Summer rugby arrives at Saddleworth Rangers with a light dusting on the tops and freezing rain in the valley. With parents and spectators welcome of the sheltered terrace at the main ground, the youngsters from both Rangers and West Bank were (perhaps) thankful to have finally located a pitch to play upon.

Conditions remained grim throughout. Huge credit is due to all players who, collectively, bit a quivering bottom lip and toughed out the 15 (ish) minutes of each half. For Rangers, special mention must go to Freddie Wilson for his consistent marksman tackles and an inaugural try. Steven Turner was another try scorer who played his socks off to earn the man of the match award. Jamie Lyons forged his way to two powerful tries and Nolan Tupaea battered through the West Bank line to add to his tally.

Saddleworth’s defence remained solid during this testing opener and this was reflected in the final scoreline. Many thanks to West Bank for enduring the Pennine mire and, as the “hot aches” set in, and the car park rang with the sound of children crying we can only look forward to Spring!

Final score Saddleworth Rangers 5 – West Bank Bears 1

Man of the match – Steven Turner
Top Tackler – Freddie Wilson
Most improved player – Nolan Tupaea