HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS arlfc.......here to promote sport & serve the local community.

Return to index

Archived Match Reports U14's [Mar To Apr 2008]

02 Mar 08, Halton F H v's Wigan St Patrick's

09 Mar 08, Kells v's Halton F H BARLA NATIONAL CUP- SEMI FINAL

16 Mar 08, Halton F H v's Portico Vine

23 Mar 08, NO GAME - EASTER WEEKEND

30 Mar 08, Halton F H v's Golborne Parkside

02 Apr 08, Wigan St Patrick's v's Halton F H

06 Apr 08, Portico Vine v's Halton F H

09 Apr 08, Blackbrook v's Halton F H

13 Apr 08, Wigan St Cuthbert's v's Halton F H

15 April 08, Wigan St Cuthberts v's Halton F H v's

05 May 08, Halton F H v's Castleford Lock Lane BARLA NATIONAL CUP - FINAL

02 Mar 08, Halton F H v's Wigan St Patrick's

This was a meeting of the only two unbeaten teams in the NWC U14’s Premier League and Hornets avenged their defeat by St Pats in the NWC Cup Semi Final by grinding out a well deserved win.

With the wind making playing conditions difficult this was never going to be a classic free flowing game. The closeness of the score made it a tense affair and both teams deserve credit, as the intensity of the game never dropped.

Hornets started well and applied immediate pressure to the St Pats line and after only four minutes, Dominic Speakman found Ryan O’Brien who appeared to be held near the line but he expertly twisted in the tackle to fall over the line for the opening score.

Hornets continued to dominate but the St Pats defence held strong but after eleven minutes, they were found guilty of a high tackle on Mark Percival and Andrew Sheridan slotted over the penalty.

This seemed to spark St Pats who began to test the Hornets and after fifteen minutes, a good run down the left saw them tackled just short of the line. Good hands then created an overlap on the right for a well worked try.

With no further score in the first half, it remained to be seen if St Pats could take advantage of the wind which would be slightly in their favour in the second half.

As in the first half, the Hornets started brightly and Keiron Conroy appeared to have scored in the corner but was judged not to have grounded the ball properly.

Wigan St Pats rallied but the Hornets defence was superb nullifying their half backs who, in their previous encounter, had caused problems for the Hornets. Employing an excellent kicking game, the Hornets pinned St Pats in their own half but as the game neared its conclusion it became clear that the next score would be all important.

Despite both teams harshly losing a player to the sin bin, defences could not be unlocked and Hornets hung on for a great win.

In their previous encounter, Hornets lost by two points and therefore it is clear that there is not much to choose between the two sides. It would be a great advert for NWC if both teams can meet each other in the BARLA National Cup Final.

HFH U14’s have landed another away trip in the BARLA National Cup, this time having to travel to Kells to play their Semi Final, while Wigan St Patrick’s have to travel to Castleford Lock Lane.

Best wishes go to both NWC teams for the Semi-Finals play-offs next week.

Tries Scored:
Ryan O’Brien – 1

Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan

Awards:
Top tacklers were Dominic Speakman, Lewis Whitty, Andrew Wainwright and Alex Clare.

Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 06 verses WIGAN ST PATRICK’S (U14’s) 04

HFH U14’s Team:
Jack Owens, Will Hughes, Mark Percival, Andrew Sheridan, Keiron Conroy, Dominic Speakman, Lewis Hulme, Andrew Wainwright, Steven Ball, Lewis Whitty, Ryan O’Brien, Alex Clare, Jack Buck

Substitutes:
Luke Jones, Nick Rigby, Nathan Dolan, Andrew Crooks and George McGrogan

09 Mar 08, Kells v's Halton F H BARLA NATIONAL CUP- SEMI FINAL

BARLA NATIONAL CUP – SEMI FINAL

What A Win!

HFH U14’s proudly marched into the BARLA National Cup FINAL with a great win at Cumbrian side Kells (Whitehaven).

It was the proverbial game of two halves with the strong wind being the decisive factor. Kells played with the wind in the first half and forced Hornets to defend straight from the kick off. Hornets uncharacteristically made many errors and they had to defend in numbers to keep the home team from scoring.

