Manchester Rangers were looking to christen their new home with a win in the first game at the new stadium. With a number of regulars missing, Rangers fielded the best side available to try and overcome Garswood, who were in town to spoil the party.

 

There was an early omen for how the Rangers match was to play out when second row Steven Moore had to leave play due to an injury just 2 minutes into the game, it was later discovered that Steven had broken his collarbone and dislocated his shoulder. Two further injuries during the game to Nick Holt (suspected broken arm) and Mark Hampson (concussion) limited Steve Molloy’s rotation options.

 

Garswood were first to srike when a high bomb was spilled and swooped upon by winger Jon McMillan who finished well in the corner. McMillan scored his second just four minutes later as the Rangers struggled to complete a set and get any meaningful territory.

 

The remainder of the first half was to play out as the first 10 had begun, with Manchester making error after error and Garswood playing a clever territorial game to strangle the Rangers and put a further 3 tries on the board. Half time came and Manchester were well on the back foot, trailing 0-24.

 

The second half started brightly for the Rangers outfit and after a penalty giving good field position Jubril Olajide found a gap in the line and rounded the full back for Rangers’ first points of the afternoon.

 

This was to signal a good spell of possession for the Rangers who put pressure on the Garswood line. After forcing a drop out, man of the match Dan Stroker went close but was just held up by some tenacious Garswood defence.

 

Centre Dom Evans was then sin binned for an incident in back play and Garswood exposed the lack of numbers in the defensive line. Moving the ball to the vacant channel, Garswood broke from deep and showed some good pace to beat the cover and go over for a 60m try.

 

The game then re-entered the early arm wrestle and both sides registered a try each, Manchester’s coming through Jubril Olajide’s second of the afternoon. The final try of the day went to Jon McMillan of Garswood to complete his hat trick.

Match Official; Peter Yarnall

Attendance; 44

 

Full Time: Manchester Rangers 10 v 36 Garswood Stags