Kippax...19 Guiseley Rangers...22

WHAT a thrilling cup tie this was. Pennine League Rangers away to the co-leaders of the Yorkshire League Senior Division.

The first 25 minutes saw both defences working overtime to keep the opposition at bay.

The tackling from both teams was fierce and uncompromising and, in the 25th minute, the home team were reduced to 12 men when the red card was produced following Rangers' Alex White receiving an elbow to the throat.

Five minutes later the home team took the lead when their winger took advantage of a rare lapse in defence to score a converted try, which was soon followed by a drop goal to give Kippax a seven point lead. Rangers got themselves back into the game, and were rewarded with a penalty goal just before half-time, to reduce the deficit to five points.

The second half belonged to Guiseley though. From a scrum at half-way, Darren Clayton put full back Stuart Patchett through a gap, and on his way for a 50 yard scoring run. Kippax were now making mistakes and Rangers' scrum-half Alex White scooped up a loose ball and handed on to second row Jon Beanland, who scored under the posts. Again the kick was missed but Guiseley now had a three point lead at 7-10. This was short-lived as Kippax hit back for their winger to score a converted try for them to regain the lead.

The see-saw scoring then continued with Guiseley's debutant Nigel Decundha scoring after good work by Alex White and Rob Lyon.

Jon Beanland's conversion made the score 13-16 and then, with 10 minutes to go, Rangers' loose forward Peter Smith scored from acting-half, and Simon Parker's conversion completed the Guiseley scoring. Kippax still had the last word with a late try and goal, but Rangers held on for an excellent win, brought about by first class discipline and team spirit.

Next week it is back to league action, when the visitors to Nunroyd will be Park Amateurs, from Halifax, kick-off at 2.30pm.

The 'A' team fixture at Greetland last Saturday was called off due to a waterlogged pitch. This Saturday they travel to Huddersfield YMCA. Players are to meet at Towngate at 12.30pm.At junior level, the Under-11's had no fixture last Sunday, but this coming weekend they travel to Lindley Swifts, at Huddersfield. Transport leaves the dressing rooms at 9.30am.

The Under-8's had a great win last Sunday at home to Siddal.

Their defence was particularly good, and all the players played a part in a convincing 30-6 win. Luke Exley (4), Dean Bowles and Edwin Clement were the try scorers and Jonathan Bottomley, Luke Exley and Edwin Clement kicked a conversion.

Nathan Thompson deservedly won the player of the match award.

This Sunday the Under-8's are away to Queensbury. Players and parents to meet at the dressing rooms at 9.30am.