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| Archived 2007/2008 Match Reports U14's, U15's & Open Age |
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09 Sep 07, Leigh Miners Rangers v's Halton F H
HFH U14`s got off to a winning start to the season but was tested by newly promoted Leigh Miners rangers who showed that they could cause problems in the top division.
After four minutes HFH produced some good attacking play and inter-passing between Lewis Hulme and Mark Percival put Andrew Sheridan over for the first try of the game, which he was unable to convert from an acute angle.
Constant HFH pressure pinned Leigh in their half of the pitch and six minutes later an up-and-under from Lewis Hulme was caught by Sheridan who immediately offloaded for the supporting Andrew Wainwright to score. Sheridan converted and HFH were cruising at 00 - 10.
Good defence by Leigh kept HFH out and a clearing kick downfield changed the course of the game. HFH knocked on and from the resulting scrum Leigh strolled in under the posts. With three minutes remaining to the break, Leigh was back in the game. Half time came with Hornets hanging on.
Leigh came out the blocks in the second half and after stealing the ball they moved the ball out wide to score in the corner to level the scores. With HFH on the back foot, Leigh dominated the next ten minutes but with almost their first attack of the half, HFH were given a penalty when Leigh were caught offside. From the resulting penalty, Ryan O'Brien charged over with Sheridan converting.
HFH then made sure of victory when Dominic Speakman dummied and forced his way over with Sheridan converting once again.
A win is always encouraging in your first game of the season but HFH U14?s will have to play much better when they face last year's league winners Blackbrook in a fortnight.
Tries Scored:
Andrew Sheridan, Andrew Wainwright, Ryan O'Brien and Dominic Speakman - 1 each
Conversions:
Sheridan - 3
Tackles Made:
Top tacklers were Andrew Sheridan, Andrew Wainwright and Mark Percival
Awards:
Man of the Match: TBC
Top Tackler: TBC
Most Improved: TBC
Final Score:
LEIGH MINER RANGERS (U14`s) 10 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14`s) 22.
HFH U14's Team:
Jack Owens, George McGrogan, Keiron Conroy, Andrew Sheridan, Luke Jones, Mark Percival, Lewis Hulme, Andrew Wainwright, Steven Ball, Lewis Whitty, Ryan O'Brien, Dominic Speakman, Andrew Crroks.
Substitutes:
George McDonnell
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16 Sep 07, FREE WEEK
FREE WEEK
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23 Sep 07, Blackbrook Royals v's Halton F H
Awaiting information.
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30 Sep 07, Halton F H v's Oldham St Annes
In a devastating six minute spell, the HFH U14's scored three tries effectively settling this game but which everybody anticipated would be an evenly matched game.
Having not played for the last two weekends, the HFH's struggled to 'get-going' and back to their normal level of play and matters were not helped when the HFH U14's lost Scrum Half Lewis Hulme, who was carried off with a leg injury after only two minutes.
However, after ten minutes a long kick down field by Oldham was fielded by Luke Jones who made a great 50 yard break, which set-up the platform for Andrew Wainwright to score.
Two minutes later, Wainwright showed his remarkable pace and power by going 60 yards for his second try. Then it was the turn of Dominic Speakman who jinked past four Oldham players to score wide out.
With Andrew Sheridan converting all three tries Hornets were 18 - 00 and Wigan St Anne's looked demoralised.
To their credit though, the Oldham side regrouped and there was no further scoring until fourteen minutes into the second half when HFH capitalized on an Oldham lost ball and Jack Buck dummied to score under the posts.
With five minutes to go, Wainwright capped an impressive performance by rampaging through the Oldham St Anne's defence for his hat trick try. Sheridan converted again to make it five from five.
Hornets were rarely troubled and they will undoubtedly get better as the season progresses.
Tries Scored:
Andrew Wainwright - 3
Dominic Speakman and Jack Buck - 1 each
Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan - 5
Tackles Made:
Top tacklers were Andrew Wainwright, Alex Clare and Dominic Speakman
Awards:
Man of the Match: TBC
Top Tackler: TBC
Most Improved: TBC
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14's) 30 verses OLDHAM ST ANNE'S (U14's) 00
HFH U14's Team:
Jack Owens, Jack Buck, Alex Clare, Andrew Sheridan, Luke Jones, Mark Percival, Lewis Hulme (injured after two minutes), Andrew Wainwright, Steven Ball, Lewis Whitty, Ryan O'Brien, Dominic Speakman.
Substitutes:
Andrew Crooks, George McDonnell and George McGrogan
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07 Oct 07, Rochdale Mayfield v's Halton F H [NWC Challenge Cup - Round One]
North West Counties Cup Competition - Round One.
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HFH U14`s started the defence of the trophy they won last season with ease against a spirited lower league opponents in the form of Rochdale Mayfield. Hornets soon got the scoreboard ticking over when after two minutes; a flowing move saw Andrew Sheridan pick up a low pass to score wide out.
With Hornets in total command it was just a matter of time before they scored again and on eleven minutes, Dominic Speakman ran 35yds to score in the corner. Sheridan grazed the upright with the conversion but soon kicked his first conversion goal after Andrew Wainwright score a magnificent 40yd try, which saw him round the defence wide out before placing the ball under the posts.
The next try soon followed when a well judged kick from Speakman was collected by Sheridan, who raced in for his second try but he again failed to convert.
Sheridan should have had a third try but after crossing the line, he tried to improve the kicking angle but just as he was about to place the ball down, great commitment by the Mayfield player saw the ball dislodged.
On the stroke of half time Speakman ran 50yds for his second try and Hornets went into the break 24 - 00 up.
The second half saw Hornets determined to repeat the first half performance but in their enthusiasm to throw the ball about errors crept into the game. However after six minutes of constant pressure, Wainwright crossed for his second.
