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PREVIEW: Manchester Rangers v Wigan St Cuthberts

Rangers host Wigan St Cuthberts in the final Friday Night Lights of June

 

Chris Bamber takes on the Chorley line

Wigan St Cuthberts head to Manchester Regional Arena this Friday in the final Friday Night Lights game of June. Rangers will be looking for revenge after a 50 – 24 defeat at the home of Wigan St Cuthberts at the start of the season but the visitors are in red hot form so Rangers will need to be at their best.

St Cuthberts currently sit top of NWML Division 2 with Rangers in second, so a top of the table clash is a mouthwatering prospect and one which won’t disappoint as the two sides go head to head.

Manchester Rangers Head Coach, Matt Valentine, spoke about the upcoming game

‘We’ve not been at our best the past few weeks and that’s solely down to us. We need to tighten up our defence and execute in good ball if we want to pick up the points this weekend. Wigan st Cuthberts are a quality side and we’ll need to be at our very best, they’ll come here confident and we need to make sure we get on top early to keep them at bay.

 

Manchester Rangers v Wigan St Cuthberts

Friday 29th June, 19:30KO

Manchester Regional Arena

Spectator Parking via Gate 2, Alan Turing Way, Etihad Campus, M11 3DU

REPORT: Manchester Rangers v Chorley Panthers

Rangers pinch point in Friday night thriller

 

Jarryd Chiha crashes over for his first

Manchester Rangers and Chorley Panthers went toe to toe on Friday night as both teams took a point away in a hard fought draw. Rangers had a number of enforced changes to the team but saw impressive performances from Lug Djurabekov, Rubin Holland and Mitch Dempsey to bring the Rangers home with a point.

Chorley romped into an early lead with three quick tries giving them a 14 point advantage after just 15 minutes and the Rangers staring an uphill battle in the face. Rangers pulled one back through a Jarryd Chiha and a Matt Valentine conversion but Panthers immediately reinstated their 14 point lead heading into half time.

HALF TIME: Manchester Rangers 6 – 20 Chorley Panthers

 

Rangers instilled some hope at the start of the second half as the ball was worked wide to Mitch Dempsey who finished brilliantly in the corner,

Dempsey competes for the high ball

Valentine’s conversion attempt pulling up just short. Chorley didn’t let Rangers get a sniff of the game though as once again they hit back to open a 16 point lead which looked to be insurmountable for Rangers.

Mitch Dempsey got his second, latching onto a cross field kick from Valentine and Chorley once again dashed the Rangers hopes of a comeback with a converted try of their own. The last 15 minutes saw Rangers turn up the heat and produce a fantastic comeback to snatch a point from the jaws of defeat. Jarryd Chiha completed his brace before a carbon copy of Dempsey’s second saw Valentine and Dempsey combine once again to put the Winger in for his third.

With just 3 minutes on the clock another cross field kick from Valentine was collected by Heal this time who crossed to level the scores. With both teams hammering away in the final minutes defences held strong and the game came to an end with a hard fought draw.

FULL TIME: Manchester Rangers 32 – 32 Chorley Panthers

 

Manchester Rangers: 32

Tries: Chiha (2), Dempsey (3), Heal

Goals: Valentine (4 from 6)

 

Man of the Match: Matt Valentine

 

Manchester Rangers Squad:

  1. Tyrone Chipchase, 2. Oli Roby, 3. Lug Djurabekov, 4. Jarryd Chiha, 5. Allan Khonje, 6. Matt Valentine, 7. Josh Hill, 8. Rubin Holland, 9. Connor Winfield, 10. Jack McCarthy, 11. Max Horsfall, 12. Kashley Watkins, 13. Adam Heal, 14. Mitch Dempsey, 15. Chris Bamber, 16. Sam Stelmaszek, 17. Dougie Saya

REPORT: Ulverston v Manchester Rangers

Last Saturday saw Manchester Rangers travel to Ulverston in a top of the table clash

 

Tyrone Chipchase gets ankle tapped as he looks to break away

In a day that had seen heavy ran fall it looked like rangers were going to be in luck when conditions improved at the start of the game. The game started well with steady performances from Jack Bailey, Rubin Holland, Jack McCarthy and Steve Jones controlling the centre of the field from prop.

Ulverston crossed for two tries in the first half, both coming from powerful forward crashing over the Rangers defence from close range. Connor Saunders on form with the boot adding the extras on both occasions to give Ulverston a 12 point cushion. Steve Jones find himself in the sin bin for a technical infringement and Ulverston capitalised with a further two points from the penalty.