Will Hughes was forced to kick the ball dead after three minutes and the Hornets found it tough going as the hail bounced down at this ‘cliff top’ location.

After thirteen minutes, Kells pounced on a Hornets error to score near the posts and it looked as though they would add to their lead but resolute tackling by the Hornets players kept Kells at bay.

Hornets were struggling to get out of their own half of the field but just before half time, Dominic Speakman made a strong run to relieve the HFH u14’s line. From the resulting play the ball, Steven Ball dived over and with Andrew Sheridan adding the conversion, the scoreboard read 06 – 06 at half time.

Hornets knew that they had the conditions in their favour in the second half and it was Kells who now began to make the errors. After six minutes, Kells knocked on trying to clear their line. From the resulting play, good ball handling by the Hornets saw the ball travel along the line until it reached Andrew Sheridan, who broke the tackle to score a well worked try.

From this point on, the Hornets began to totally dominated territory wise but could not breach an excellent home defence. With only one score in it, Hornets knew they could not relax.

The last five minutes of the game was nail biting as the home side rallied for one last effort but they were unable to penetrate the Hornets defensive line, which produced a tremendous tackling stint.

Whilst this was a great team effort, special mentions must go to Dominic Speakman, Lewis Whitty and Andrew Wainwright who laid the foundations for this great win.

After being drawn away in every round of the BARLA Nation Cup, and having travelled to Dewsbury, Port Talbot, Warrington and now Whitehaven, the HFH U14’s fully deserve their place in the BARLA National Cup Final.

They will now face Castleford Lock Lane, who put out Wigan St Patrick’s in the other Semi Final.

The HFH U14’s will now carry the flag for the North West Counties and the HFH Club with pride and hope to bring the BARLA National Cup back to Wilmere Lane Sports Ground, Widnes - home of the Halton Farnworth Hornets arlfc.

The BARLA National Cup will take place at SOUTH LEEDS STADIUM on MONDAY 5th MAY 2008 (May Day Bank Holiday).

Spectators are most welcome to join the HFH U14’s on another away trip but this time to the BIG Final itself. Please contact John Crooks or Paul Hulme for further information.

Tries Scored:
Steven Ball and Andrew Sheridan – 1 each

Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan - 1

Awards:
Top tacklers were Dominic Speakman, Mark Percival, Andrew Wainwright and Alex Clare.

Final Score:
KELLS (U14’s) 06 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 10

HFH U14’s Team:
Jack Owens, Will Hughes, Mark Percival, Andrew Sheridan, Keiron Conroy, Dominic Speakman, Lewis Hulme, Andrew Wainwright, Steven Ball, Lewis Whitty, Nathan Dolan, Alex Clare, Jack Buck

Substitutes:
Luke Jones, Nick Rigby and Andrew Crooks

16 Mar 08, Halton F H v's Portico Vine

HFH U14’s almost extinguished Portico’s title hopes with a great performance that sees them remain unbeaten in their league campaign.

The strong wind threatened to be a factor in the game but Hornets did not let it bother them as they played into it in the first half. Hornets were immediately on the offensive but the Portico line held firm however after nine minutes, a strong run by Andrew Wainwright set up an attacking position. Andrew Sheridan was then tackled just short of the line and from the play the ball, Alex Clare dived over.

Hornets continued to try and press home their advantage but their eagerness resulted in handling errors and with only a slender lead, Portico were still in the game.

With only three minutes to go to half time, the turning point was reached! Dominic Speakman produced a shuddering tackle which dislodged the ball from a Portico forward, and Jack Buck scooped up the ball to race twenty five yards for a try under the posts. Sheridan converted and Hornets took a 10 - 00 lead into the half-time break.

With the wind now at their backs, Hornets made early inroads into the Portico defence and Speakman was denied an early try. But their next score didn’t take long when Speakman launched a big kick downfield and Andrew Wainwright showed remarkable pace to outstrip the Portico players, collect the ball and reach over for the touchdown. Sheridan added a difficult conversion and Hornets were now in control.

Mark Percival then broke from his own half with a great dummy and run but his pass out to the wing could not be collected.

