Battling Moorends-Thorne Marauders boosted their hopes of a top four spot by winning their opening day fixture against hot title favorites Castleford Panthers `A`.

It was the Marauders first winter gamein the CMS Yorkshire league for over 12 months and fielding several new players in thire squad hopes where running high eventhough many of the more expearienced players at the club have left for pastures greener.

Both teams gave their everything in the opening exchanges and there was nothing between the sides for the first 10 minutes until Mark Roach stepped up breaking the Panthers defence on the half-way line before being chased into the corner for a unconverted try, 4 - 0.

Moorends where well served by their industrious pack of Danny Hornsby, Gaz Munro, Roger McClean, Adam Pickles and Jak Parkes, the pressure finally brought rewards after a platform had been built close to the Panthers tryline that allowed Mark Roach to dance over, Lewis Downing added the extra's, 10 - 0.

The final score of the first-half went to the visitors after a period of sustained pressure saw the ball go through several pairs of hand for their right winger to dive over in the corner, 10 - 4

Half-Time Marauders 10 - 4 Panthers

Moorends extended their lead very early in the second-half when Mark Roach, Craig Hookway and Tom Rose linked to send Lewis Downing over in the corner, 14 - 4.

The battle continued to be fast and furious as both teams refused to take a backwards step, Ricky Tipper, Adam Pickles and Lewis Downing made massive try saving tackles but the hit of the day went to father and son duo Trev and Ernie Lake.

The Marauders surged forward and a long ball from Craig Hookway saw big centre Jason Blanchard powering over on the hour mark for his first try of the season, 18 - 4.

The final say in the game went to Mr Inspirational himself, brilliant defence saw Castleford having to kick on the half-way line, the huge bomb was easily defused by Ricky Tipper and his quick play the ball saw Hookway finding Mark Roach with a short ball on the half-way line, Roach crashed through the defensive line before out running the chasing hordes into the corner, 22 - 4

Full - Time Moorends-Thorne Marauders 22 - 4 Castleford Panthers

Man of the Match (16 year-old) Lewis Downing
2/ Mark Roach
3/ Craig Hookway

This week (Saturday 11th/September/2010) Moorends are at home Vs Northallerton Stallios (Moorends Recreation Ground, Grange Road, Moorends) kick-Off 2.30pm