HALF TIME: Ulverston 14 – 0 Manchester Rangers

 

The second half was a stalemate with handbags seeing a sin binning for both sides amongst a pointless

Adam Heal with a strong carry

40 minutes. A half to be forgotten for

Rangers in which they had their chances but failed to capitalise with two disallowed tries and a spurned break for Dan Munt seeing the Manchester side nilled for the first time in 2018. Stout defence from both sides kept attacks out on a number of occasions and the game was brought to an end with a deserved Ulverston win.

FULL TIME: Ulverston 14 – 0 Manchester Rangers

 

Manchester Rangers: 0

Tries:

Goals:

 

Man of the Match: Kashley Watkins

 

Manchestr Rangers Squad:

  1. Tyrone Chipchase, 2. Allan Khonje, 3. Dan Munt, 4. Max Horsfall, 5. Lug Djurabekov, 6. Ben Steele, 7. Josh Hill, 8. Rubin Holland, 9. Jordan Green, 10. Jack McCarthy, 11. Chris Allen, 12. Kashley Watkins. 13. Adam Heal, 14. Connor Winfield, 15. Jack Bailey, 16. Steve Jones, 17. Oli Roby

PREVIEW: Manchester Rangers v Chorley Panthers

Manchester Rangers face a must win fixture as Chorley Panthers roll into Manchester Regional Arena this Friday

 

Steve Jones barrels over the Ulverston defence

It has always been a tight encounter between Rangers and the Panthers with the past 3 encounters never being settled by more than a 6 point margin. The Rangers have won 2 and lost 1 but Chorley will be looking to settle the score when they head to Manchester this Friday evening.

The league table would show Rangers as favourites heading into this game, currently sitting top with Chorley in seventh, but with the Rangers slump in form and the narrow escape from Rangers last time the two sides met Chorley will have their sights firmly set on taking the two points.

Manchester Rangers Head Coach, Matt Valentine, spoke about the importance of an all round performance.

‘We’ll need to be at our best to beat Chorley this weekend. Against Oldham St Annes we attacked well and defended poorly and then against Ulverston we defended well but our attack was blunt, we need to marry those two together and come up with a complete performance if we want win this week.

The lads know the recent form and results are no reflection of their capability and we have to prove that this weekend. I’m always confident that if we go out and execute to our ability we will pick up a win and that’s no different in this game. We will work hard all week in training, look to fix up some of our issues and be ready for Chorley come Friday night.’

Manchester Rangers v Chorley Panthers

Friday 22nd June, 19:45KO

Manchester Regional Arena

Spectator Parking via Gate 2, Alan Turing Way, Etihad Campus, M11 3DU

PREVIEW: Ulverston v Manchester Rangers

Rangers make the long journey to Cumbria as they look to get back to winning ways

 

Henry Davies looks to break free against Oldham St Annes

Manchester Rangers travel to Ulverston this weekend looking to get back on the horse following last weeks home defeat to Oldham St Annes A. Ulverston have been in good form as of late winning their last 5 with Saturday 21st April the last time they lost a competitive fixture. The two teams form has placed Rangers in 1st with Ulverston in second so this week is a top of the table clash.

The last time the two sides met, Ulverston took the spoils in a 14 – 28 victory at Manchester Regional Arena. Rangers will be looking to avenge that defeat when they travel to Dragley Beck this weekend. Manchester Rangers Head Coach, Matt Valentine, is preparing for a battle ahead

This game is probably going to be the most physical encounter we’ve had this year. Last time Ulverston came out really aggressively and put us off our game, we can’t let that be the case this time round. Defensively we need to step up and match them but not get sucked into their game plan when we have the ball. We need to be smart.

We have an idea of what to expect from Ulverston and who their key players are but shutting down a good team is easier said than done. The boys will need to be 100% focused on the task in hand if we want to bring the win back to Manchester on Saturday.

Ulverston v Manchester Rangers

Saturday 16th June, 14:30KO

Dragley Beck 

REPORT: Manchester Rangers v Oldham St Annes A

Rangers title hopes took a hit as a strong St Annes picked up a deserved win at Manchester Regional Arena

 

Adam Heal supports through the middle to score

Manchester Rangers were looking to continue their charge on the NWML Division 2 title, but Oldham St Annes had other ideas when they rolled into Rangers’ Manchester Regional Arena home. From the get go, St Annes were on top as Matt Whitehead showed his class making a break down the left, before scoring a couple of phases later. This was quickly followed by another St Annes try as Whitehead once again was the key man, releasing Martin Kenny to score. With two conversions from Kiel Lancashire Rangers found themselves with an early 12 point deficit.

Manchester fought back through Adam Heal as Kashley Watkins broke down the left before interplay between Ben Steele and Heal saw the second rower race under the sticks, converted by Jordan Green. The fight back was short lived as St Annes quickly restored their 12 point lead, Whitehead once again providing the class to score his second and Lancashire good with the boot.

