Underbank set off on the long journey to Dalton in Furnace not knowing what to expect, on the drive up all thoughts were on the pitch condition as everywhere was covered in frost. The pitch had been passed fit to play but that was a dubious call and it definitely was not fit by the time the game was over.
The first surprise for Rangers was that not only was there a top level referee from Barrow but he also had two touch judges with him.
Before the game got underway there was an impeccably observed minutes silence in memory of Di Sykes.
The game got under way with snow falling and in what was an evenly balanced first half the spectators saw more of the referee who awarded a total of 28 penalties in the first forty minutes.
Neither team could break down the opposition defence with some heroic displays on the line from both sides and surprisingly the there was no score at half-time.
Even though it was cold and snowing Rangers stayed out on the field for the break, both teams were then kept waiting for the officials to come back out much to the annoyance of the large home crowd.
With five minutes of the second half played, Luke Pogson making his first appearance of the season put in a great kick which the Dalton winger fumbled to allow Joe Bellas in at the corner. Oliver Moorhouse then put in a great conversion for the extras. 0 -6.
With 20 minutes played Rangers were reduced to 12 men when the referee conferred with his touch judge over a misdemeanour and without hesitation pulled out the red card.
Five minutes later Rangers were awarded a penalty in front of the posts for a high tackle and Moorhouse duly obliged with two more points. 0- 8
Rangers were now in the ascendency and absolutely smashing the opposition in defence, while making extra yards in attack. It came as no surprise When Pogson put the ball wide to Jamie Stringer who handed off the centre then skinned the winger to come round and score by the posts. Moorhouse was successful with the conversion. 0 – 14.
By now the forwards of Underbank were in dominant form with Tom Booth bursting through on several occasions. With two minutes left Booth burst through to make a good forty yards. From the play the ball Pogson again found Stringer for him to cross for his second try. The conversion was missed. 0 – 18.
That was to be the last score of the game in what was a fantastic team performance. It is never easy travelling up the two and half hours to Cumbria and especially coming on the back of the poor performance the week before at home.
Bengal Spice man of the match went to Lucas France (Carrots) but there were also notable displays from Chris Longley, Joe Bellas and Tom Booth.
A mention is also deserved for the three players making their first appearance of the season and not looking out of place, Jack Wilson, Hedley Coldrick and Luke Pogson.
Onwards and Upwards
U.B.R.B.D.