LITTLEBOROUGH maintained their unbeaten record in the Second Division of the Pennine League when they defeated Guiseley Rangers at Nunroyd Avenue last Saturday.

The final score of 27 points to 10 showed some defensive shortcomings on the part of Rangers, although this was an entertaining match regardless of the outcome. Rangers were without regular players in Darren Clayton, Craig McLaughlan and Jon Beanland, all unable to play due to injuries but the selected team showed that Rangers now have players of ability to call upon. Newcomer Mike Smith headed the tackle count with 22 yet Steve Maude, who came on as a substitute just before half-time, made a total of 20.

Littleborough started the game down the slope and quickly showed they were a lively team which could cause Rangers problems. Some powerful play took the visitors into the home 20 metre area but then a penalty to Littleborough gave them a two-points lead in the first five minutes. Tony Smith put in one of his high kicks which was fielded by the visiting full-back and play was quickly into the Rangers half but seconds later Smith received the ball, handed on the Alex White, who was subjected to a high tackle and a penalty awarded to Rangers. The resulting tap kick took play close to the line but then the visitors cleared and were once again on the attack. Their centre made a 50-metre run, handed on, but the ball was dropped and Rangers took play back upfield when Simon Parker levelled the scores with a well taken penalty goal.

Stuart Patchett made a 50-metre run and from the resulting kick the ball was gathered by the Littleborough full-back, who just beat Phil Smith who had followed up quickly. Some powerful play by the visitor's prop forward Colin Crompton in the 20th minute resulted in a try by Adam Brown, converted by Andy Livesay.

Six minutes later Ivan Coupe scored a try for Littleborough but Livesay missed with the conversion. Rangers were trailing 12 points to two, but in the 30th minute Rangers scored a try when following a break by Andy Hinchcliffe the ball went to ground, and a kick through by Phil Smith ended with him going over the line. Just before half-time Howard Young scored for Littleborough with the score Rangers six, Littleborough 16, at the interval.

Four minutes into the second-half and Phil Smith went in at the corner but Parker just failed with a difficult attempt at conversion and the visitor's lead was reduced to six points. A reverse pass by Tony Smith to Peter Smith gave Peter a 50-metre run but he was brought down inside the 20-metre area. A well-taken drop goal gave the visitors a seven-point lead which was increased by two further tries and a goal which gave the full-time score Rangers 10, Littleborough 27. Rangers have no complains as on the day Littleborough was the better team. Man of the Match goes to Phil Smith, whose determined running, coupled with two tries, gives him the match honour.

On Saturday Rangers trvel to Huddersfield and will play St Joseph's in another league fixture. The coach will leave the Yorkshire Rose Inn at 12.15pm.

Rangers Under-8s had a tremendous win over West Bowling last Sunday at Nunroyd Park when they ran out winners by 40 points to 32 after an exciting game, thoroughly enjoyed by players and spectators. Tries were scored by: Simon Roberts (2), Liam Cree (2), Christopher Kaye (2), Jordan Clayton, Luke Exley and Thomas Brearley. Goals by: Liam Cree and Christopher Kaye. Player of the Match was Luke Exley. Best tackler Thomas Brearley, and the Coaches' Choice was Jordan Clayton.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.