Orrell came away with a fine victory over Upton in freezing wet conditions at Bankes Avenue. A large crowd was entertained, as mercurial young full back Jack McHugh scored a hat trick, but this win was primarily as a result of tremendous defence by the whole team.

St James' opened the scoring on 10 minutes when a kick on the last play was collected by McHugh in his own twenty who proceeded to outflank the onrushing defenders to give Brad Roby an easy conversion. A pre-planned switch in play put Mc Hugh in again after 30 mins and Roby obliged once again as half time approached. This prompted a sustained attack by the visitors resulting in a smartly taken try from a kick and collect by substitute Nick Welch. Scrum, Half Jimmy Mercer converted to bring Upton back in the game at 12 - 6 at half time

In a torrid, sometimes bad tempered, second half the Castleford team enjoyed long periods in possession playing down the slight slope and Orrell had to pull out all the stops to keep their line intact. Upton forced four consecutive drop outs late in the game and the St James' team were rocking. However a superb defensive display kept the visitors at bay. The ball was eventually lost in the home 20 and a great break by Callum Wood found the supporting McHugh who went in for his third try. Roby converted to put the game beyond doubt with only six mins. left.

A fine display by every member and excellent preparation for the Challenge Cup at home next Saturday
Dennis McHugh