Rangers edge superb clash

RUGBY: A THRILLING second-half comeback by Bradford Dudley Hill couldn’t halt the Saddleworth Rangers charge as the home side won out 36-28 at Shaw Hall Bank Road last night.

Rangers were at one stage cruising to a fourth successive National Conference League Premier Division scalp.

Tries in the opening half-hour by Liam Coates, Gareth Morgan, Adam Jeffrey and Matt Bottom, plus three Michael Coates conversions and a penalty on the stroke of half-time, gave Keith Brennan’s side a commanding 24-8 lead as the teams changed ends.

But Dudley Hill — whose first-half points arrived through a Daniel Sopiley penalty and a conversion to Alex Dickinson’s try — turned the clash on its head.

Tries by Liam Jordan, Lewis Evans and Dickinson, plus three Sopiley conversions and a penalty, left a stunned Rangers trailing 28-24 with 13 minutes remaining.

Winger Jack Holden’s try and a Coates conversion edged Rangers back in front by two points three minutes later.

And the points were finally sealed when stand-off Michael Coates crossed for a try of his own which he also converted five minutes from full-time.


FOUR tries from Jack Francis and other scores from Cristopher Yarwood, Sam Shaw, Tom Hurdus and Scott Lamont plus six goals from Robert Kidlin gave Saddleworth Rangers under-18s the perfect start to their Gillette Conference Youth League season as they saw off Featherstone Lions 44-2 at home.


FITTON Hill Bulldogs are on the up in Division Six of the Kukri North-West Counties League.
A comprehensive 20-12 defeat of Irlam Hornets ‘A’ lifted the Bulldogs off bottom spot.

In the NWCL Challenge Cup, Oldham St Anne’s ‘A’ booked their place in round three after they were awarded an 18-0 win over Ince Rose Bridge, who were unable to fulfil the fixture.

But Rochdale Cobras exited the NWCL Bowl competition at the second-round stage after losing 21-20 at Rochdale Mayfield.

In another derby clash, Saddleworth Rangers ‘A’ overcame their Waterhead counterparts 36-30 in Division Four.