Hornets were regularly forcing Portico back in their own half with a good kicking game and an Alex Clare punt down field, saw Keiron Conroy show some neat football skills to score in the corner.

With three minutes to go, Portico scored after some rare pressure on the Hornets line.

After some difficult recent games, this could have proved an awkward match for the HFH U14’s but they deserve credit for a wonderful disciplined and defensive performance, which set the platform for some good attacking play.

Tries Scored:
Alex Clare, Jack Buck, Andrew Wainwright and Keiron Conroy - 1 each

Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan - 2

Awards:
Top tacklers were Alex Clare, Lewis Whitty and Steven Ball

Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 20 verses PORTICO PANTHERS (U14’s) 04

HFH U14’s Team:
Jack Owens, Luke Jones, Mark Percival, Andrew Sheridan, Keiron Conroy, Dominic Speakman, Lewis Hulme, Andrew Wainwright, Steven Ball, Lewis Whitty, Nathan Dolan, Alex Clare, Jack Buck

Substitutes:
George McGrogan, Nick Rigby, Andrew Crooks and Ryan O’Neill

23 Mar 08, NO GAME - EASTER WEEKEND

NO GAME - EASTER WEEKEND

30 Mar 08, Halton F H v's Golborne Parkside

Playing their first match after the Easter break, an injury hit HFH U14’s put in a good performance to beat a determined Golborne side.

The match started with a Golborne error but from the scrum, Hornets also knocked on and the early chance was lost. Golborne then produced a flowing sixty yard movement up the right wing which resulted in a try under the posts and Hornets found themselves six points down after only four minutes.

This spurred Hornets on and they soon had the opposition defending, and after forcing an error twenty yards from the Golborne line, good passing saw Alex Clare somehow collect the ball behind his back to score wide out.

Four minutes later, Hornets were awarded a penalty sixty yards out. The ball was passed out to the Centres where Andrew Wainwright scattered would be Golborne tacklers aside, to race forty five yards for a superb try.

Andrew Sheridan converted and Hornets were now 10 - 06 in front after twelve minutes.

The HFH U14’s increased the lead further when an up-and-under was fumbled by the Golborne Full Back, and Alex Clare pounced to score his second try. Sheridan again converted and Hornets went into the break with a 10 point lead.

Second half, and Golborne knew that they had to score the next try. This is exactly what they did with another long range effort.

HFH U14’s players were struggling with injuries and the Hornets had to hang on. Wainwright then produced a bone shaking tackle to bring about a Golborne knock-on and from the resulting scrum, Hornets pressure saw Dominic Speakman score.

Hornets were now in control and after thirteen minutes of the second half, good passing and offloading in the tackles put Lewis Whitty under the posts and Sheridan converted.

Hornets continued to go forward and a long kick downfield was chased by Dominic Speakman and it was his presence that forced the Golborne Full Back to knock-on. Dominic Speakman gratefully picked up the ball to feed Lewis Whitty for his second try in four minutes and Andrew Sheridan converted once again to complete the scoring.

Whilst the score line gives the impression that this was a comfortable win, Golborne were a big mobile side and in particular their Stand Off and Loose Forward caused Hornets problems.

However once again, it was the Hornets defence and their unquestionable desire to win the game which kept their unbeaten league record intact.

Tries Scored:
Lewis Whitty and Alex Clare - 2 each
Andrew Wainwright and Dominic Speakman – 1 each

Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan - 4

Awards:
Top tacklers were Andrew Wainwright, Alex Clare and Lewis Whitty

Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 32 verses GOLBORNE PARKSIDE (U14’s) 12

HFH U14’s Team:

Jack Owens, Luke Jones, Keiron Conroy, Andrew Sheridan, Nick Rigby, Dominic Speakman, Lewis Hulme, Andrew Wainwright, Steven Ball, Lewis Whitty, Andrew Crooks, Alex Clare, Jack Buck.

Substitutes:
None

02 Apr 08, Wigan St Patrick's v's Halton F H

In a pulsating game at Clarington Park against Wigan St Patricks, a drop goal five minutes from time sealed the game and ensured Hornets had one hand on the championship trophy.