The impressive Ryan O?Brien then rampaged over from 25yds for a well deserved try. A lost ball 20yds out then saw panic in the Mayfield defence and Stephen Ball pounced to score.
With Sheridan converting all three tries, Hornets were 42 - 00 up with four minutes remaining. There was still time for one final score and after some good passing of the ball, it was eventually fed out to Keiron Conroy who gleefully dived over in the corner.
Hornets will certainly face harder games in this competition but there were encouraging signs which suggest that it will take a mighty effort to take the trophy from them.
Tries Scored:
Andrew Sheridan, Dominic Speakman, and Andrew Wainwright - 2 each
Steven Ball, Ryan O'Brien and Keiron Conroy - 1 each
Conversions:
Sheridan - 5
Tackles Made:
Top tacklers were Ryan O'Brien, Dominic Speakman and Jack Owens
Awards:
Man of the Match: TBC
Top Tackler: TBC
Most Improved: TBC
Final Score:
ROCHDALE MAYFIELD (U14`s) 00 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14`s) 46
HFH U14's Team:
Jack Owens, George McDonnell, Keiron Conroy, Andrew Sheridan, Luke Jones, Alex Clare, Jack Buck, Andrew Crooks, Andrew Wainwright, Steven Ball, Lewis Whitty, Ryan O'Brien, Dominic Speakman.
Substitutes:
Nathan Dolan and Georg McGrogan
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14 Oct 07, Halton F H v's Wigan St Cuthberts
This was a titanic struggle between two fully committed teams and the HFH U14`s emerged victorious thanks to the platform laid by their forwards along with the team's ferocious defence.
The opening exchanges were dominated by St Cuthbert`s who looked sharper but try as they might, they could not force their way over the HFH line.
After 12 minutes Hornets found themselves, for the first time, in their opponents 20m area, and on the last tackle,
Dominic Speakman put a short deft kick to the line which fooled everyone and he was on hand to pick up the ball and touch down. Andrew Sheridan converted and despite the Hornets forwards making important yards there was no more scoring in the first half.
The intensity did not lessen in the second half and it was clear that the next score would be very important. Speakman was agonisingly wide with a drop goal attempt, whilst a great kick down field by St Cuthbert`s saw their winger gather and streak down the touchline but unfortunately he had stepped into touch.
Further pressure by the Wigan side forced a drop out from Hornets which was gathered by Andrew Wainwright who broke 60 yards up-field. This led to Mark Percival reaching over to score but the referee harshly disallowed the score saying that Percival had not grounded the ball correctly.
With seconds ticking away Hornets attacked again and a long Jack Buck pass found Sheridan who scored in the corner. He was unable to convert his own try from the touchline but this didn`t matter; the game was now beyond the reaches of the brave Wigan side.
This was the HFH U14`s first biggest test of the season and they have not conceded any points in their last three games. This is a real testament to their defensive qualities and efforts applied.
Tries Scored:
Andrew Speakman and Andrew Sheridan - 1 each
Conversions:
Sheridan - 1
Tackles Made:
Top tacklers were Alex Clare, Ryan O'Brien and Andrew Wainwright
Awards:
Man of the Match: TBC
Top Tackler: TBC
Most Improved: TBC
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14`s) 10 verses WIGAN ST CUTHBERT`S (U14`s) 00
HFH U14's Team:
Jack Owens, George McDonnell, Keiron Conroy, Andrew Sheridan, Luke Jones, Alex Clare, Jack Buck, Nathan Dolan, Andrew Wainwright, Steven Ball, Lewis Whitty, Ryan O'Brien, Dominic Speakman.
Substitutes:
Mark Percival
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21 Oc t07, Wigan St Patricks v's Halton F H
Awaiting information.
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28 Oct 07, Golborne Parkside v's Halton F H
Hornets recorded their fourth successive win of the season without conceding a point in what was a tremendous team performance.
With two players away on representative duty and two others injured, the Hornets found themselves up against a much bigger team and with only thirteen available players. Nonetheless, every one of these thirteen players contributed to, and committed themselves to a fantastic performance in soggy conditions.
The Hornets tough tackling forced early errors on the Golborne`s attackers but the Golborne defence kept the Hornets at bay. Then up popped Steven Ball who dived over from a play the ball for a trademark try.
The Hornets then applied the pressure and a great Dominic Speakman break saw Keiron Conroy bundled into touch just fifteen yards short of the Golborne try line.
When the Hornets thought they had scored again after thirteen minute`s it was harshly ruled out by the referee for a knock on. However three minutes later, more pressure saw Mark Percival throw out a lovely pass to Conroy who scored in the corner. Andrew Sheridan converted from the touchline and the score remained at 00 - 10 until half time.
Golborne were struggling to break the fearsome Hornets defence and the next score was vital. It came in the first minute of the second period after a great Jack Buck kick downfield was swooped upon by Conroy who then scored wide out for his second try.
For the Hornets, Speakman, Ryan O`Brien and Alex Clare were outstanding in defence and attack and it came as no surprise that Hornets scored again. A great Speakman tackle forced the ball loose and the resulting pressure saw Jack Owens score.
Despite having no substitutes, the Hornets kept up the intensity right until the end when the Golborne`s defence cracked once again. Owens scored his second try, which was converted by Sheridan once again.
These was an outstanding team performance by the HFH U14`s who showed tremendous character and were determined to prevent their workmanlike opponents from scoring.
Tries Scored:
Keiron Conroy and Jack Owens - 2 each
Steve Ball - 1
Conversions:
Sheridan - 3
Tackles Made:
Top tacklers were Alex Clare, Ryan O'brien and Mark Percival
Awards:
Man of the Match: TBC
Top Tackler: TBC
Most Improved: TBC
Final Score:
GOLBORNE PARKSIDE (U14`s) 00 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14`s) 26
HFH U14's Team:
Jack Owens, George McDonnell, Keiron Conroy, Andrew Sheridan, Luke Jones, Mark Percival, Jack Buck, Alex Clare, Andrew Crooks, Steven Ball, Nathan Dolan, Ryan O'Brien, Dominic Speakman.
