Langworthy Reds U11s: 12, Westhoughton Lions U11s: 18

THE Lions U11s took the game to Langworthy from the outset with some hard driving runs from the whole Westhoughton forward pack.

Captain Alexander Leigh controlled the Lions' game throughout and some fine passing and handling resulted in a superb try for Jake Blair who, once he had his hands on the ball, sidestepped his way past several Langworthy defenders before placing the ball down over the Reds tryline and Tony Eaton converted with a fine kick.

The Reds fought back and Westhoughton were forced to work hard in defence throughout this low scoring game.

Top Tackler Jonathan Evans led from the front with some outstanding tackles and he was ably assisted in defence by the whole Westhoughton team and especially by Westhoughton Man of the Match John McCoy.

The Lions second try came from a fine individual effort from Alexander Leigh who ran from the Acting Half Back position to score. His try was converted by Ross Woodcock and the Lions were cruising to victory.

However, the Reds had other ideas and managed to score one converted try before half time to keep them in the game.

The second half was much more evenly balanced with one try apiece.

The Lions third try was scored by Jonathan Evans, who used his blistering pace to force his way through the Langworthy defence and score a brilliant try which was converted by Alexander Leigh. Most Improved Player: Michael Medley. Golden Moment: Tony Eaton.

Halton Hornets U9s: 32, Westhoughton Lions U9s: 6

THE Lions U9s played far better than the scoreline would suggest in this very tough encounter away at Widnes.

The first half was a battle between both sets of Forwards, with Widnes winning the argument with some fine driving runs into the teeth of a very determined Westhoughton defence.

However, the Lions continued to force the turnover and both teams had dug in for a bruising encounter when Halton broke the deadlock with a run from the Acting Half Back position which caught the Lions on the back foot.

Halton did it again on their next attack and the Lions had to dig deep to continue to defend hard.

Westhoughton succeeded in keeping the Halton forwards tryless throughout the game and it was the little half back who caused all the damage.

Unfortunately, the Lions defence leaked a third Halton try, again as a result of a run from the Acting Half Back to leave them trailing 18-0 at the interval.

The Lions were playing to a new game plan with two or three players playing in positions new to them and it showed, however, the Westhoughton forwards came out in the second half with a completely different attitude and drove the ball upfield until Man of the Match Ceiran Podmore bust through the heart of the Halton defence to score his first try of the season.

Ben Fairhurst's deadly boot kicked the conversion and the whole team was lifted as a result.

Halton failed to make headway in the second half as Westhoughton learned how to cope with the scoots from the Halton Acting Half Back, and Westhoughton started to throw the ball about with some confidence.

Unfortunately, a Halton defender managed to intercept a pass and ran in a long range converted try.

The Lions continued to battle hard and continued to force the turnover throughout, however, a spilled ball early on in the Lions tackle count was picked up by a Halton Centre who punished the mistake with their fifth try of the match.

The Lions never gave up and displayed great strength of character but some desperate play led to another Lions mistake in their own half and Halton were rewarded with their sixth and final try.

Top Tackler: Jayden Sandford. Most Improved Player: Christopher Harrison. Golden Moment: James Haydock.

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