Silsden Park Rangers ARLFC

Silsden Park Rangers 46 Elland ‘A’ 32

Silsden got their season back on track with a win over Elland ‘A’.  The first half was a tight run affair with the lead continuously switching.  Silsden drew first blood when Neil Jordan opened up a gap near the Elland line and then popped the ball up for Andy Bowness who was supporting at pace to cross the line.  The blustery conditions hampered the kicking throughout the game and Andy Bowness was unable to convert.  Elland hit back shortly afterwards to square the scores.  From the restart the Elland defence fumbled the ball in front of their own line and Alan Preston scored from the scrum, this time Andy Bowness was able to convert.  Elland however came back again, this time from the result of a Silsden mistake near the Silsden line.  The next try also came from Elland, edging them in to the lead for the first time.  Silsden pushed the Elland defence back to their own line with strong funning from the forwards, James Doherty, Chris Langdale, Eddie Billings and Rick Greenwood.  From a scrum near the Elland line Scrum Half Andy Bowness dummied to Preston in support to run over his second try and then added the extras.  Again Elland soon struck back with an easy interception as Silsden were attacking allowing Elland to run over the line unopposed.  Silsden continues to add the pressure on the Elland line and John Williams was unfortunate to be held up over the line, however at the restart Andy Bowness was able to cross the line to complete his hat trick; his conversion edging Silsden in to the lead at the break, 22 – 20.

After the break Silsden had control of the game with confident and skilful play from Andy Bowness, Man of the Match Tony Fella and Phil Lane .  Neil Jordan restarted the scoring quickly followed by a well struck penalty from Andy Bowness.  It was then Fella’s turn to cross the line, breaking the Elland defence and extending Silsden’s lead.  Andy Bowness then slotted over another 2 points from a penalty.  An outstanding 60 yard break from Billings gave the home side the field position for Preston to cross the line in the corner.  Silsden continued to pressurise the Elland defence, Jordan almost getting over the line was held up but managed to pop the ball through his legs to Andy Bowness in support.  With the conversion this took Andy Bowness’s tally to 4 tries and 5 goals for the afternoon.  Elland then got a second wind and came back with 3 late tries but the Silsden lead was too great for the visitors, the game ending 46 – 32.

Next week Silsden are travelling to Stainland Stags, kick off at 2.30pm .

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Last modified: November 16, 2004