Substitutes:
None
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04 Nov 07, Portico v's Halton F H [NWC Challenge Cup - Round Two]
North West Counties Cup Competition - Round Two.
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This was a tremendous Lancashire Cup, Second Round tie, played in foggy conditions, and which only got concluded with five minutes of the game remaining.
The early exchanges were even but on approaching the Portico line for the first time, the Hornets thought they had scored but the referee ruled a knock on.
After seven minutes, Hornets were awarded a penalty for a high tackle on Andrew Wainwright which Andrew Sheridan slotted over. Portico then applied pressure and the well drilled Hornets defence did well to keep them at bay. Unfortunately, after ten minutes Speakman was penalised on the last tackle and Portico forced their way over for the first try of the game.
This was the very first try that the HFH U14`s had conceded in five consecutive games.
Both teams tried hard to break through the hardened defences, which were both on top form, and it was only in the last three minutes of the first half that the game turned the Hornets way.
From a tap penalty, Speakman sliced through from thirty yards and rounded the full back to score. Unfortunately, Sheridan sliced the conversion wide.
Two minutes later, a long kick down field by the Hornets, forced Portico to knock on. From the resultant scrum, Lewis Whitty bulldozed his way across the line. This time Sheridan made no mistake and Hornets went into the half time break leading 06 - 12.
In the second half Portico played down the slope and they exerted a great deal of pressure on the Hornets defensive line. The pressure could only be relieved by long kicks downfield.
Portico could sense that the momentum was in their favour, and after Keiron Conroy had bravely defended the ball over his own line, Portico scored but crucially missed a simple conversion.
With five minutes to go the Hornets almost scored but Wainwright knocked on five yards from the line. He more than made up for this three minutes later when he broke from seventy yards out, and his shearing pace saw him score under the posts for the score which effectively won the game.
Sheridan converted and the Hornets were into the next round of the Lancashire Cup.
In a fortnight`s time, they face Blackbrook in a repeat of last year`s final. The Hornets will have to be on top form if they are to keep their hands on the trophy.
Tries Scored:
Dominic Speakman, Lewis Whitty and Andrew Wainwright - 1 each
Conversions:
Sheridan - 3
Awards:
To tacklers were Alex Clare, Dominic Speakman and Steven Ball
Final Score:
PORTICO PANTHERS (U14`s) 10 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14`s) 18
HFH U14`s Team:
Jack Owens, George McDonnell, Luke Jones, Mark Percival, Andrew Sheridan, Keiron Conroy, Dominic Speakman, Nathan Dolan, Steven Ball, Ryan O`Brien, Andrew Wainwright, Lewis Whitty, Alex Clare.
Substitutes:
Andrew Crooks, George McDonnell and George McGrogan
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11 Nov 07, Halton F H v's Leigh Miners Rangers
The HFH U14`s survived an early scare in this fixture to maintain their unbeaten start to the season. Only thirty seconds had gone when poor tackling saw Leigh Miners Rangers (LMR) score a magnificent 60 yard try.
This was the very first try that the HFH U14`s have had conceded against them since the opening day of the season, when they faced the same opposition.
However this only served to waken up Hornets and some fearsome tackling by Lewis Whitty forced a knock on. From the resulting scrum the unsighted referee missed a Hornets knock on and two tackles later Hornets scored with Steven Ball burrowing over from close range.
Andrew Sheridan missed the touchline conversion but Hornets were now in command.
After ten minutes, good passing along the line saw Alex Clare dive over in the corner and this time Sheridan brilliantly converted to give Hornets a 10 - 04 lead.
Like many other teams this season LMR were finding it hard to break the Hornets defence and another thundering tackle by the HFH defensive line forced an error by LMR. Directly from the resultant scrum, Andrew Wainwright scored wide out after a powerful 35 yard run.
Hornets were now starting to dominate possession and a good offload by Ryan O`Brien, followed by a long Jack Buck pass, then saw Sheridan score the fourth Hornets try. On the stroke of half time LMR kicked over the Hornets defence for a well deserved try to make the score 18 - 08 at the interval.
To establish certainty of this fixture, the HFH team made sure that they would not be caught, when after only two minutes into the second half, Lewis Whitty made a powerful run down the touchline. Good handling and passing of the ball across the field saw Andrew Wainwright score his second.
Leigh MR was now definitely on the back-foot and the Hornets powerful forwards were taking advantage of this situation by making easy yards. A good break by Andrew Wainwright out wide saw the ball then move infield and a lovely offload by Jack Owens saw Mark Percival score under the posts.
Sheridan converted and was successful once again when Ryan O`Brien finished off another flowing move.
With five minutes of the game remaining, Dominic Speakman capped a fine display by slicing through a tired LMR defensive line to score wide out.
The HFH U14`s have now played five league games and only conceded 18 points. This is a testament to the great efforts that the whole team and coaching staff are putting into training sessions and every game. Well done boys.
Tries Scored:
Andrew Wainwright - 2
Ryan O?Brien, Andrew Sheridan, Mark Percival, Steven Ball, Alex Clare and Dominic Speakman - 1 each
Conversions:
Sheridan - 3
Awards:
Top tacklers were Dominic Speakman, Steven Ball and Andrew Wainwright
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14`s) 38 verses LEIGH MINERS RANGERS (U14`s) 00
HFH U14?s Team:
Jack Owens, Keiron Conroy, Mark Percival, Andrew Sheridan, Luke Jones, Dominic Speakman, Jack Buck, Nathan Dolan, Steven Ball, Ryan O`Brien, Andrew Wainwright, Lewis Whitty, Alex Clare
Substitutes:
George McDonnell and George McGrogan
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18 Nov 07, Blackbrook Royals v's Halton F H [NWC Challenge Cup - Quarter Final]
North West Counties Cup - Quarter Finals.
