Rangers in hard-fought cup victory

A 22-14 away win over Eccles and Salford Juniors put Saddleworth Rangers through to the third round of the BARLA National Cup.

Keith Brennan’s side, for who man-of-the-match Adam Walker contributed plenty of impact in the forwards when coming off the bench, were forced to work hard for the win against the side from National Conference League division two.

A Chris Garforth try, scooting over from acting half-back, put Rangers ahead and Michael Coates added the conversion before a penalty from Eccles’ Joe Marchant just before the half-hour reduced the arrears to 6-2 at half-time.

Martin Judge then went over for a try for the home side, after good work from stand-off Paul Morgan, converting his own effort to edge Eccles in front.

After forcing two drop-outs from under the posts, Tom Lever capitalised on a period of sustained pressure on the hour and Coates’ extra two points put Saddleworth ahead 12-8.

Danny Attersall then profited from a great wide pass from the outstanding Matt Bottom 10 minutes from time, increasing the lead by a further four points.

Mike Bolton responded with a score following a determined run, Marchant adding the extras, before Rangers’ Lee Charlesworth made the game safe by chasing down a good kick from Garforth, Coates adding another two.

Oldham St Anne’s, due to play Leigh Miners Rangers at home in the same competition, were forced to call off the tie due to the Higginshaw Road pitch being waterlogged.




TRIBUTES have been paid to St Helens and Widnes legend Vince Karalius, who has died at the age of 76.



The tough–tackling loose forward, who also made 12 appearances for Great Britain, was one of the game's biggest stars in the 1950s and early 1960s.

Karalius won the Challenge Cup in 1955 and 1961 with Saints before moving on to Widnes and won the competition again in 1964.

After retirement he became a successful coach with Widnes, overseeing further Challenge Cup honours and laying the foundations for their 1980s glory years.

Rugby Football League chief executive Nigel Wood said: "His achievements mark him out as one of the best players of his generation and anybody who saw him in action will remember his energetic style."