Golden point wins Hornets silverware
● HALTON F HORNETS ................ 20 PILKS ‘A’ ....................................... 16
HORNETS’ open age outfit completed their NWML season in dramatic fashion with a golden point try from Joe Purcell winning the Grand Final over Pilks ‘A’ at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes.
It was always going to be a tight match with the three previous games this season all being close encounters – and this final showdown was no different.
The St Helens side had loaded their team with all available Conference players, as expected, and they dominated the first 20 minutes of the game.
Hornets struggled to complete their sets and were on the wrong side of the penalty count as the referee failed to let the game flow.
Hornets defence held firm until after a period of sustained pressure, Pilks worked an overlap to score the first try and take a 4-0 lead.
At last, Hornets started to turn the tables and test the Pilks defence with Danny Mellor and Dave Prescott driving down the middle and Craig Lawton and Ryan Kershaw making progress w wide out.
It was just on half-time when Hornets got their reward when captain Mellor forced his way over for the equalising try.
Lewis Hulme converted the score and Hornets were 6-4 ● ahead at the interval.
It was Hornets who struck first in the second half when Tom Swift finished in style in the corner. The conversion was unsuccessful but Hornets were ahead by 10-4.
Pilks are a strong side and they showed their mettle midway through the period with two quick tries, both converted, to put them 16-10 ahead.
With time running out, Hornets assaulted the Pilks’ line and Alex Smith spotted a gap to squeeze over to bring the score to 16-14. Hulme calmly added the extras to bring the teams level.
As time was running out, both teams attempted a match-winning drop goal but all efforts missed the target.
Then, with just seconds to go, Hornets were awarded a penalty.
With the last kick of normal time Hulme struck the ball well but agonisingly for Hornets it drifted inches wide of the target.
So it was now on to sudden death extra-time.
Pilks had the first possession but Hornets’ defence forced a turnover. Hornets drove the ball towards the St Helens sides line but little seemed possible when Purcell got hold of the ball.
However a lightning dart saw him go past three defenders and his chip to the line was perfect as he followed up to score the match-winning try and in the process write his name in Hornets history.
It was a fitting end to a tremendous game and just reward for the Hornets’ efforts throughout the year. Unfortunately only 17 can play in the final but the season’s efforts were all about an amazing squad, each one playing their part in this achievement.