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In a repeat of last season1s final, the Blackbrook side were emphatically swept away by the HFH U14`s team who were magnificent in every part of their game.
Played in heavy conditions, the early exchanges were even with Hornets finding it difficult to break out of their own half. They therefore resorted to a superb kicking game which Blackbrook failed to cope with and in no time Hornets were twelve points ahead.
After a Dominic Speakman kick was fumbled, Steven Ball found an enormous gap to score the opening try, which Andrew Sheridan converted. Six minutes later another long downfield kick found the Blackbrook winger under pressure from the chasing Keiron Conroy who gleefully capitalised on the error made and Sheridan produced a magnificent touchline conversion.
Blackbrook then started to come into the game and great defence by Luke Jones prevented two tries and Blackbrook were held up over the line on another occasion. However the Hornets line was eventually breached when the tall Blackbrook centre forced his way over in the corner.
This only spurred Hornets on and pressure close to the line saw Speakman deliver a peach of a pass to send Conroy in at the corner for his second try. Three minutes later Speakman`s boot downfield once again caused havoc in the Blackbrook defence and Jones touched down wide out to send Hornets into the half time break leading 04 - 20.
The biggest threat to Hornets in the second half could possibly have been complacency but they were determined to hang onto the trophy they won last year.
After four minutes, Jack Buck produced a lovely cross-field kick, which Conroy rose majestically for and plucked the ball out of the air to complete his hat-trick.
Sheridan was having difficulty adding the two points to Conroy`s try, since like most of the tries scored by the Hornets, the conversions were from the touchline.
Fortunately for Sheridan, he was left with an easy conversion when the powerful Lewis Whitty rampaged through the Blackbrook defence to score a well deserved try.
There was still twenty minutes to go and Blackbrook tried hard to crack the Hornets line but despite being extremely close on occasions, the Hornets defence could not be pierced. It will take a very good performance from another team to wedge the Lancashire Cup away from the HFH U14`s.
Whilst this was great team effort, the contribution from the likes of Speakman, Whitty, Wainwright, Ball and O`Brien was immense.
Hornets play Blackbrook again next week in a league fixture, which will see the St Helens side looking for revenge after such a comprehensive defeat.
Tries Scored:
Keiron Conroy - 3
Lewis Whitty, Steven Ball and Luke Jones - 1 each
Conversions:
Sheridan - 3
Awards:
Top tacklers were Dominic Speakman, Steven Ball, Andrew Wainwright and Mark Percival
Final Score:
BLACKBROOK (U14`s) 04 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14`s) 30
HFH U14`s Team:
Jack Owens, Keiron Conroy, Mark Percival, Andrew Sheridan, Luke Jones, Dominic Speakman, Jack Buck, Nathan Dolan, Steven Ball, Ryan O`Brien, Andrew Wainwright, Lewis Whitty, Alex Clare.
Substitutes:
George McDonnell, Lewis Hulme, Andrew Cooks
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25 Nov 07, Halton F H v's Blackbrook Royals
HFH U14`s beat Blackbrook again but this encounter was much tougher than last week`s cup quarter final.
With the Hornets only having thirteen fit players, and their St Helens opponents looking for revenge, this was always going to be a difficult game but just like last week the Hornets raced into an early lead.
A high kick after four minutes was fumbled by the Blackbrook Full Back. With the HFH U14`s taking possession, some good passing put Andrew Wainwright over wide out with Andrew Sheridan converting. Seven minutes later a Lewis Whitty break set up another Hornets attack and a lovely Dominic Speakman pass put Keiron Conroy over in the corner. Sheridan slotted over another good conversion and Hornets were 12 - 00 up.
The rest of the half remained scoreless with the defences of both teams repelling all that was thrown at them and it was clear that the next try would be important.
Eight minutes into the second half, Hornets were penalised for holding down and despite heroic tackling on their own line Hornets could not prevent Blackbrook from squeezing over in the corner.
Blackbrook sensed that Hornets were tiring and swept down field again. A high kick created uncertainty in the Hornets defence and a quick pass out to the winger saw Blackbrook score again. With the conversion, Blackbrook were only two points behind and the momentum was definitely with the St Helens outfit.
However from the kick off the ball rebounded off a Blackbrook foot and was then picked up in an offside position. From the resulting penalty Hornets exerted good pressure and Steven Ball nipped over for a typical hookers try from the play the ball to score what proved to be the match winner. Sheridan converted once more.
With only eight minutes left, all the Hornets had to do was play basic error free rugby. This they did and once again they owed their win to a great team effort based on a magnificent defence.
Tries Scored:
Andrew Wainwright, Keiron Conroy and Steven Ball - 1 each
Conversions:
Sheridan - 3
Awards:
Top tacklers were Dominic Speakman, Andrew Wainwright, Mark Percival and Andrew Sheridan
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14`s) 18 verses BLACKBROOK (U14`s) 10
HFH U14`s Team:
Jack Owens, Keiron Conroy, Mark Percival, Andrew Sheridan, Luke Jones, Jack Buck, Lewis Hulme Andrew Wainwright, Steven Ball, Ryan O?Brien, Andrew Crooks, Lewis Whitty, Dominic Speakman
Substitutes:
None
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02 Dec 07, Wigan St Patricks v's Halton F H [NWC Challenge Cup -Semi Final]
North West Counties Challenge Cup - Semi Final
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POSTPONED due to weather conditions.
To be played Sunday, 9th December 2007.
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09 Dec 07, Wigan St Patricks v's Halton F H [NWC Challenge Cup -Semi Final]
North West Counties Challenge Cup - Semi Final
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To be played Sunday, 16th December 2007.
