Bears stay undefeated as they get the better of Hornets in tiring clash

HFH U10 24 West Bank Bears U10 54 THE unbeaten Bears travelled across town on Sunday to take on the confident Hornets youngsters in what was expected to be a real tussle between two talented teams.

The home side started stronger and were quickly six points up but the Bears meant business and replied with 28 points in an almost flawless first half attacking display.

Superb forward work from props Josh Swindley and Oliver Stankevitch, supported by Rueben Mafi and Michael Lawton in the back-row, gave the West Bank youngsters solid field position from which Harvey Bennett was able to distribute the ball from hooker to players in space on the edges.

Ruthless backs play from brothers Kian and Tyler McGann kept the scoreboard ticking over and an outstanding full length of the field try by centre Billy Keeley put the Bears clear.

The second half began with the Hornets’ second try as the away side failed to gather a kick, and Halton capitalised well.

But it was then more Bears pressure which saw the game go away from the hosts.

Half-backs Joshua Lawrenson and George Hughes were controlling the tempo of the game and rapid sets were catching Halton on the backfoot.

Strong dummy-half carries from Riley Webster, Daniel Owen and Lucas Hendry quickly saw the Bears get to their opponents’ line and further tries followed.

A final scoreline of 54-24 was a fair representation of the game and both sets of players can be proud of their efforts in what turned out to be a draining morning for all.