Morley v Sandal - Saturday August 17 : KO 3.00pm
Morley face Sandal from league above for 2nd pre-season friendly
[Do you remember January 13, 2018 - Morley's last match against Sandal?
Photo shows wing Jason Kenneally as he races in for Morley's winning try at Sandal accompanied by Dan Percival, Danny Thomas and Jacob Percival. Pete Evans celebrates from the stand.}
Pre-season preparations continues.
Both clubs are still assessing their teams for strengths and weaknesses; both try different combinations of players to see what works best. As last week, the match will consist of 3 sessions of 25 minutes.
Kick off is 3.00 pm and there is no charge for admission.
9Advance notice - there will be no charge for admission to the Yorkshire Cup match at Heath on Thursday, August 22nd. Kick off 7.30pm)
Morley have named a squad of 24.
Forwards
Morgan Hall
Dan Lighthowler
Robin Bennett
Chris Scott-Thomas
Marcus Abbott
Harry Ward
Harry Jeffery (Capt.)
Nick Green
Tom Phipps
Ed Kelly
Kieran Halliday
Tom Stansfield
Kieran Ellis
Backs
Noah Hawkins
Ben Tiffen
George Kelly
Charlie Frankland
Tom Davies
Dan Cass
Micky Ryan
Nathan Parry
Jamie Silkstone
Ian Leigh-Webber
Will Kinder
(If the name Tiffen is familiar, then it's because Ben's father, Jeremy, was the proud wearer of the number 9 shirt from November 1991 until April 2002)
Sandal have named a squad of 25
Hodson
Nyambega
Henshall
Burden
Shamchiyev
Parker
Adams J
Grainger
Fawcett
Stewart
Reynolds
Beeney
Adams L
Wilson
Joannou
Stuart
Hulme
Milner
Seckham
Hoyland
Groves
Ward
Bacon
Riding
Dyer
Remember January 13, 2018?
Morley had been held to a 10-10 draw at Scatcherd Lane in the first meeting of the 2017-18 season and were languishing near the base of the table in what was known as North Premier (level 5). The omens did not look good for the Maroons as they faced Sandal on their alpine slopes of Milnthorp Green without their charismatic fullback, Dante van de Merwe.
Morley played up the slope in the first half and were 10 – 0 down after 23 minutes despite Sandal playing with 14 men after their fullback, Jack Townend carelessly threw the ball into touch to relieve Morley pressure. A recent convert from Rugby League, he did not realise this was an offence but Sandal easily played out the 10 minutes.
Mark Chester pulled 3 points back to leave the score 3 – 10 at halftime, but with slope in the Maroons favour Morley had hope. However, 10 minutes into the 2nd half, centre Steve Nolson got his second try and Wood’s 2nd conversion with his earlier penalty gave Sandal a commanding 17 – 3 lead.
Morley’s luck changed on 60 minutes. A delightfully Crossfield kick, deep into the Sandal dead ball area was pushed over the deadline by the unfortunate Townend to gain him his second yellow and red card. To add insult to injury, the referee awarded a penalty try.
Morley scented a chance at 10-17. Flanker Sam Lawton finished off a touchline try, well converted by Chester to draw the teams level on 75 minutes.
The coup de grace was applied by a jubilant Jason Kenneally who charged down the slope to score Morley’s 3rd try in the 3rd minute of extra time. Chester’s final conversion gave Morley a remarkable 24 – 17 victory.
Unfortunately the story does not have a the ending it deserves as Birkenhead Park, Morley and Pocklington all ended up relegated to level 6.
Photos of the match can be found by clicking the link below.