Blanchard treble sinks Rangers

RUGBY LEAGUE: SADDLEWORTH Rangers fell to a 24-10 first-round defeat at the hands of the same East Hull side they drew with the previous week.

Keith Brennan’s men conceded an unanswered 22 points last week to only gain a point from a National Conference League fixture they had been winning comfortably.

But this time, a strong start and finish to the game by the home team ensured there would be no repeat.

Stand-off Gary Blanchard opened the scoring with a try which Jordan Precious converted, and the same duo did likewise again to give the home team a 12-0 half-time lead.

Australian prop Hayden Jeans spearheaded the Saddleworth pack well as the visitors started the second period with a bang.

Gareth Morgan and Jeans both crossed, with Michael Coates adding a goal to the first of those scores.

The game was in the balance at that stage — but Blanchard’s hat-trick try put Easts back in control.

Precious lined up another successful conversion after Carl Puckering had touched down to send the home team into the hat for the second-round draw.


Challenge Cup, round two details
WATERHEAD have been handed a home draw in round two of the Carnegie Challenge Cup — if they overcome Egremont Rovers.

The Peach Road side will face either Wath Brow Hornets, from the National Conference League, or Norland Sharks, who hail from the Hull and District Premier Division.