Rearguard action key to triumph

Blackbrook U12 6 HFH U12 Reds 10 IN what was probably the toughest game the Reds have had this season, Hornets came away with a victory based almost entirely on their virtually flawless defence.

But for one small lapse in the rearguard at the beginning of the second half, the 14 players held out a dangerous, usually prolific Royals outfit.

In sweltering conditions, man-of-thematch, Harry Robertson produced two excellent tries after breaking numerous tackles to surge through.

The only conversion of the game was landed by Jake Davies.

Every player put their body on the line and the teamwork and sheer guts and determination on show were an absolute pleasure – if utterly heart-stopping – to watch.

HFH Greens U8 40 Burtonwood Bulldogs 32 HORNETS took an early lead when Malachy Arrowsmith drove to the line from close-range.

In a ding-dong game, Isaac O’Brian and Arrowsmith added further tries in response to three scores from Burtonwood.

In very hot conditions, the scores kept on coming with Billy Rowlands adding two tries along with singles from Cobie Scott and Luke Holland.

Arrowsmith rounded off a fine day when he added a third and then a fourth try.

Player-of-the-match honours deservedly went to Isaac O’Brian with top tackler Luke Holland.

New boy Noah Godwin was handed a wellearned coaches’ award.

HFH U12 Greens 10 Wigan St Cuthberts 12 THE Greens put on a great display in tough conditions and took a first half lead with tries from Tom Krause and Evan Milne with a Krause conversion making it 10-0.

Heroic defence was then shown, only for St Cuthberts to break the Hornets’ hearts with two converted tries to take the honours.

Despite the result Hornets were well served by man-of-thematch Lewis Lunt. Top tackler was Joe Shepard while Jack Campbell picked up the coaches’ accolade.