Amateur RL: Lions’ late try hits Underbank Rangers title hopes

Jul 7 2009 by Neil Farrell

HUDDERSFIELD Underbank Rangers suffered a stoppage time setback as they were held 12-12 by Featherstone Lions at The Cross.

It proved to be an epic contest between two sides with title aspirations.

The dramatic conclusion to the game was provided by Featherstone’s back row forward Paul Watson whose try levelled the scores, but Danny Huby’s chance to clinch the game for the Lions saw his conversion attempt go wide.

In a superb contest, with no quarter given by either side, both defences were to the fore, especially inside in their own ten metre areas and consequently try scoring chances were at a premium.

Rangers had changes from the win at Hemel with Shaun Mitchell, Arran Crabtree, Gary Keegan and loan signing from Sheffield Eagles Andy Boothroyd replacing Lee St Hilaire, Dave Valentine, Tom Sharrock and Oliver Brodzinski.

Featherstone had seven players missing from their win at Nottingham with broken leg victim Scott Glassell being their notable absentee, but the reliable and experienced Adam Thaler stepped into the breach at half back.

Rangers started the livelier and back row forward Tom Senior opened the scoring after five minutes.

He won the ball in a one-on-one strip-out and raced over from 20 metres. Half back Neil Barrett added the extras.

Featherstone responded with a penalty goal from Huby after Rangers were guilty of going high in the tackle, but they were soon under pressure as the majority of the half was played in their half of the field.

Outstanding Rangers’ prop forward Napoleoni Vinaka had a score chalked off following a forward pass from new signing Boothroyd.

However, Rangers weren’t to be denied as centre Chris Johnson scored for the second consecutive game.

Neil Barrett launched a huge bomb, which Lions’ full back Tom Coad spilled. Johnson hacked ahead the loose ball and won the race to touchdown, but Barrett missed the conversion.