Westhoughton Lions U9s: 14 Burtonwood Bulldogs U9s: 12

BOTH teams put on a tremendous display of junior rugby league in a thrilling encounter between these two well-matched sides.

The Bulldogs Forward were excellent and continued to make the hard yards throughout the game.

They were matched by what can only be described as a superb defensive effort from the whole Lions team.

Burtonwood eventually managed to breach the Lions' defence with a converted try, however, the Lions replied almost immediately as Man of the Match Ben Fairhurst scooted from the acting half back position to cross the Bulldogs try-line, only to be held up on his back by some very good defence.

The restart saw the Lions in a great field position with six more plays to go, when Fairhurst scooted from the ruck to the open side to pass to centre James Haydock, who then drove straight through the Bulldogs defensive line to score the Lions' first try. Fairhurst kicked the conversion to bring both teams level at half-time.

In the second half, the Bulldogs once again took the lead with their second converted try and that was to be their final score of the match.

From then on, the Lions' defence was to remain rock solid with some excellent tackling from Top Tackler Jayden Sandford, Michael Brett, Most Improved Player Sam Dale and Golden Moment winner Mark Scoles.

The Lions kept out several Bulldog counter attacks before Prop Andrew Newton drove through the Burtonwood defensive line to score a great try.

Unfortunately, the try was not converted and with the Lions trailing 10-12 the last five minutes became desperate.

The Lions forced the turnover 10 metres out from their own try-line and from the resulting play of the ball, Andrew Newton drove the ball forward before passing to David Parkinson, who broke through the Bulldogs line and run the length of the field to score.

Again, the try was not converted and the Lions had to defend for yet another Burtonwood set of six before the referee blew the final whistle.

Ince St. Williams U8s: 34 Westhoughton Lions U8s: 28

THE Lions U8s were outstanding and played some very determined rugby against this well established club side.

Ince were clearly rattled by a tremendous display of attacking rugby league from Alex Davidson, Matthew Crow and Joe Doris.

Man of the Match Davidson scored a hat-trick of tries, two converted by Doris and Crow added two more tries to the Lions tally, one converted by Davidson and the other by Top Tackler Matthew Veal.

Newcomer Chris Taylor had a great game as did Most Improved Player Jake Ramsden.

With only two minutes to go, the scoreline was level but some tired Lions tackling allowed Ince in for the winning try. Golden Moment: Matthew Crow.

Widnes St. Maries U12s: 36 Westhoughton Lions U12s: 4

THE Lions U12s played much better than the scoreline would suggest, as this was the very first match for an almost brand new squad of Lions U12s players.

At half time, the Lions were still very much in the game as the first half ended 14-4 in favour of Widnes.

The bright spot of the Lions' first half was a good run from the acting half-back position by Golden Moment winner Dale Forrest, who put the ball down in the corner to keep the Lions in the game. Unfortunately, the try was not converted.

The second half saw some excellent forward play from new player and Man of the Match Leon Ramsden and some excellent tackling from Carl Cunningham, Most Improved Player Michael McCoy and Top Tackler John Veal.

However, it was not enough to keep Widnes from scoring four second-half tries.

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