Westhoughton Lions 20 Leigh Message Board 20

AFTER 11 years as juniors, the Lions finally joined the big boys as the open age team had their first competitive runout at Culcheth.

The game lived up to expectations as it was tough and skilful in parts despite the cold, gloomy conditions and a sticky pitch.

The Lions’ first-ever open age try was scored by Neil Kitson, who bagged another and he was followed over the line by Matt Gill and Mike Summer.

For those who have been with the club for many years it was a proud day, with a full squad of 17 senior players in Lions shirts.

With new changing facilities in the pipeline, the future looks bright with the Lions now having something for junior players to aspire to.

Westhoughton Lions U18 46 Shevington Sharks U18 4

Although Shevington conceded 40 unanswered first half points they went away with a tremondous amount of credit.

The Lions were never troubled early on with tries from Jayden Sandford (2), Jack Beck, Ryan Brierley, David Parkinson, Phil Meadowcroft, and man-of-the-match Rik Wilcox, with six conversions from Brierley taking the Lions into a 40-point lead at the break.

A spirited second-half show from the Wigan side prevented the Lions running up an even larger score and it was only a try from Phil Slyn, converted by Brierley, that took the final score to 46, with Shevington getting a well-deserved try in at the corner.

Shevington Sharks U12 32 Westhoughton Lions U12 6

The scoreline in this Lancashire Cup second round tie suggests otherwise, but the Lions ccould be proud of their efforts against a team from a higher division on an almost unplayable pitch in wet, windy and muddy conditions.

The game was in the balance at half time with Shevington ahead by only two points after taking the lead early on before being pegged back by an Aidan Mann try, converted by Chris Brownlow, following a sharp break by Scott Broderick.

Sharks scored again but the Lions would have been ahead at the interval if Kieran Atherton had been awarded what looked a good try.

The second half was one-sided as the Lions suffered in the poor weather, allowing the stronger Wigan side to close out the game.

Westhoughton Lions U11 22 Chorley Panthers U11 28

AFTER registering their first win of the season last week, the U11s gave another exceptional performance.

They scored their first try after just five minutes of a fast and friendly game which was enjoyed by players and spectators alike The Lions’ attack was as impressive as usual, and while their defence still needs a little work it shows significant signs of improvement.

Tries were scored by Richard Pimblett (2), Callum Moores, Connor Evans, and David Pearson who scored the first of what is sure to be many tries as the team grows in strength and confidence.

The player of the match award went to Dillon Chesney, spectators award went to Declan Burke and the most improved player award went to William Barker.