Hornets best in town final clash
HFH .............................................40 WIDNES TIGERS ......................14 ALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS brought the curtain down on a fantastic season when they lifted the Widnes Cup after overcoming a gallant challenge from the Tigers.
Hornets made the breakthrough when they moved the ball out wide allowing Mike Gill to break a couple of tackles and race over from 30 yards.
Andy Owens converted to put Hornets 6-0 ahead.
The Tigers didn’t let the setback dishearten them and were soon rewarded when Jack Salter crossed and, with Paddy Naughton converting, the scores were level.
This was to inspire a purple patch for the Tigers who dominated the next 10 minutes and it was no surprise when Salter added his second try, Naughton again converting to put Tigers 12-6 ahead.
Hornets were back in the game shortly before half-time when winger Tom Swift finished well to reduce the arrears to 12-10.
With the clock running down on the first half Tigers chose to kick for goal from a penalty and Naughton had no trouble con-
H● verting v to put Tigers 14-10 up.
Hornets knew they needed t the first score in the second half and they got it with a great move as Andy Owens, Mike Gill and Will Tilleke combined to put Nathan Lyon in at the corner. Owens hit a magnificent conversion and Hornets took a lead they would not surrender.
Two tries in a 10-minute spell f from Ant Hollins and Lewis Whitty took the game away from the Tigers. Owens converted both and Hornets were 28-14 in ● front. Swift raced onto a bouncing ball before releasing Owens for an amazing try. Owens converted before Hornets captain Ryan Kershaw crashed over for the final try, Owens’ sixth conversion bringing the final score to 40-14, which was a little harsh on the Tigers.
North Wales Crusaders coach Mike Grady was man of the match adjudicator and he nominated Hornets second row Will Tilleke – a fitting end to his first season in open age rugby.