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16 Dec 07, Halton F H v's Wigan St Patrick's [NWC Challenge Cup -Semi Final]
North West Counties Challenge Cup - Semi Final
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The meeting of the only two unbeaten teams in the NWC U14`s Premier Division saw the Hornets suffer their first defeat of the season and lose their grip on the trophy they won last season.
In cold conditions both sides settled quickly but the game was not allowed to flow due to an over officious referee.
With defences on top of each other, it was nine minutes before the first clean break was made when the Wigan loose forward beat four Hornets players before reaching over to score what appeared to be the first try of the game. Fortunately for the HFH U14`s, the referee disallowed it for a double movement.
However, the Pat`s were not to be denied when, three minutes later, good passing put the winger in at the corner. A great conversion saw the St Pat`s take a six point lead.
The referee had previously warned the St Pat`s players about holding down, and after a further offence, he dispatched a player to the sin bin. From the resulting penalty, the Hornets swept down field and Keiron Conroy was only just denied as he went agonisingly close in the corner.
The St Pat`s side then launched a counter attack of their own and only a great tackle by Jack Buck prevented a further try. Despite further Wigan pressure, there was no further score in the first half.
Hornets needed to get back level quickly and from the second half kickoff, St Pat`s knocked on. From the resulting scrum, swift hands put Conroy in at the corner.
A magnificent touchline conversion from Andrew Wainwright made it six apiece and the Hornets at last, started to get on top.
Steven Ball was held up over the line and Conroy was yet again denied by some last ditch tackling. The referee then sin binned Steven Ball for holding down and from the resulting penalty, St Pat`s edged into the lead.
With nineteen minutes left, it was still anyone`s game and both sides breached the first lines of the opposition`s defences, only for strong tackling to deny tries.
Wainwright was held up just inches from the line and then St Pat`s seemed to have scored with only six minutes left. Once again, the referee deemed that the ball had not been grounded.
Hornets then threw everything they had at the St Pat`s team, in endeavours to clinch a win and get to the final. But it wasn?t to be, and St Pat`s held on for what was a deserved victory.
Tries Scored:
Conroy - 1
Conversions:
Wainwright - 1
Awards:
Top tacklers were Dominic Speakman, Andrew Wainwright, Mark Percival and Lewis Whitty
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14`s) 06 verses WIGAN ST PATRICK?S (U14`s) 08
HFH U14`s Team:
Jack Owens, Keiron Conroy, Mark Percival, Andrew Wainwright, Luke Jones, Jack Buck, Lewis Hulme Nathan Dolan, Steven Ball, Ryan O`Brien, Lewis Whitty, Alex Clare, Dominic Speakman
Substitutes:
Andrew Crooks, George McDonnell
06 Jan 08, Halton F H v's Wigan St Patricks
HFH U14`s recovered from a sluggish first half display to remain unbeaten in the league but they were made to fight all the way by a determined Oldham side.
The start of the game gave no indication of what was to follow as Hornets dominated the first few minutes of play but a delayed pass was swooped upon ninety yards out and St Anne`s scored a great interception try. The Oldham side gained in confidence but after fifteen minutes Hornets pressure resulted in Steven Ball scoring a typical hooker`s try when he dummied and went through a gap to get Hornets back on level terms.
However from the kick off Hornets were tackled into touch and from the resulting scrum Oldham applied the pressure to score again and go six points ahead.
Mark Percival then went close for Hornets but was injured in the process and with no substitutes available it was important that the HFH U14`s players didn`t concede any more points before the break. Unfortunately that wasn`t the case and the twelve Hornets players were unable to hold on, and St Anne`s scored a good try close to the posts to go in at half time 16 - 04 ahead.
At the start of the second half, the Hornets had to score the first try to stand any chance of getting back into the game. This they did in some style when Alex Clare cut inside from forty yards out, and scored under the posts. Andrew Wainwright converted for the extra points. With only four minutes of the second half period gone, this was just the start the HFH U14`s were looking for.
It was Andrew Wainwright who scored the next try three minutes later. Following a magnificent Dominic Speakman break, supporting Andrew Wainwright was fed a pass that sent him in from 35 yards. Twelve points in seven minutes saw Hornets level the score line and the Oldham team couldn?t handle the Hornets revival.
Mark Percival bravely returned to the field and after an Andrew Wainwright break, it was mark Percival who produced a good pass for Luke Jones to score in the corner.
With five minutes of the game remaining, Mark Percival scored himself when a lovely pass from Dominic Speakman put him over wide out. Andrew Wainwright converted from the touchline and with four minutes left, Hornets were ten points ahead.
To St Anne`s credit they never gave up and right on full time they scored after Hornets had lost the ball close to their line.
With five players missing through injury and holidays plus two debutants, this was a gutsy performance by the whole team. The HFH U14`s will have to perform and play a lot better than this if they are to maintain their unbeaten run in the Premier League.
Tries Scored:
Alex Clare, Andrew Wainwright, Luke Jones and Mark Percival - 1 each
Conversions:
Wainwright - 3
Awards:
Top tacklers were Dominic Speakman, Alex Clare and Steven Ball.
Final Score:
OLDHAM ST ANNE`s (U14`s) 22 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14`s) 26
HFH U14`s Team:
Jack Owens, Nick Rigby, Mark Percival, Will Hughes, Luke Jones, Jack Buck, Lewis Hulme, Andrew Wainwright, Steven Ball, Nathan Dolan, Lewis Whitty, Alex Clare, Dominic Speakman
Substitutes:
None
13 Jan 08, Halton F H v's Waterhead
Unbeaten top of the league HFH U14`s were at home to Waterhead, who had not won a league game this season. On the cards, it looked like a regulation two points for the Hornets but they were made to battle all the way by a well organised Oldham side that belied their lowly position.
In wet muddy conditions it was Waterhead who scored first when, from a scrum 70 yards out, the Waterhead Standoff scored a superb solo try to put the Hornets six points down after only four minutes Hornets.
