>Pendle Girls U12s: 34

Lionesses win Westhoughton Lionesses demonstrated that they are a force to be reckoned with in this, their first ever game.

Several Lions' players were away on holiday for this pre-season friendly against Pendle Panthers U12s and the Lions were always going to be up against it, however, they showed true grit and determination right through to the final whistle.

Pendle got off to a flying start and met with little opposition in the first 10 minutes from the inexperienced Lions defence, leaving the Lions trailing 16-0, until Woman of the Match Naomi Hossain began to take on the Panthers in every department as she made several barnstorming runs which cut through the Pendle defence and enabled her to score the Westhoughton Girls U12s first ever try. Naomi converted to get the Lions back on track and the game swung to and fro from then on.

Excellent support play by cting Half Back Donna Walsh and superb Forward play from Laura Miller and Lucy Westwell, resulted in Naomi getting another chance just 10 metres out from the Pendle line and she didn't disappoint, crashing over the tryline for her second.

The teams went in at half time with everything to play for with the scoreline reading 14-20 in Pendle's favour.

The second half was just as competitive and the Lions' defence got better as the game went on.

Top Tackler Donna Walsh was outstanding in defence, as was Naomi Hossain, who tackled hard throughout the game.

Most Improved Player Lucy Westwell and Golden Moment winner Laura Miller also played very well in defence and combined to bring down Pendle's big Prop Forward in a superb two 'man' tackle.

Laura Miller was outstanding in the Stand Off position and was instrumental in providing the link between the Lions' Forwards and Centres.

Hossain constantly drove right through the Pendle defence and was ably assisted by Walsh, Westwell and Miller, and the Lions' team were rewarded by two more Hossain tries.

Unfortunately, none were converted and the game ended 22-34 in Pendle's favour, however, the Lions' Girls can take away a lot of positives from this superb game.

Any girls in next year's school years 6 or 7 who wish to join Westhoughton Girls U12s, can obtain more information on 01942 818017.