Super Lions maul rivals

Westhoughton Lions were simply outstanding and tackled Cuthberts to a standstill.

Both teams kept each other out for the first few sets of six before Cuthberts opened the scoring with a fine try. However, it was to be their last of the game as Westhoughton tightened their defence and went on to dominate.

The re-start saw the Lions' forwards, particularly Andrew Newton, Ceiran Podmore, James Haydock and Michael Brett, drive the ball in hard to put Westhoughton 10 metres out from the Wigan tryline. Excellent off-loads, passing and handling from Cieran Podmore, David Parkinson and Ben Fairhurst, resulted in James Haydock opening the scoring for the Lions.

The Lions excellent defence put Cuthberts under enormous pressure, which eventually caused the Wigan outfit to make a series of handling errors and lose possession of the ball.

The Lions' backs, in particular Jayden Sandford, Sam Dale, Mark Scoles, Chris Harrison and Callum Thornley, all took the ball up field to give the forwards a rest and Nathan Blair almost crossed the line twice before being stopped short by some determined defence. Westhoughton's second first half try was scored by Ben Fairhurst after receiving a superb off-load from Cieran Podmore, to end the first half 8-4 to the Lions.

Hard work from the whole Westhoughton team meant that Cuthberts were unable to add to their try, whilst David Parkinson, Andrew Newton and man of the match Mark Scoles, playing in the acting half back position for the first time, were each able to score superb tries. Unfortunately, no posts were available for the conversions and the final score was 20-4 to Westhoughton.

Top Tackler: Cieran Podmore. Most Improved Player: Michael Brett. Golden Moment: Ben Fairhurst.

Any player wishing to join the Lions can obtain more information on 01942 818017.