Hornets tried hard to get back in the game but made many mistakes against a defence which was determined to keep them out. The first half remained scoreless due to a combination of the conditions and resolute tackling.
After stern words at half time, Hornets opened the second half much brighter and Waterhead started to make errors from the incessant pressure. A high kick was knocked on and from the resulting scrum good passing along the line put Luke Jones in at the corner. In difficult conditions Andrew Wainwright failed to convert but Hornets now had their tails up.
Another good passing move was harshly brought back by the referee for a forward pass but despite their added pressure Hornets could not score. With ten minutes remaining, a high tackle on Andrew Wainwright resulted in a penalty from which Steven Ball looked to have gone over but was just short. A minute later, Lewis Whitty powered over and Andrew Wainwright converted.
Two minutes later the game was won when, from a knock on in front of the posts, Lewis Whitty used his strength to score under the posts. Andrew Wainwright kicked his second conversion to complete the scoring.
This was the second week in succession that the Hornets have failed to hit their pre Christmas form and the final score flattered them. The HFH U14`s will find Waterhead looking for revenge next week in the return fixture.
Tries Scored:
Lewis Whitty – 2
Luke Jones - 1
Conversions:
Andrew Wainwright - 2
Awards:
Top tacklers were Alex Clare, Nathan Dolan, Steven Ball and Lewis Whitty
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 16 verses WATERHEAD (U14’s) 06
HFH U14’s Team:
Jack Owens, Will Hughes, Lewis Whitty, Andrew Wainwright, Luke Jones, Jack Buck, Lewis Hulme, Nathan Dolan, Steven Ball, Ryan O’Brien, Andrew Crooks, Alex Clare, Dominic Speakman
Substitutes:
George McGrogan, Keiron Conroy, Nick Rigby
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20 Jan 08, Waterhead v's Halton F H
HFH U14`s faced Waterhead for the second week and credit to both teams who put on a great display in spite of the awful weather conditions.
The early stages saw the teams trying to get accustomed to the heavy conditions but Hornets were the first to score when a great kick by Lewis Hulme was chased by Keiron Conroy who took advantage of the hesitancy in the defence to score in the corner.
This shook the home side who then conceded another try two minutes later when Dominic Speakman raced away from 70 yards for a great touchdown. Andrew Wainwright converted and Hornets had raced into a 00 - 10 lead.
Waterhead fought back after a long kick downfield was defended poorly and they scored wide out. A great touchline conversion cut the deficit to 4 points.
It was end to end stuff with the handling exceptional in the difficult conditions but the kicking game was proving significant and another Hulme kick was fumbled over the line and Will Hughes dropped on the ball to score. Another Wainwright conversion gave Hornets restored the ten point lead.
Just before half time, Jack Buck was sin binned and Hornets knew that they would face a struggle at the start of the second half.
The second half started with a poor refereeing decision. Hornets were trying to come away from their own line when they knocked on and the referee blew loud and clear. The Hornets players stopped and Waterhead picked the ball up and placed the ball over the line.
To the Hornets amazement, the try was given and Hornets were then only four points ahead.
Buck returned to the field but Alex Clare had to leave with a recurring arm injury, leaving the Hornets with twelve men for the remainder of the game.
The reduction in numbers was not noticeable but Hornets were able to sweep up field, and a lovely passing movement saw forward Ryan O’Brien pop up on the wing to dive over in the corner.
Waterhead tried to get back in the game but resolute Hornets defence kept them out and with five minutes to go, a powerful Lewis Whitty drive set up the position for Hornets to score their fifth try when Mark Percival cut inside to score.
With a twelve point lead, Hornets had effectively won the game, however Waterhead battled away and a scored a magnificent try when their winger ran 65 yards in the final minute to score under the posts.
Hornets played with twelve men for thirty minutes of the second half and considering the awful conditions, and a reorganised team due to injuries, they deserve great credit for a gutsy workmanlike performance.
Tries Scored:
Keiron Conroy, Dominic Speakman, Will Hughes, Ryan O’Brien and Mark Percival – 1 each
Conversions:
Andrew Wainwright - 2
Awards:
Top tacklers were Dominic Speakman, Andrew Wainwright and Mark Percival
Final Score:
WATERHEAD (U14’s) 18 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 24
HFH U14’s Team:
Jack Owens, Will Hughes, Mark Percival, Keiron Conroy, Nick Rigby, Jack Buck, Lewis Hulme, Ryan O’Brien, Alex Clare, Lewis Whitty, Andrew Wainwright, Andrew Crooks, Dominic Speakman
Substitutes:
None
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27 Jan 08, ?
Awaiting information.
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03 Feb 08, Shaw Cross v's Halton F H NATIONAL CUP ROUND TWO
BARLA NATIONAL CUP ROUND TWO.
HFH U15`s ventured into Yorkshire for their first game in this year’s National Cup Competition and they came away with a convincing win against their Dewsbury opponents.
Hornets were immediately on the attack and in the second minute, a good passing movement saw Mark Percival score wide out. Straight from the kick off Andrew Wainwright scored a great solo try from seventy five yards, which he converted.
Shaw Cross kicked off for the third time and yet another try followed when Dominic Speakman gave a lovely pass for Andrew Sheridan to score. Another restart, another try and this time it was Lewis Whitty who raced in from seventy five yards. Wainwright converted and after only eight minutes, it was 00 - 20 and looking as though it was going to be a landslide.
However to their credit, Shaw Cross rallied and after nineteen minutes produced a flowing movement covering sixty yards for a well deserved try and an impressive touchline conversion narrowed the gap to fourteen points. With no further scoring in the half, Hornets knew they could not ease up as they were playing against the strong wind in the second half.
The second half started badly for the Hornets when Speakman was sin binned for an offence he did not commit and it was the real perpetrator, Lewis Whitty, who then produced a lovely deft cross field kick for a prop forward, which saw Wainwright score in the corner. His conversion attempt hit the cross bar.
