Manchester Rangers welcomed Chorley Panthers to Manchester Regional Arena looking to avenge an earlier season defeat
On a scorching summers day the Rangers welcomed the Panthers in a second v third clash which would contribute the final play off standings come September. Possibly the biggest game of the season for both teams, the game was shaped to be a close fought encounter and ultimately didn’t disappoint!
Rangers got off to a flying start when after just 4 minutes a pin point miss pass from Stand Off, Ben Steele, found the lightning wing man Tyrone Chipchase in space to score in the corner, Jordan Green failing to add the extras from a difficult conversion out wide.
It was Rangers on the score sheet again as Josh Hill bust his way through the Chorley defence with 20 minutes on the clock. The strong running forward beating 3 men before finding Chipchase who crossed once again to bag a brace early in the game. Green this time adjusting his aim to successfully convert. Unfortinately in the lead up to the try Connor Winfield was hit late off the the ball, resulting in a delay of over an hour whilst paramedics were called. Connor has since been cleared of any major damage and should return in around a months time.
After the stop in play it would have been easy for the Rangers concentration to lapse but this wasn’t to be as they struck first. It was Chipchase providing the try this time as he claimed a Chorley kick from deep and beat 3 defenders before releasing Ben Steele to score under the sticks. Green extended the Rangers lead to 16.
Manchester would keep their foot on the gas until half time and be rewarded with a further score against a tiring Panthers as in form centre Max Horsfall burst through the Chorley line and powered his way over the scrambling defence to score. Green once again good with the boot.
HALF TIME: Manchester Rangers 22 – 0 Chorley Panthers
The cliche of a game of two halves was a perfect description for this fixture though as Chorley came out firing in the second. Hooker Sam Singleton was the
catalyst as he bagged two tries from close range before providing a sublime offload to Dan Singleton for a third. With all 3 tries converted, Chorley were right back in the game after an intense 15 minute period.
It took individual brilliance from Jamaican international, Josh Hill, to stem the prowling Panthers as he broke away from the back of the scrum and raced 80m with no Chorley defenders able to get close to him. Green adding the extras and Rangers restored a 10 point cushion and a bit of breathing room.
The lead was further extended as Chipchase bagged his hat trick following a solid Nick Ryan break. The powerful forward busting through the Chorley lane before racing 40m and getting a quick play, the ball was worked out to Horsfall who showed great skill to release his wing partner to cross for his third. Green keeping his excellent kicking up from the touchline.
Chorley would never lay down in this game and continued to attack the Rangers side with a fantastic kick collected and scored followed by sublime skills from Tom Sharp as he chipped and collected his own kick before rounding Rangers full back, Caolan McCool. Ultimately, time ran out for the trailing Panthers and Manchester held on for a fine win.
FULL TIME: Manchester Rangers 34 – 28 Chorley Panthers
Manchester Rangers: 34
Tries: Chipchase (3), Steele, Horsfall, Hill
Goals: Green (5 from 6)
Man of the Match: Ricky Ward
Manchester Rangers Squad:
- Caolan McCool, 2. Mitch Dempsey, 3. Dan Munt, 4. Max Horsfall, 5. Tyrone Chipchase, 6. Ben Steele, 7. Jordan Green, 8. Nick Ryan. 9. Connor Winfield, 10. Jack McCarthy, 11. Chris Allen, 12. Ricky Ward, 13. Josh Hill, 14. Rubin Holland, 15. Adam Heal, 16. Aaron Crielly, 17. Allan Khonje