Rangers had the final say of the first half as Steele showed his prowess with a kick through collected by himself before rounding the full back to score a great solo effort, Green good with the conversion to bring Rangers within 6.

HALF TIME: Manchester Rangers 12 – 18 Oldham St Annes A

 

St Annes started the second in the same way they started the first as second rower Craig Basnett charged through the Rangers line, Lancashire

Tyrone Chipchase releases Lug Djurabekov to score

converting again. The tit for tat nature of the game continued as Steele provided another assist for Tyrone Chipchase to score, Chris Bamber adding the extras.

Whitehead completed his hat trick as cut through the Rangers line from a scrum but Rangers then utilised a scrum play of their own for Lug Djurabekov to score his second of the year, Lancashire and Green both maintaining 100% with the boot for their respective teams. The game entered a stalemate for the final 15 minutes but 2 St Annes penalties edged them further ahead and out of touching distance for Rangers.

FULL TIME: Manchester Rangers 24 – 34 Oldham St Annes A

 

Manchester Rangers: 24

Tries: Heal, Steele, Chipchase, Djurabekov

Goals: Green (3 from 3), Bamber (1 from 1)

 

Man of the Match: Kashley Watkins

 

Manchester Rangers Squad:

  1. Tyrone Chipchase, 2. Dan Roughley, 3. Max Horsfall, 4. Kashley Watkins, 5. Lug Djurabekov, 6. Ben Steele, 7. Connor Winfield, 8. Rubin Holland, 9. Jordan Green, 10. Jack McCarthy, 11. Chris Bamber, 12. Adam Heal, 13. Ricky Ward, 14. Henry Davies, 15. Jack Bailey, 16. Steve Jones, 17. Chris Allen

PREVIEW: Manchester Rangers v Oldham St Annes A

Rangers make the long awaited return to Manchester Regional Arena when they take on Oldham St Annes

 

Tyrone Parsonage breaks away against Leigh East

Oldham St Annes roll into Manchester Regional Arena this Friday looking to avenge an earlier season defeat. Last time out Manchester beat the Oldham side by 46 points to 22 in a convincing victory at St Annes home ground. Rangers know they won’t have it easy this time round as St Annes will be out to right their wrongs and pick up a win.

The game is set to be a cracker as Rangers sit top and Oldham sit in 4th, with both teams vying for a play off berth it’s a crucial 2 points to pick up for each side. Rangers Head Coach, Matt Valentine, knows the importance of this game,

This game against Oldham is the start of a huge four weeks for the club. We play 4 of the 5 main title contenders over the next few weeks and it’s going to be a really tough period for the lads. We need to treat every game as a final in order to stay on track for our goals for the season.

We are well aware that they will be sending a strong side over to us this week and we will need to match that. I’m expecting nothing less than an 80 minute battle and we need to stay focused and disciplined for the entire game if we want to come away with the win. We can’t afford to slip up at this point in the year so we need to go at this game 100% and pick up the points.

Manchester Rangers v Oldham St Annes

Friday 8th June, 19:30KO

Manchester Regional Arena

Parking via Gate 2, Alan Turing Way, Etihad Campus, M11 3DU

REPORT: Leigh East A v Manchester Rangers

Rangers continue their winning streak to stay top of NWML Division 2

 

Kashley Watkins breaks free for Ben Steele to score

Manchester Rangers made the trip to Leigh Sports Village, traditionally a bogey ground, as East have successfully defended their home soil on 2 of 2 previous visits. This time Rangers were determined to re write this history and take the 2 points back to Manchester as they continued their push on the NWML Div 2 title.

The curse looked to be continuing as the home side scored the first points of the afternoon. A quick play of the ball from a half break gave enough space for the East full back to dart over the line for a converted try. Rangers wasted no time in hitting back as on their next possession as Dan Munt showed his pace after a lengthy injury absence to race 60m to score, Connor Winfield adding the extras. With further tries from Josh Hill (2), Dan Munt completing his hat trick and Ben Steele adding another, along with 3 conversions from Chris Bamber the Rangers had a commanding half time lead.

HALF TIME: Leigh East A 6 – 32 Manchester Rangers

 

The second half started poorly for the Rangers with dropped ball and penalties given away making for a very stop start game with neither side able to

Connor Winfield burrows over

get a foothold in the early exchanges. Manchester improved their discipline and began to get back on top of the game, playing flowing Rugby League to stretch the East defence.

Tyrone Chipchase registered a try from a set play before Connor Winfield burrowed over from close range, Chris Bamber adding one from two. With Ben Steele scoring his second following a Winfield break and Josh Hill getting the second hat trick of the day the Rangers scoring came to a close. The hosts would have the last laugh as on the final whistle they crashed over from short range on an unstoppable play.

