Bears U9s all shine at festival

WEST Bank Bears U9s performed superbly in the Portico Panthers junior rugby league festival, picking up three wins and a draw in what was a draining and challenging day.

Playing against the hosts Portico, Thatto Heath Crusaders, Golborne Parkside and Langworthy Reds, the youngsters all came away from the festival proudly displaying their medals after some outstanding individual and team performances.

Oliver Stankevitch, Ciaran Whyment and Declan Roberts all led from the front with strong carries down the middle, which set the platform for speedsters Lucas Hendry, George Hughes and Josh Lawrenson to get the tries.

Outstanding passing and link-up play throughout from Daniel Owen was a catalyst to the strong performances from the team, and with Riley Webster, Niall O’Neill and Todd Dennett also enjoying the freedom of the large pitch, some brilliant attacking rugby was on show.

It was not just all about attack, however, as the Bears gave just as good an account of themselves in defence with Oliver Stankevitch and Lucas Hendry providing the big hits and Daniel Owen and Joshua Lawrenson pulling off some brave cover tackles.

All of the games were closely-fought affairs but the class of the West Bank lads shone through when they needed to step up a gear, and the spectators were treated to some entertaining stuff.

A special mention goes to Riley Webster who managed to cross the whitewash for a brilliant solo effort, his first try of the season.

Try-scorers on the day were Joshua Lawrenson (3), Lucas Hendry (4), Oliver Stankevitch (3), Ciaran Whyment (1), Riley Webster (1), Niall O’Neill (1).