Three minutes later, Wainwright was successful after Whitty raced in from sixty yards to score under the posts.
Hornets were well in control and as Shaw Cross attempted to break out of their own half, Lewis Hulme snatched the ball and three tackles later Wainwright completed his hat trick and kicked his fourth goal.
With only three minutes to go, another Hornets attack saw Hulme put Sheridan in for his second and complete the scoring. It is always difficult for teams travelling into another region, since they do not know what standard of rugby the team plays at but Hornets started this game with the right attitude and effectively finished the game after ten minutes.
HFH U14’s now face a long trip to South Wales in the next round of the BARLA National Cup when they will face “Neath Port Talbot Steelers.”
Tries Scored:
Andrew Wainwright – 3
Lewis Whitty, Andrew Sheridan and Mark Percival – 2 each
Conversions:
Andrew Wainwright - 4
Awards:
Top tacklers were Dominic Speakman, Andrew Wainwright and Lewis Hulme
Final Score:
SHAW CROSS SHARKS (U14’s) 06 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 40.
HFH U14’s Team:
Jack Owens, Will Hughes, Mark Percival, Andrew Sheridan, Luke Jones, Jack Buck, Lewis Hulme, Andrew Wainwright, Steven Ball, Lewis Whitty, Ryan O’Brien, Andrew Crooks, Dominic Speakman
Substitutes:
Nick Rigby, Keiron Conroy, Nathan Dolan, Alex Clare
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10 Feb 08, ?
Awaiting information.
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17 Feb 08, Neath Port Talbot Steelers v's Halton F H NATIONAL CUP ROUND THREE
BARLA NATIONAL CUP ROUND THREE
The long trip to South Wales proved worthwhile as Hornets moved into the quarter final of the National Cup but they were made to fight all the way by a much bigger and more physical Steelers side.
Hornets soon got into their stride and Andrew Wainwright and Mark Percival went close but superb defence kept them out. After eleven minutes, Steven Ball made some good yards and on the next tackle Wainwright forced his way over wide out.
Straight from the kick off, Hornets spread the ball and Wainwright used his pace from fifty five yards to score under the posts. He converted his own try and it looked as though Hornets had taken command. However, Steelers hit back immediately to score but failed with the simple conversion.
The big Welsh team were now making inroads into the Hornets defence and further pressure resulted in Andrew Sheridan having to kick the ball dead. Hornets had one last attack in the first half, which saw them given a penalty for offside, but missed the opportunity to increase the lead and Hornets went into the break six points up.
The second half started dramatically when after only two minutes, Steelers kicked the ball down field. It was fumbled by Hornets and picked up by the home side to race forty yards to score in the corner. Five minutes later, Steelers created an overlap and again went in at the corner and despite not converting any tries they had edged into a two point lead.
Hornets were clearly rattled and they responded immediately. Having been awarded a penalty for ‘flopping’, Steven Ball darted forward and a couple of tackles later, Jack Owens scored. The conversion just missed from wide out but importantly Hornets were now in the lead.
Unfortunately the lead only lasted five minutes as Hornets lost the ball and Steelers raced under the posts to lead 18 - 14 with nine minutes left. Realisation then seemed to hit the Hornets that they might actually lose this game and they reacted superbly by attacking with gusto.
Dominic Speakman made a great break and offloaded to Andrew Wainwright who went over for his hat trick. With the touchline conversion unsuccessful, and it looked as though extra time was looming.
With two minutes left, good strong runs by Lewis Whitty, Andrew Speakman and Andrew Wainwright gave Hornets a good position. They then swung the ball across the field and Sheridan gleefully went over to settle the tie.
Hornets went to South Wales not knowing what to expect. Steelers fielded a big team whose players usually played Rugby Union and therefore it is to their credit that they nearly caused an upset. Hornets upped their game when they needed to but they will have to play more consistently when they travel to Ryland’s for next week’s quarter final tie.
Tries Scored:
Andrew Wainwright – 3
Jack Owens and Andrew Sheridan – 1 each
Conversions:
Andrew Wainwright - 1
Awards:
Top tacklers were Dominic Speakman and Andrew Wainwright
Final Score:
NEATH PORT TALBOT STEELERS (U14’s) 18 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 22
HFH U14’s Team:
Jack Owens, Will Hughes, Mark Percival, Andrew Sheridan, Luke Jones, Jack Buck, Lewis Hulme, Andrew Wainwright, Steven Ball, Lewis Whitty, Ryan O’Brien, Nathan Dolan, Dominic Speakman
Substitutes:
Nick Rigby, Keiron Conroy, Andrew Crooks, Alex Clare
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24 Feb 08, Rylands v's Halton F H NATIONAL CUP QUARTER FINALS
BARLA NATIONAL CUP QUARTER FINALS - 12:15pm kick-off.
This quarter final tie saw the leaders of the Premier Division (HFH U14’s) against the top team in Division One and in a pulsating game Hornets deservedly reached the semis but were made to fight all the way by their Warrington opponents.
Once again, the Hornets found themselves playing a much bigger side but defensively they were superb, repelling everything that the Ryland’s forwards could throw at them. The first half saw the HFH U14’s dominate territory but they found it hard to pierce a Ryland’s team who were just as resilient.
It took thirteen minutes for the first score to arrive when a break by Andrew Wainwright on the left, gave Hornets a good position to attack. They swiftly moved the ball along the line and the final pass saw Andrew Sheridan go over in the corner.
Hornets then tried to press home their advantage but Ryland’s were determined not to concede further points and towards the end of the first half, they were camped on the Hornets line but could find no way through a blanket defence.
Start of the second half saw the Hornets make an immediate break through the first line of defence. Dominic Speakman was tackled just short of the line and following a misdemeanour at the play the ball, Hornets were awarded a penalty. Ryan O’Brien cheekily dived over and Hornets were eight points up.