FULL TIME: Leigh East A 12 – 52 Manchester Rangers

 

Manchester Rangers: 52

Tries: Munt (3), Hill (3), Steele (2), Chipchase, Winfield.

Goals: Winfield (2 from 4), Bamber (4 from 6)

 

Man of the Match: Steve Jones

 

Manchester Rangers Squad:

  1. Tyrone Chipchase, 2. Dan Roughley, 3. Jarryd Chiha, 4. Kashley Watkins, 5. Ulugbek Djurabekov, 6. Ben Steele, 7. Josh Hill, 8. Jack Bailey, 9. Connor Winfield, 10. Steve Jones, 11. Chris Bamber, 12. Adam Heal, 13. Ricky Ward, 14. Allan Khonje, 15. Dan Munt, 16. Nick Ryan, 17. Tyrone Parsonage

PREVIEW: Leigh East A v Manchester Rangers

Rangers look to do the double over East as they travel to Leigh

 

Rangers muscle up in defence against Leyland Warriors

In what has been a traditionally tight battle, Rangers travel to Leigh East having picked up an earlier season 42 – 6 win at Manchester Regional Arena. This history books would suggest a Leigh win at Leigh Sports Village as in the past 2 years the teams have both won their home fixtures against each other.

2018 form would make Manchester Rangers favourites as they sit top of the pile in North West Mens League Division 2 with 7 wins and 2 losses to their name, East currently sit in 8th with a mirror record to the Rangers – 2 wins and 7 losses.

Rangers Head Coach, Matt Valentine, knows that East are always a different prospect on their home ground

We’ve been very clear to the lads not to expect a similar result to that we picked up at Manchester Regional Arena. They’re [Leigh East] an entirely different prospect at their home ground and we’re yet to pick up a win at Leigh Sports Village in our visits there.

‘June is a huge month for us and every game is a must win, it can make or break our season so if we can go throughout June undefeated we will set ourselves up for a good chance on the league title. There’s a lot of hard work to be done and we need to start this week by turning in a professional performance against East and hopefully head back to Manchester with the points.’

Leigh East A v Manchester Rangers

Saturday 2nd June, 14:30KO

Leigh Sports Village

REPORT: Leyland Warriors v Manchester Rangers

Rangers maintain top spot with convincing win over Leyland Warriors

 

Chipchase gets free for his second of four

Manchester made the trip up the M61 looking to continue their winning streak and keep Ulverston at bay who are hot an the Rangers heels in North West Mens League Division 2. The game couldn’t have started much better for the Rangers as Tyrone Chipchase broke free on just the second tackle and showed his pace to go the distance. Jordan Green converting.

Manchester further extended their lead as Chipchase got over for his second following a lovely inside ball from Ben Steele to Ricky Ward who then found Chipchase in support, Green adding the extras again. Further tries in the first half from Max Horsfall, Josh Hill and Ulugbek Djurabekov all brilliantly converted by Green and Chipchase gave the Rangers a healthy lead heading into the second half.

HALF TIME: Leyland Warriors 0 – 30 Manchester Rangers

 

Rangers begun the second half as they left the first with Henry Davies showing great footwork and pace for a big man to round the Leyland defence

Steve Jones crashes over

and score from deep. Chipchase then added 2 more tries to equal Josh Hill’s club record of four tries in one game but a strong wind dashed Green’s chances of adding the extras on all 3 occasions.

Leyland then hit back with a well timed inside ball and a great line to register their first points of the day with a converted try. The Leyland resurgence was short lived as Steve Jones, Dan Roughley and Tyrone Parsonage registered scores for the Rangers with Green converting one and Hill converting one to conclude the days scoring.

FULL TIME: Leyland Warriors 6 – 58 Manchester Rangers

 

Manchester Rangers: 58

Tries: Chipchase (4), Horsfall, Hill, Djurabekov, Davies, Jones, Roughley, Parsonage

Goals: Green (5 from 9), Chipchase (1 from 1), Hill (1 from 1)

 

Man of the Match: Ben Steele, Jack Bailey & Tyrone Chipchase

 

Manchester Rangers Squad: 

  1. Tyrone Chipchase, 2. Ulugbek Djurabekov, 3. Tyrone Parsonage, 4. Max Horsfall, 5. Dan Roughley, 6. Ben Steele, 7. Josh Hill, 8. Rubin Holland. 9. Jordan Green, 10. Jack McCarthy, 11. Ricky Ward, 12. Chris Allen, 13. Adam Heal, 14. Chris Bamber, 15. Jack Bailey, 16. Steve Jones, 17. Henry Davies