Previous meetings between the top two clubs had seen no more than two points between them and a close exciting game was expected - it didn’t disappoint!

Hornets tore into St Pats from the start and the Wigan team somehow repelled the marauding Hornets forwards. After going close on two occasions, the Hornets were awarded a penalty following a high tackle and they swung the ball out to the left where Andrew Wainwright used his strength to carry two tacklers over the line to score in the corner.

It was all Hornets but at some time the class of St Pats would show and on fourteen minutes, a great forty yard break threatened to break the Hornets defence but the chance went begging. A minute later, a high kick from Dominic Speakman was dropped by the St Pats winger and from the resulting scrum good passing saw Andrew Sheridan force his way over wide out.

Despite all their pressure, Hornets knew that an eight point lead was not enough and it was important that they kept St Pats out before the break.

However with what seemed like their only visit to the Hornets twenty five, the home team scored an all important try on the stroke of half time to make the interval score 04 – 08.

The second half was a reversal of the first with Hornets rarely breaking out of their own half and after six minutes, St Pats created space on the right and a lovely flowing movement saw them score in the corner.

With the teams locked at eight points apiece and the home side looking threatening every time they had the ball, it seemed that Hornets would lose their unbeaten record but tremendous defence continually kept out the big Wigan side.

Speakman’s kicking started to drive Hornets forward and at last they managed to get in the opposition half, and with five minutes left, they worked the ball right and then back to the middle where Andrew Sheridan calmly dropped the all important one pointer. However there was still plenty of time for St Pats to snatch the game and they threw everything at Hornets. Desperate passing on the last tackle almost saw them break through the Hornets defences but once again the resolute Hornets held firm to secure a fantastic result.

This game was a credit to Rugby League and all the players deserve congratulating on producing a match, which was worthy of what had been called the “Title Decider”.

With three matches left, Hornets still have to win two more games to make sure that the title is theirs but this great win will give them added confidence that they can finish the season top of the league.

Tries Scored:
Andrew Wainwright and Andrew Sheridan – 1 each

Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan – 1dg

Awards:
Top tacklers were Alex Clare, Lewis Whitty, Dominic Speakman and Mark Percival.

Final Score:
WIGAN ST PATRICKS (U14’s) 08 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 09

HFH U14’s Team:
Jack Owens, Luke Jones, Mark Percival, Andrew Sheridan, Keiron Conroy, Dominic Speakman, Lewis Hulme, Lewis Whitty, Steven Ball, Andrew Crooks, Andrew Wainwright, Alex Clare, Jack Buck

Substitutes:

Nick Rigby and Keiron Butterworth

06 Apr 08, Portico Vine v's Halton F H

HFH U14’s lost their unbeaten league record against a Portico team who they had convincingly beaten only a fortnight ago. However this was a patched up Hornets side who clearly were suffering from the massive effort they had put into their midweek victory over Wigan St Patricks.

The match started with Hornets pegged back on their own line after losing the ball but their defensive line held and they began to make inroads into the Portico half. After eight minutes, a good move down the left looked to have stopped when Hornets knocked on but the referee waved play on and Hornets whipped the ball out to Luke Jones on the wing who then scored in the corner.

Hornets then tried to increase their lead but poor handling and an unusually slack defence saw Portico claw their way back into the game. After eighteen minutes, Hornets were penalised close to their line and Portico immediately scored near to the posts which saw them take a two point lead.

With only two minutes to half time, Hornets kicked the ball down field and forced a Portico error. From the resulting scrum the ball was swung across the field were Andrew Sheridan sent Keiron Conroy racing into the corner to give Hornets a slender two point advantage at half time.

Hornets now found themselves playing up the slope in the second half and with further injuries beginning to take their toll, they found themselves struggling to make any inroads into the Portico half and it was the home side who looked more dangerous.

After nine minutes, Hornets conceded a further try when Portico pressure saw them score on the last tackle but there was plenty of time left for Hornets to ensure that they took one more step to the league title.

