Super Siddal earn Grand Final date

Siddal stormed into the National Conference League Grand Final at Widnes on Sunday, November 8 after a hugely impressive 34-14 victory at Leigh Miners Rangers yesterday.
Siddal v Castleford Lock Lane. Ross WhiteSiddal v Castleford Lock Lane. Ross White
Siddal v Castleford Lock Lane. Ross White

Gareth Greenwood’s side were emphatic winners in the battle of the top two after the league programme, two converted tries in the space of thee minutes just before half time putting them in control.

They moved out into a 30-2 lead before Rangers, who must now host Rochdale Mayfield next Saturday for a second bite of the cherry, saved a little face with a couple of late consolation tries.

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Rangers had won both Premier Division meetings this season on the way to become Minor Premiers and they inflicted the Chevinedge men’s last defeat by an 11-point margin in Halifax on August 1.

However, Siddal had racked up more than 200 points in winning their five games since and they maintained the momentum yesterday with centre Chester Butler the star man.

The last time Siddal won at Twist Lane, they went on to claim the Grand Final, but they fell behind to a Jonny Youds penalty on this occasion.

Butler crashed through out wide for Siddal’s opening score and then had a try disallowed.

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Youds denied the influential Shaun Garrod with a fine tackle but at 4-2, with the interval approaching, the visitors grabbed control.

Butler sped in from 25 metres out and then Ross White broke the home defence on half way and went under the posts, Gavin Stead adding both goals.

Siddal took a firmer grip on the game after the break. Garrod’s kick to the wing, over the home defence, enabled Gareth Blackburn to touch down.

Visiting players were twice held up over the line before Garrod forced his way over following a scrum.

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Richard Merville was sin-binned but it didn’t stop the 12-man visitors adding to their tally through Taniela Bakoso wide out.

Scott O’Brien chipped and regathered to pave the way for Jimmy Muir to get a first try for Rangers but Siddal replied quickly, hooker Craig Sanderson sending Blackburn in for his second.

Youds created a try for Shaun Dowie but it was too little too late for Rangers, whose hopes of a treble after also winning the Conference Challenge Cup suddenly do not look so bright.