No win but mighty Crowther helps Brighouse shake off ring-rust

BRIGHOUSE Rangers staged a courageous fightback following a whirlwind opening from last season's losing BARLA National Cup finalists Sharlston Rovers in a pulsating second-round tie at Russell Way.

Rangers, who had not played since leaving the Pennine League in September, looked to be ring-rusty in the opening exchanges and it came as no surprise when battle-hardened Rovers scrum half Tom Wandass broke the line to weave his way to the whitewash, leaving loose forward Scott Glassell to add the extras.

A quick passing move caught out a flat-footed home defence to send second-row forward Danny Field powering to the chalk – and he quickly made it a brace by backing up a kick over the top from Glassell shortly afterwards.

Brighouse loose forward Wayne Jowett set an example with a series of forward plunges but Sharlston looked to be on course for a huge total when Wandass produced a cut-out pass to pave the way for him to collect the return for his second touchdown.

Wandass added his third conversion for a 22-0 lead with only 20 minutes on the clock.

The introduction of substitute forward Andy Esmond transformed the home six as the big hits flew in fast and furious and he was unlucky to be held up inches short.

Full back Alex Muff wasted a clear-cut chance when he held on with wingman Mark Horne clear at the corner, before a try out of the blue from Sam Crowther earned the plaudits.

Sharlston were comfortably clearing their line when the ball was dislodged in the tackle and the second-row forward reacted instantly to scoop up and canter to the posts unopposed, allowing centre Gary Procter to ensure maximum reward.

With a 22-6 interval total, Sharlston looked unruffled – but they soon had cause for concern when Rangers wingman Karl Frankland raced in at the flag after skilful work from half-back Jamie Barraclough.

Home tails were up and their determination was evident to see when Crowther raced 20 metres to prevent Sharlston centre Billy Griffiths from touching down at the flag.

But the relentless pace took its toll when three tired attempts to tackle Rovers substitute Josh Field failed and he crossed for another converted effort.

The mighty Crowther fittingly had the last say, showing both skill and will when he spotted a gap to crown his excellent contribution with the last hurrah.

It helped earn the gallant Brighouse team a standing ovation from a large and appreciative crowd when they left the field at the final whistle.