UNDERBANK Rangers’ Challenge Cup adventure is over.

After proving far too strong for Heworth in the first qualifying round, they found Leeds Metropolitan University a totally different proposition as they went down 22-6 at The Cross and missed the chance to reach the first round proper.

Although the final margin of the students’ victory looks fairly impressive, there was very little to separate the sides.

For over an hour, the contest could have gone either way, with the visitors holding a slender 12-6 lead.

But with Bank prop Dave Valentine sin-binned for a 65th-minute obstruction and centre Alex Chatterton also receiving a yellow card 13 minutes later for a series of high shots, Rangers had let their opponents off the hook and handed them a crucial advantage.

Both sin-binnings were clear signs of frustration, with Underbank feeling they had been handed an unfair crack of the whip by referee Rob Webb.

But the Leeds side showed their hosts little sympathy and ran in a converted try and two Gaz Hynes penalties while enjoying their numerical advantage.

Underbank’s lack of discipline was clearly a major reason for their downfall, although lacking a cutting edge was also a key factor.

The home side may have dominated their opponents physically, but time and again they squandered possession in promising positions to keep the students firmly in the hunt – and they took full advantage.

Under former Giants winger and assistant coach Paul Cook, Leeds Met looked a well-organised side.

And they also boast players of quality, such as former Giants Under 20s utility man Jamie Love and Josh Dixon, whose father Paul began his career at Underbank before going on to a glittering career with Leeds and Great Britain.

Love, in particular, was a real thorn in Underbank’s side, making good ground at right centre every time he was in possession.

That was never more noticeable than when he raced clear to set up supporting full-back Gary Fairhead for the opening try after 20 minutes.

Hynes converted and it was 6-0.

That score hit Underbank hard, with wingers Courtney Allette and Richard Aka having both come close earlier on and full-back Will Midgley looking lively.

The Bank pack was also more than holding its own and within seven minutes of the opening score they had helped their side draw level.

Hooker Andy Boothroyd and second-rower Lee St Hilaire worked tremendously hard to create the position for James Usher’s ‘bomb’ to be plucked out of the air by Chatterton to touch down in the corner.

Neil Barrett landed an excellent touchline conversion, and there was everything to play for.

But despite enjoying strong periods of possession, Bank were unable to find another way through, and when Liam Thompson crashed over for a second converted Leeds Met try on the stroke of half-time, it as clear there was a lot of work still to do.

The second half proved just as tight, with chances at a premium.

Unfortunately, Valentine’s sin-binning paved the way for Hynes to add a penalty straight after before Scott Ellam ran through a stretched defence for a decisive third converted score with 10 minutes remaining.

Hyne’s second penalty on the back of Chatterton’s departure in the 78th minute simply added salt to the wounds.