KXP v Stanley Rangers (Under 11s)

KXP v Stanley Rangers

After a long cold winter and many boring, “rugbyless” Saturday mornings the mighty KXP U11’s finally returned to action at home against Stanley Rangers.

Against a backdrop of typically Yorkshire wind and rain the first half was a struggle for both sides. Beautifully constructed, flowing rugby was few and far between but, admirably given the conditions, there were very few handling errors from either team.
It was Stanley who drew first blood crossing for the first score early in the half. As a team that hadn’t taken to the field in 7 months, the KXP lads looked to be a little rusty but there was no lack of effort from the lads on the field. Unfortunately Stanley tightened their grip on the game with a quickfire double to extend their lead to three tries at the halftime break leaving KXP trailing in their wake.

The second half was an entirely different affair with the Park lads taking the field determined to add some steel to their defensive lines. In what was to be a massively improved period the King Cross lads began to defend with a purpose and Stanley didn’t look like at all likely to add to their lead.

With confidence high, we started to see some of the free-flowing rugby Coach James tries to instill in the team every Wednesday night. With the ball being spread the width of the field KXP repeatedly forced their way into dangerous territory and, with pressure mounting, Ben Hygate managed to use his size and strength to force his way over in the bottom right corner for a well deserved KXP try.

With the weather conditions showing no signs of improving Park were unable to capitilize on their second half pressure and add to their tally and with fatigue setting in, Stanley were able to steal a late break away try to seal a tough, well-earned victory.

• Man of the Match - Callum Sutcliffe
• Parents Man of the Match - Donny Hoyle
• Opposition Man of the Match - Harry Forster
• Top Tackler - Josh Beck
• Coaches Award - Tom Ridley/ Archie Awty