Seaton Rangers Under-16s have earned a home tie in round three of the Barla National Cup next month after defeating Legh Miners Rangers Golds by just two points, writes Ben Challis.
The game ebbed and flowed, with the Rangers taking an early lead, losing the lead, retaking the lead and just holding on for the win in the final few minutes.
As soon as referee Neil Byer’s whistle went, Seaton were right at the Miners, and despite facing a big pack, strong running from Robbie Johnston meant he was first over the whitewash just two minutes into the game, barrelling through the Miners’ defence for a try converted by Coby Walker.
It took the Miners six minutes to reply, but reply they did with an excellent charge down the right wing for a converted try.
And just 10 minutes into the game it was Johnston again who used his strength and speed to break through the Leigh defence, diving in to ground the ball for a second try converted by Walker.
Again Leigh replied with a second charge down the right wing for another converted try for a scoreline of 12-12 just 15 minutes into the game.
With the two sides looking evenly matched, the game’s momentum then shifted and visitors took the lead just before half time with an unconverted try, another down the preferred right wing, and then extended their lead with a second unconverted try just after the break with an impressive sprint up the left wing from the Leigh Number 2 for a scoreline of 12-20.
Seaton responded immediately with Ed Williams forcing his way over the Leigh try line by the sticks, despite the attention of three defenders, with Walker adding a crucial conversion for 18-20.
Seaton then regained the lead with the try of the match from Jacob Hodgson who used his strength and speed to evade the Miners’ defence to run in from the right wing to dot down.under the sticks.
Another crucial Walker conversion made it 24-20. A fifth Seaton try from Luke Williamson gave the home side a clear lead and, despite Walker finally missing a kick, what looked like a comfortable margin at 28-20 with just five minutes left on the clock.
Leigh were not done, and as the clock ticked down, they went over for their fifth try, impressively converted, for a scoreline of 28-26, but that was it, and as soon as the game restarted the whistle was blown and Seaton could enjoy close and very hard fought victory.
Having defeated Crosfields Cobras 16-28 in round one, and Leigh Miners in round two, Seaton will now face Birkenshaw Bluedogs in round three.
The Bluedogs defeated Leigh East Thunder and Dewsbury Moor in their first two games and this should be a real battle.
The match will be played at Seaton on Sunday April 20.
