The Den
The Den
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Westhoughton Lions v Manchester Rangers Reserves
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Westhougton Lions v Manchester Rangers
On an autumnal Saturday afternoon, Manchester Rangers travelled to The Den to face Westhoughton Lions
In the last match of the regular season all playoff spots were still up to grabs with Rangers pushing for top spot and Westhoughton looking to qualify in 4th. A win for Rangers would guarantee at least 2nd.
The first score of the afternoon came early on as the Rangers gained good possession from a Lions error. After a number of strong drives, Jacob Winstanley profited as he burrowed over from dummy half. Jordan Green adding the extras take give Rangers a 0 – 6 lead.
The Lions came back strong and after a silly error by Rangers on their own line, Westhoughton capitalised to score outwide but missed the extras. 4 – 6. A period of dominance for Rangers ensued as they stepped up a gear going into half time.
A brace for David Gooch and a powerful try from Ricky Ward, with one conversion gave Rangers a commanding half time lead. 4 – 20.
HALF TIME: Westhoughton Lions 4 – 20 Manchester Rangers
Coming out from half time, Rangers looked to press the advantaged and did so with Jacob Winstnaley adding a second after an 80m intercept and David Gooch powering over to complete his hat-trick. Jordan Green good with the boot on both occasions to make it 4 – 32.
Westhoughton then hit a purple patch and played some exciting Rugby League. With half back Shaun Markland directing play, the Lions went over for back to back tries to bring the game back into contention. 16 – 32.
Manchester then hit back with 2 unanswered tries to put the game to bed, a powerful close range effort from Chris Allen and an impressive 60 metre interception from Joe Moura Da Luz. Jordan Green adding 1 from 2. 16 – 42.
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