Experienced Ambler leads Siddal youngsters into National Cup quarter final

SIDDAL’S UNDER 23s - effectively the club’s reserve side defied both NCL outfit Stanningley and Storm Dennis as they registered a 12-4 National Cup success at Chevinedge on Saturday.

Siddal’s reward was a home tie against Cumbrian side Ellenborough, in a quarter final to be played at Chevinedge on February 29.

Stanningley played with the wind at their backs in the opening half, but the home side coped well with the conditions.

Skipper George Ambler led from the front, directing his young pack in an all action 80 minute display.

Ambler was assisted in the early exchanges by Dan May, Ellis Broadbent, Harry Georgiou and Josh Milnes, who were all gaining ground in possession.

Siddal’s promising start was rewarded when Jake Turner found half back partner Josh Greenwood-MacDonald who demonstrated considerable strength and agility to hold off two tacklers, before offloading to the supporting Jack Matthews who touched down after four minutes.

The ever-reliable

James

Doods made no mistake with the conversion to put the Halifax side 6-0 ahead.

The visitors from Leeds, who play in the NCL Division One, began to claw their way back into the game, with forwards Oliver Brook and Stephen Welton giving their all.

Stanningley pinned Siddal inside their own half with long kicks, but Kian Cox, Callum Holroyd and Henry Turner all made yards returning the ball.

The first half finished 6-0 to Siddal and after a short interval, both teams were keen to get the game underway as the conditions deteriorated. Stanningley’s stand off Niall Murphy was looking dangerous in possession and made a penetrating break up the middle of the pitch, which was halted by a great tackle by Andy Elliott.

Siddal were being tested in defence with Eddie Ainley made a try saving tackle as the visitors searched for a way back into the game.

The home side drove their way back upfield with Josh Richardson having a tremendous second half, along with Ethan Lewis and Keenan Ramsden.

Richardson almost touched down on the hour mark, but desperate Stanningley defence kept him out, only for hooker May to dive over for an opportunistic touchdown after 62 minutes.

Dodds’ conversion stretched the lead to 12-0.

Stanningley refused to throw the towel in and were rewarded for their efforts when lively winger Ben Selby scored out wide after 70 minutes to reduce the deficit to 12-4.

There was no further scoring as Ambler and Richardson steadied their younger team mates to see the game out.