With seven minutes to go, it looked as though that moment had come when Andrew Wainwright burst through a tackle seventy five yards out and exploded up the right hand touchline for what seemed like a trademark try. However, great covering by Portico brought him down just short of the line. In their haste to catch the home team short in defence, Hornets lost the ball and their best chance of winning the game.

Although the last few minutes were frantic, Hornets could not find the fluency that had served them so well this season and the home side deservedly took the spoils.

Hornets needed to win two out of their last three games to win the league title but now they find themselves having to win both matches starting with a midweek night fixture on Wednesday 9th April, away to Blackbrook.

Providing they can learn from this defeat, and hopefully get players back from injury, there is no reason why Hornets cannot take the title they so richly deserve.

Tries Scored:

Luke Jones and Keiron Conroy – 1 each

Conversions:
None

Awards:
Top tacklers were Alex Clare, Lewis Whitty, Mark Percival, Steve Ball and Andrew Wainwright

Final Score:
PORTICO VINE (U14’s) 10 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 08

HFH U14’s Team:
Jack Owens, Keiron Conroy, Mark Percival, Andrew Sheridan, Luke Jones, Alex Clare, Jack Buck, Lewis Whitty, Steven Ball, Nathan Dolan, Keiron Butterworth, Andrew Crooks, Andrew Wainwright

Substitutes:
Nick Rigby

09 Apr 08, Blackbrook v's Halton F H

A deserved hard fought victory against Blackbrook Royals now means that HFH U14’s need a win in their last game away to Wigan St Cuthbert’s, to give them the league title.

After their shock defeat to Portico, Hornets were able to field a much stronger squad for this game and they tore into Blackbrook from the very start, putting the home side on the back foot. After four minutes, Blackbrook were caught offside and Andrew Sheridan slotted over the penalty to give Hornets an early lead.

They continued to dominate possession and territory but despite some good play they could not turn their pressure into points. With seven minutes to the interval, Andrew Wainwright made a typical burst up the middle and was hauled down just short of the line.

Hornets were determined not to let this chance go by and they quickly moved the ball right for Keiron Butterworth to score his first try for the club. This seemed to spark the home team and Hornets spent the rest of the first half defending their narrow lead.

After being caught offside, Blackbrook scored a good try in the left hand corner and after further consistent acting play by Blackbrook, the half time whistle went giving Hornets a slender two point advantage.

The second half saw the introduction of Dominic Speakman and after two minutes, good play by the Hornets gave them a platform from which Dominic Speakman created a try in the corner for Andrew Sheridan.

With only a six point lead, Hornets could still not breathe easily and the home side rallied but could not pierce a Hornets defence which was back to its best.

Now with ten minutes remaining, Hornets produced the best move of the game, which went through seven pairs of hands, but unfortunately it came to nothing and the game was still on a knife-edge.

Blackbrook were now starting to become frustrated and the game threatened to boil over. After some hard work by Mark Percival, he was on the receiving end of a nasty high tackle. When order was restored, Hornets continued to attack and a minute later, the referee penalised Blackbrook for offside and Sheridan kicked a good penalty to calm the Hornets nerves.

With no further scoring, Hornets had beaten Blackbrook for the third time this season and now travel to Wigan St Cuthbert’s this Sunday, in the hope of winning and becoming League Champions.

Tries Scored:
Keiron Butterworth and Andrew Sheridan – 1 each

Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan – 2 penalties

Awards:
Top tacklers were Alex Clare, Lewis Whitty and Mark Percival

Final Score:
BLACKBROOK ROYALS (U14’s) 04 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 12

HFH U14’s Team:
Jack Owens, Keiron Butterworth, Andrew Sheridan, Keiron Conroy, Will Hughes, Mark Percival, Jack Buck, Lewis Whitty, Steven Ball, Ryan O’Brien, Andrew Crooks, Andrew Wainwright, Alex Clare

Substitutes:
Nick Rigby, Dominic Speakman, Luke Jones, Nathan Dolan and George McGrogan

13 Apr 08, Wigan St Cuthbert's v's Halton F H

For this final league fixture of the current season, a victory by HFH U14's would have crowned them NWC Under 14's Premier League Champions.

