Egremont Rangers finally cracked their away form hoodoo on Saturday afternoon in NCRL's Division One, producing a strong second half surge to beat Pilkington Recs and claim their first road victory of the season after four attempts. For Aussie halfback Joe Lewis, who steered the side around the park and added five goals, it was a performance that mixed frustration, relief and a fair bit of pride.
“It was pretty scrappy towards the back end of the second half,” Lewis admitted, still catching his breath after a warm afternoon at Ruskin Drive. “But I think the lads showed up pretty well all throughout the game and as much as it was scrappy it was good to get some points on the board away from home.”
Egremont’s pack laid the platform, with Lewis quick to highlight the work done in the middle.
“Big Brad Long was leading from the front as always, and yeah, I think they showed up really well all game.”
The Rangers had to ride out a patchy spell after half time, where an early try was followed by a run of ill discipline that allowed Pilks to stay in the contest. But once Egremont rediscovered their rhythm, the scoreboard began to tilt decisively their way.
“We came out and scored an early try, but then were pretty ill disciplined,” Lewis said. “But we got our mojo back and sort of ran away with it towards the end there.”
For Lewis, the win carried extra significance. Egremont’s season so far has been a mixed bag, particularly on their travels, and the halfback didn’t shy away from that reality.
“Look, it’s been a bit of a liquorice allsorts sort of season for us, especially away from home,” he reflected. “So far, I’ve learned that it’s pretty hard to win away from home and this first one for the season for us has been a good one. I’ll enjoy the bus trip back!”
The playmaker is still settling into life in Cumbria after a winding route to the UK. Originally planning to play in France, the move didn’t align with the final stages of his university degree. When Egremont came calling, and crucially, when they said his girlfriend could join him, the decision became easier.
“I just wanted to travel and see part of the world and these guys offered me an opportunity,” he explained. “It’s a pretty part of the world… especially when the weather’s like it is today. I’ve been very lucky.”
With a cup weekend ahead and a rare break in the schedule, Lewis is looking forward to a breather before the league campaign resumes.
“I think the boys will enjoy a well earned rest.”
Egremont head into the break with something real in their pockets at last. A first away win, and a halfback growing into the jersey.
Results - Saturday 25 April
National Premier Division
Lock Lane 26 Waterhead Warriors 28
Rochdale Mayfield 0 West Hull 60
Thatto Heath Crusaders 12 Siddal 28
Wath Brow Hornets 50 Heworth 12
West Bowling 28 Hunslet ARLFC 34
Wigan St Judes 28 York Acorn 18
National Division One
Dewsbury Moor Maroons v Wigan St Patricks – off
Leigh Miners Rangers 22 Dewsbury Celtic 26
Oldham St Annes 10 East Leeds 42
Oulton Raiders 24 Shaw Cross Sharks 24
Pilkington Recs 24 Egremont Rangers 46
Stanningley 10 Kells 36
Conference Regions
National Conference Cumbria: Dalton 44 Hensingham 18; Distington v Hindpool Tigers – postponed; Ellenborough 28 Maryport 28; Millom 14 Barrow Island 20; Seaton Rangers 56 Ulverston 6
National Conference North: Ashton Bears 26 Clock Face Miners 26; Crosfields 16 Orrell St James 44; Leigh East 32 Saddleworth Rangers 12; Woolston Rovers 24 Ince Rose Bridge 20
National Conference South: Bedford Tigers 14 Hammersmith Hills Hoists 60; Brentwood Eels 46 North Herts Crusaders 16; Eastern Rhinos 50 Bristol All Golds 12; Wests Warriors 46 London Chargers 20
National Conference Yorkshire A: Bradford Dudley Hill 30 Mirfield Spartans 42; Keighley Albion 6 Moldgreen 12; Myton Warriors 32 King Cross Park 22; Stanley Rangers 22 Drighlington 18; Thornhill Trojans 24 Beverley 26
National Conference Yorkshire B: Featherstone Lions 36 Newsome Panthers 16; Fryston Warriors 16 Skirlaugh 17; Milford 44 Bentley 0; Normanton Knights 20 Kippax Welfare 24; Siddal Academy 88 Hull Dockers 6
By Ste Beech and Dave Parkinson
Photo Credit: Egremont Rangers
