhead.

The under-14s face St Anne’s at 11.45am, before the under-15s go head-to-head with Higginshaw at 1pm. The other two games will take place on Wednesday, with Rangers playing host again.

At 6.30pm it’s a battle of the under-12s as Rangers meet St Anne’s.

An hour later the under-16s of Waterhead will face either St Anne’s or Shaw Rhinos.



Early tries put the under-12s on top

SADDLEWORTH Rangers under-12s saw off Portico Vine in a 16-4 victory.

Early tries by Tom Jowle and Jacob Ford put them on their way before Vine scored.

Man of the match was Tom Brisk. Lewis Adams got the top tackler award.

The-under 11s beat Westhoughton 46-24. Scorers were Nick Craig (two), Keitel Howarth (two), Taylor Moss, Billy Buckley, Kade Howarth and Nick Tavarozzi.

The under-10s came from behind to beat Leigh Miners 36-26.

Nathan Roebuck scored before the break.

He got another which Matt Fletcher kicked. James Rice and Fletcher each took the ball over twice and there was great kicking by Finn Gallagher, Guy Edwards, Matt Tetlow and Kristian Hilton.

UNDER-NINES: Saddleworth Rangers five tries (Josh Yarwood hat-trick), Orrell St James no tries.


OLDHAM St Anne’s under-11s edged a tight affair to beat Crosfield Cobras 20-16.
Saints went into the break 10-4 down, Regan Croft getting a try after two minutes.

After the break Joshua Fish scored his first. James Barran added the extras.

Saints went ahead when Alex France caught the Cobras defence napping.

Cobras put themselves back in front before boy of the match Fish completed his brace as he raced to the line.

Cameron Molloy won top tackler.

The under-10s lost 30-0 to Newton Storm.

Prop Jack Smyth was boy of the match, with David Taylor being the top tackler. Matthew Clare was awarded the most improved player.

St Anne’s are looking for coaches for next season for the under- eights and under-11s.

Call David Charles on 07986 761 556.

Courses will be funded by the club.

Anyone interested in playing for the under-nines, call Andy on 07794 834569.

Other results and scorers-

UNDER-NINES: Thatto Heath 11 tries, St Anne’s 11 (Ethan Chiappe six, Asa France two, Thomas Barnes, Michael O’Donnell, Ben Ivell).