Unfortunately, due to CONTROVERSIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, the fixture was 'called off'.

This fixture is now scheduled to be played TUESDAY 15th April 2008, with an evening kick-off to be advised.

15 April 08, Wigan St Cuthberts v's Halton F H v's

Halton Farnworth Hornets U14’s

Premier League Champions 2008

[And still the BARLA National Cup FINAL to follow!]

HFH U14’s were crowned the Premier League Champions as they secured the all important win at Wigan St Cuthbert’s. They knew that any slip up would have meant a play off against Wigan St Patricks but Hornets were in no mood to extend the season any further. So they turned in an impressive first half performance to ensure the Premier League Champion Trophy was theirs.

Electing to play down the slope and with the breeze behind them, the Hornets dominated from the start and it was only a matter of time before they opened the scoring.

After seven minutes, St Cuthbert’s were forced to kick the ball dead and from the resulting drop out, Hornets edged their way towards the line before sending the ball wide on the left for Andrew Wainwright to score. Andrew Sheridan converted superbly and Hornets were on their way.

From the re-start, Hornets produced some tremendous handling and passing skills for Mark Percival to score wide out on the right. With the opposition not being able to offer much resistance, Hornets confidence grew and they began to play some entertaining rugby.

Andrew Wainwright made a great thirty five yard break, which nearly led to another score but then some Hornets great tackling forced a St Cuthbert’s knock on. From the scrum, Andrew Sheridan went close; quickly the ball was given to the marauding Lewis Whitty who scored under the posts. Sheridan converted and with eight minutes to the break, Hornets were 00 - 16 up and in total control.

However they did not let up and on the stroke of half time, they scored two tries which effectively won them the game.

Once again the home side couldn’t cope with the ferocious tackling and this lead to St Cuthbert’s knocking on. From the scrum, the ball was swiftly moved wide for Will Hughes to score and for Andrew Sheridan to successfully kick the conversion from the touchline.

Hornets then produced some champagne rugby and excellent handling saw Andrew Wainwright pass the ball to Alex Clare who in turn, gave Will Hughes his second try.

With a half time lead of 00 – 26, the Hornets must have thought the league was theirs.

Second half, and Hornets were now not only facing the heavy pitch but they faced playing up the slope and into the breeze. It was important that they did not concede an early try.

However, this is exactly what happened and just after five minutes of the restart, the St Cuthbert’s Stand Off darted past four would be tacklers to score near the posts.

This was the wakeup call that Hornets needed and three minutes later, a lovely Ryan O’Brien pass sent Lewis Whitty away. Some good defensive tackling hauled him down just short of the line. A quick play-the-ball sent wide where Andrew Sheridan scored despite the efforts of the home defenders.

There was no further scoring in the remaining twenty minutes but Wigan St Cuthbert’s never gave up and made sure that Hornets could at no time relax.

The final whistle was greeted with scenes of celebration as the league season ended with the HFH U14’s proudly claiming top spot.

This has been a tremendous campaign and congratulations must go to Paul Hulme and John Crooks for giving the players the platform from which to go out and express themselves each week. It has certainly brought dividends.

There is now only one game left……........the BARLA National Cup - Final, against Castleford Lock Lane on Monday 5th May. This will be played at the South Leeds Stadium, and the kick-off will be 2:00pm.

Let’s hope more silverware will be making its way to Wilmere Lane Sports Ground – “HOME” of the Halton Farnworth Hornets.

Tries Scored:
Will Hughes - 2
Andrew Wainwright, Mark Percival and Andrew Sheridan – 1 each

Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan – 3

Awards:
Top tacklers were Alex Clare, Andrew Speakman and Andrew Wainwright

Final Score:
WIGAN ST CUTHBERTS (U14’s) 06 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 30

HFH U14’s Team:
Jack Owens, Keiron Butterworth, Keiron Conroy, Andrew Sheridan, Will Hughes, Dominic Speakman, Mark Percival, Lewis Whitty, Steven Ball, Ryan O’Brien, Andrew Wainwright, Alex Clare, Jack Buck

Substitutes:
Nick Rigby, Andrew Crooks, Luke Jones, Nathan Dolan, Lewis Hulme

05 May 08, Halton F H v's Castleford Lock Lane BARLA NATIONAL CUP - FINAL

Halton Farnworth Hornets U14’s

Premier League Champions 2008

and now they are also...

