Carr goes through gears on debut

Playing on a pitch that resembled a fallow farmer’s field, prodigious talent Allen Carr let his rugby chat for him, racing in for four tries of quality, all from distance and all stamped with class.

It was certainly a debut to remember for the young man and but for his contribution a follow-up success, after the previous week’s opening win over Kippax Welfare, could have been in doubt.

Veteran midfield general Jamie Barraclough joined the party with a powerful individual long range try and Lewis Taylor joined Carr as top scorer for the season with another classy finish in the dying seconds.

The game was a tough affair though; the Moon brothers leading the forward drives that ultimately softened up the Birstall pack, with Pitman, who’s ball skills improve every week, as their henchman.

Wrightson at second row was perpetual motion and Eddie Tankard off the bench had a cracking game. Halfbacks Ambler and Drennan, on the back of forward drives, created the holes for others to exploit. Diminutive second row McColl had his best game in a Rangers jersey, until an ankle injury ended his game.

Defence played a massive part in the win. Birstall never caved in and always ran with vigour but there were no weak links in the Rangers team with Drennan in particular excelling in snuffing out the Birstall threat.

He managed to avoid his customary yellow card for dissent and had his place kicking been better, the score line might have had a different look.

Left flank pair Lopag and Campbell have a telepathic understanding and looked dangerous. Frankland was a rock at fullback, and evergreen Fairhurst off the bench put in a good shift. Youngster Louie Sweeney also looked sharp on his introduction.

Unknown quantity York Lokomotive visit Brighouse next week and Rangers are already looking forward to crossing swords with Elland, who won their opener by 22-10 at Kippax yesterday.