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Match report: Middleton Marauders v Methley Royals
Methley Royals' regular season came to a close with a 20-12 reverse at Middleton Marauders in the CMS Yorkshire League's Unison Division Two top-four semi-final.
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Defeat, however, was tough on the Royals who, with Terry Crosthwaite and Ernie Skerrett at the helm in recent months while Head Coach Tony Handforth recovers from illness, came agonisingly close to reaching their second successive championship final since being formed in 2007.
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Methley, ahead 12-10 at the break, looked like going behind when Middleton's Carl Childerson was given a clear run to the corner. But scrum-half Tommy Skerrett somehow got across to send the winger and the ball spiralling into touch-in-goal.
To the consternation of Skerrett and his teammates, however, the score was allowed to stand.
Middleton quickly added a try by Liam Thornton which Mark Shaw, crucially, converted from the touchline. And with the Marauders' defence holding firm – despite a dismissal in the closing stages – the Royals headed to an honourable defeat.
Centre Lee Land, on debut, was a powerful presence in attack and defence, while hooker Reece Willshaw brushed aside a leg injury to present the home side with plenty of problems.
Captain Danny Bolton, at stand-off for the first time since his U-8s days, revelled in the role and claimed a deserved try, Land also crossing and Skerrett adding a conversion and a penalty.
John Saville shone in three positions – fullback, hooker and wing – despite having a tooth loosened, and Dean Tucker and Gareth Grant-Mills were tireless in the front row.
Aaron Pedley, Paul Farrar and Thomas Wheatley were an effective back three, while Thomas Kaye, Matty Baker and Richard Scott had outstanding games out wide despite limited opportunities. Substitute Danny Agar, meanwhile, slotted in highly effectively at fullback in his first outing for weeks, and Chris Gibson made a real impact off the bench.
Methley will now turn their attentions to the Kippax Sevens, which will be played at the end of June, and to the summer's Castleford & Featherstone ARL Edgar Hanson Workshops Cup, which is geared to new or lapsed players.
Paul Farrar will again coach the side; interested players should contact Phil Hodgson on (01977) 515792.
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Weather for Leeds
Saturday 19 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 7 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 7 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North east