BARLA National Youth Cup Winners 2008

BARLA NATIONAL CUP – played at South Leeds Stadium.

A new name is on the BARLA Under14’s National Youth Cup after Halton Farnworth Hornets defeated Castleford Lock Lane of the Yorkshire Junior League at the South Leeds Stadium.

Hornets started more confidently but good Castleford defence plus nervous handling errors saw chances go begging. As both sides battled for the vital first score Hornets benefited from Lock Lane’s indiscipline on twelve minutes following two quick fire penalties, the latter of which saw hooker Steven Ball drive through from the play the ball for a trademark try.

Four minutes later, his opposite number Sean Mills knocked on three metres from the line following a penalty for offside. It proved a lifeline for Halton who on the following set went downfield and two good breaks from Andrew Wainwright and Mark Percival set up a good attacking position.

Quick hands across the field saw centre Andrew Sheridan beat his opposite number for a great try and his touchline conversion to make it 00 - 10.

Lock Lane tried to get back in the game but they could not break a resolute Hornets defence and their ferocious tackling forced an error just twenty yards from the Castleford try line. This resulted in Percival crossing the whitewash only to see the try disallowed for a forward pass but Hornets did not have to wait long for another opportunity. With two minutes to half time, enterprising play on the last tackle saw Lewis Whitty score and Sheridan converted to put Hornets sixteen points clear at the break.

If Hornets thought they had the game won then Lock Lane had other ideas and the opening five minutes of the half turned the game on its head. From the restart Hornets kicked the ball dead and following another penalty Lock Lane scrum half Gareth Kirk passed outside to stand off Bradley Williamson to score out wide in the opening minute.

Lock Lane gained the momentum and following more indiscipline the score line became 10 - 16 four minutes later.

A superb attack saw the ball quickly moved out to winger Kalum Ainsworth who sprinted down the wing beating three defenders before scoring in the corner for the try of the game with Williamson adding the extras.

Hornets had to defend bravely as Lock Lane sensed that they could snatch the game but Hornets scored the decisive try twelve minutes from time following a superb thirty metre break by Witty. Two tackles later Lock Lane were in disarray as Hornets had a four man overlap and second row forward Ryan O’Brien drove over from close range for a converted try.

Lock Lane battled to get back into the game trying to keep the ball alive to find space but this proved to be their undoing as it went to ground forty five metres from their own line. Hornets prop Andrew Wainwright picked up the loose ball and accelerated away to score his side’s fifth and final converted try.

When the whistle went, it signalled the end of a great season for the HFH U14’s who have completed a fantastic double of the Premier League and National Youth Cup.

Further good news followed as Andrew Sheridan was announced ‘Man of the Match’ and he proudly received his award from Rugby League legend Andy Gregory.

It has been a superb season for the HFH U14’s and consequently for the HFH Club as a whole. Congratulations go to all the HFH U14’s playing squad and to coaches Paul Hulme and John Crooks for a tremendous effort.

The parents have played their part to, following the team around the country and their support has been invaluable to the players. All round, it has been a true ‘Team’ affair.

Tries Scored:
Steven Ball, Andrew Sheridan, Lewis Whitty, Ryan O’Brien and Andrew Wainwright – 1 each

Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan – 4

Awards:
Top tacklers were Alex Clare, Dominic Speakman and Andrew Wainwright

Final Score:
CASTLEFORD LOCK LANE (U14’s) 10 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 28

HFH U14’s Team:
1. Jack Owens
19. Will Hughes
4. Andrew Sheridan
3. Mark Percival
16. Keiron Conroy
13. Dominic Speakman
7. Lewis Hulme
8. Andrew Wainwright
9. Stephen Ball
10. Lewis Witty
11. Ryan O’Brien
12. Alex Clare
6. Jack Buck

Substitutes:
14. Andrew Crooks
2 George McGrogan
18. Nathan Dolan
5. Luke Jones