As the opening encounter for the Manchester Rangers Community Day, the Reserves welcomed Culcheth Eagles to Manchester Regional Arena in what looked to be an appetising affair.
The last time the two sides met, Rangers Reserves were in a slump of form which bottomed out in an embarrassing 50 – 16 loss to the Eagles. This was a result the Reserves were determined to put right on this occasion, with the importance of the event giving even more of an incentive.
The game started disastrously, as it did the first time round, with Rangers Reserves conceding two tries in quick succession.Sam Purslow smashing over from close range and Jack Weaver replicating the effort just 4 minutes later. With once conversion successful from James Wilde, the Eagles opened up a 10 point lead with just 10 minutes gone.
Rangers Reserves dug in and stemmed the flow of the Eagles attack and dragged themselves back into the game. After a fine play put Phil Conroy in space he broke through and rounded the Eagles Full Back to score under the posts, Mike Greensmith adding the extras. Ten minutes later Kyle Mayall puled the scores level when he crossed in the corner, Greensmith’s effort this time ricocheting off the post.
Just as Rangers Reserves looked to be getting on top, Culcheth swung momentum back in their favour. As the ball dropped loose from the tackle, Eagles reacted quickest and Adam Heggaty swooped on the bouncing ball to cross for his sides third try. Just 5 minitues later, Phil Conroy had a blooper reel moment as he failed to collect an Eagles grubber and the opportunistic Colin Mitchinson touched down to add to their lead. Wilde with two conversions to give the Eagles a 12 point lead.
As it looked like the game was heading into half time with a two score difference, Tyrone Chipchase collected and Eagles knock on and switched into top gear. From 80m out he raced away with no Culcheth players coming close to narrow the deficit as the half time hooter sounded in the background. Greensmith making it 2 from 3 on the day.
HALF TIME: Manchester Rangers Reserves 16 – 22 Culcheth Eagles
The second half started in a tit for tat style with both teams scoring tries consecutively to keep the game in the balance. Culcheth crossed after 8 minutes
before Pedro Lopez scored his first try in Rangers colours to pull the scores closer. James Wilde added another for the visitors before Steve Jones’ barnstorming run pulled Rangers Reserves back within touching distance.
With Rangers Reserves trailing by 12 and just 3 minutes to go it looked as if the two points were heading home with the Eagles, but a never say die attitude from the Rangers Reserves kept them pushing and pushing at the Culcheth line. Connor Winfield crossed over and Tyrone Chipchase added the extras to the call of just 1 minute remaining.
One the next set, Rangers Reserves rumbled downfield to get into great position. From a quick play of the ball, Connor Winfield spotted a gap behind the Culcheth markers and cleverly stepped his way through into space. A strong supporting run from Conroy was rewarded as the offload came his way for the Reserves to lead for the first time in the game with the last play. Chipchase adding the extras to seal victory.
FULL TIME: Manchester Rangers Reserves 38 – 32 Culcheth Eagles
Manchester Rangers Reserves: 38
Tries: Conroy (2), Mayall, Chipchase, Lopez, Jones, Winfield.
Goals: Greensmith (2 from 3), Winfield (1 from 2), Chipchase (2 from 2)
Man of the Match: Pedro Lopez
Manchester Rangers Reserves Squad: 1. Phil Conroy, 2. Connor Foulkes, 3. Josh Ogden, 4. Allan Khonje, 5. Pedro Lopez, 6. Tyrone Chipchase, 7. Mike Greensmith, 8. Adam Waterhouse, 9. Connor Winfield, 10. Jordan McEwan, 11. Anthony Petrykowski, 12. Joe Walker, 13. Kyle Mayall, 14. Steve Jones, 15. Michael Heys-Burke, 16. Phil Graham, 17. Joe Cleary