Rangers progressing well

IT TAKES TWO: to get to grips with Saddleworth Rangers’ number eight Matthew Bottom. Picture by Paul Sterritt.

RUGBY LEAGUE:

EMERSON Jackman said his Saddleworth Rangers side are “getting there” as he prepared for tonight’s Standard Cup semi-final tie at home to Waterhead (8pm).

Rangers shipped more than 50 points in defeat in their opening National Conference League Premier Division game and lost 36-18 to Myton Warriors in round two of the Carnegie Challenge Cup.

But Jackman, who is expected to use a sprinkling of under-18s along with more established names against Waterhead, was heartened by Saturday’s display against one of their top-flight rivals.

He said: “To be fair to the lads, it was a much better performance than against Ince Rose Bridge the previous week.

“A couple of the tries we conceded were a bit unlucky, but that’s how it goes sometimes.

“We’re getting there and everyone is looking forward to the Waterhead game.”

Rangers started well against Myton, with Marlon Miller going over and Ethan Langhorn adding the conversion.

The visitors drew level when Lee Fewlass scored a try and Ash James kicked the first of his six goals.

Myton were in front at half-time, Lee James touching down, and stretched their lead after the restart with a hat-trick of tries in the space of six minutes.

Luke Cooper, Carl Booth and Ash James went over to wreck Rangers’ bid for a place in round three.

Adam Jeffrey and James Whalley replied for Rangers — Langhorn slotted over a goal — but only after Lee James had added to Myton’s tally.




OLDHAM St Anne’s saw their hopes of reaching this year’s Standard Cup final ruined by Rochdale Mayfield, who recorded a 38-16 win at Higginshaw Lane.



The last-four tie was evenly poised at the break — it was 10-10 — only for the visitors to claim victory with a strong second-half show.

Mayfield opened up a 10-point lead with tries from Carl Abraham and Terry Whalley, the impressive Aiden Gleeson kicking one conversion.

Saints hit back with tries from Lee Forsyth and Michael Cadd and, with the former adding a goal, the match was all-square.

Mayfield started the second period on fire, with Simon Moore scoring a try after intercepting the ball on the half-way line.

Despite the best efforts of Saints forwards Mick Wallace and Michael Cadd further scores followed through Sean Snape, Rob Kershaw, Saqib Murtza and Todd O’Brien. Gleeson improved one of the tries.

With 10 minutes of the game remaining, Saints were rewarded with a try from John Fox, converted by Forsyth.

But Mayfield finished off in style when O’Brien went over again. Gleeson added the conversion.