Siddal through to Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Round 2

Siddal overcame a tough, uncompromising Milford Marlins from NCL Division 1 to ensure their ball is in the 2nd Round draw which is being hosted at Siddal's home base on Tuesday evening from 7pm.

Conditions and a heavy pitch meant hard work was going to mean a lot in determining the outcome of this tie and as we know Siddal always show plenty of that in abundance. They had to in the opening stages as Milford opened very strongly, pinning Siddal in their own half for much of the first quarter aided by some Siddal indiscipline. Milford though couldn't take advantage, missing three penalty attempts and they were made to pay midway through the half when skipper Shaun Garrod displayed that extra bit of class to step through the Milford defence in the middle of the field to score the opening try. Gaz Blackburn added the conversion and five minutes later Garrod was at it again, gliding through a small gap without a hand being laid on him to score his side's second try and give Blackburn another simple conversion. Siddal defended superbly to keep their line in tact, fullback Freddie Walker producing a super performance to collect everything the Milford kickers could throw at him and bringing the ball back time and again and making great yards. Siddal went in at half time 12-0 up.

Milford had the slope in their favour and opened the second half strongly. After a little pressure Milford created the score they deserved when strong drives into Siddal territory allowed their impressive stand off, Barron, to spot the home side were short of cover on their rightand he superbly kicked to the corner for his left winger to collect the ball and score untouched. The conversion from the touchline was missed. Milford were back in the tie now but some foul play and a subsequent sin binning of one of their props was a key moment. Siddal capitalised whilst Milford were down to 12 players and fine handling saw the ball zip down the line to right winger Richard Lopag, returning to the first team after a long absence, to score in the corner. Blackburn's conversion attempt failed but at 16-4, Siddal had the tie in their grip. A couple more sin binnings, one from each side, interrupted the flow of the game as did the persistent rain and both sides managed to prevent any further scoring.

Best for Siddal were Garrod, Walker, Martin and Matthews.