Minutes later Speakman launched a big kick down field and Lewis Whitty tackled the Ryland’s full back into touch to set up a great attacking position but Hornets knocked on. Ryland’s then started to come into the game and it was clear that the next score was all important. Hornets started to concede penalties and the big Ryland’s forwards battered away at the Hornets line but magnificent defence kept them out.
With five minutes left, Speakman saw a drop goal attempt go just wide but it did not matter as they held on for a great win.
Hornets will no doubt play Ryland’s again next season as the Warrington side will be promoted. They were worthy opponents but Hornets turned in their best performance for some weeks and will be hoping for a home draw in the Semi Finals of the BARLA National Cup.
HFH U14's are one of the two only remaining North West Counties clubs remaining in the BARLA National Cup. The other is Wigan St Patricks. The other area clubs making up the quartet of teams are Kells and Castleford Lock Lane.
Tries Scored:
Andrew Sheridan and Ryan O’Brien – 1 each
Conversions:
Awards:
Top tacklers were Dominic Speakman, Lewis Whitty, Andrew Wainwright and Alex Clare.
Final Score:
RYLAND SHARKS (U14’s) 00 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 08
HFH U14’s Team:
Andrew Sheridan, Will Hughes, Mark Percival, Keiron Conroy, Luke Jones, Jack Buck, Lewis Hulme, Andrew Wainwright, Steven Ball, Lewis Whitty, Ryan O’Brien, Alex Clare and Dominic Speakman.
Substitutes:
Jack Owens, Nick Rigby, Keiron Conroy and Andrew Crooks.
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02 Mar 08, Halton F H v's Wigan St Patrick's
This was a meeting of the only two unbeaten teams in the NWC U14’s Premier League and Hornets avenged their defeat by St Pats in the NWC Cup Semi Final by grinding out a well deserved win.
With the wind making playing conditions difficult this was never going to be a classic free flowing game. The closeness of the score made it a tense affair and both teams deserve credit, as the intensity of the game never dropped.
Hornets started well and applied immediate pressure to the St Pats line and after only four minutes, Dominic Speakman found Ryan O’Brien who appeared to be held near the line but he expertly twisted in the tackle to fall over the line for the opening score.
Hornets continued to dominate but the St Pats defence held strong but after eleven minutes, they were found guilty of a high tackle on Mark Percival and Andrew Sheridan slotted over the penalty.
This seemed to spark St Pats who began to test the Hornets and after fifteen minutes, a good run down the left saw them tackled just short of the line. Good hands then created an overlap on the right for a well worked try.
With no further score in the first half, it remained to be seen if St Pats could take advantage of the wind which would be slightly in their favour in the second half.
As in the first half, the Hornets started brightly and Keiron Conroy appeared to have scored in the corner but was judged not to have grounded the ball properly.
Wigan St Pats rallied but the Hornets defence was superb nullifying their half backs who, in their previous encounter, had caused problems for the Hornets. Employing an excellent kicking game, the Hornets pinned St Pats in their own half but as the game neared its conclusion it became clear that the next score would be all important.
Despite both teams harshly losing a player to the sin bin, defences could not be unlocked and Hornets hung on for a great win.
In their previous encounter, Hornets lost by two points and therefore it is clear that there is not much to choose between the two sides. It would be a great advert for NWC if both teams can meet each other in the BARLA National Cup Final.
HFH U14’s have landed another away trip in the BARLA National Cup, this time having to travel to Kells to play their Semi Final, while Wigan St Patrick’s have to travel to Castleford Lock Lane.
Best wishes go to both NWC teams for the Semi-Finals play-offs next week.
Tries Scored:
Ryan O’Brien – 1
Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan
Awards:
Top tacklers were Dominic Speakman, Lewis Whitty, Andrew Wainwright and Alex Clare.
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 06 verses WIGAN ST PATRICK’S (U14’s) 04
HFH U14’s Team:
Jack Owens, Will Hughes, Mark Percival, Andrew Sheridan, Keiron Conroy, Dominic Speakman, Lewis Hulme, Andrew Wainwright, Steven Ball, Lewis Whitty, Ryan O’Brien, Alex Clare, Jack Buck
Substitutes:
Luke Jones, Nick Rigby, Nathan Dolan, Andrew Crooks and George McGrogan
09 Mar 08, Kells v's Halton F H BARLA NATIONAL CUP- SEMI FINAL
BARLA NATIONAL CUP – SEMI FINAL
What A Win!
HFH U14’s proudly marched into the BARLA National Cup FINAL with a great win at Cumbrian side Kells (Whitehaven).
It was the proverbial game of two halves with the strong wind being the decisive factor. Kells played with the wind in the first half and forced Hornets to defend straight from the kick off. Hornets uncharacteristically made many errors and they had to defend in numbers to keep the home team from scoring.
Will Hughes was forced to kick the ball dead after three minutes and the Hornets found it tough going as the hail bounced down at this ‘cliff top’ location.
After thirteen minutes, Kells pounced on a Hornets error to score near the posts and it looked as though they would add to their lead but resolute tackling by the Hornets players kept Kells at bay.
Hornets were struggling to get out of their own half of the field but just before half time, Dominic Speakman made a strong run to relieve the HFH u14’s line. From the resulting play the ball, Steven Ball dived over and with Andrew Sheridan adding the conversion, the scoreboard read 06 – 06 at half time.
Hornets knew that they had the conditions in their favour in the second half and it was Kells who now began to make the errors. After six minutes, Kells knocked on trying to clear their line. From the resulting play, good ball handling by the Hornets saw the ball travel along the line until it reached Andrew Sheridan, who broke the tackle to score a well worked try.
From this point on, the Hornets began to totally dominated territory wise but could not breach an excellent home defence. With only one score in it, Hornets knew they could not relax.
The last five minutes of the game was nail biting as the home side rallied for one last effort but they were unable to penetrate the Hornets defensive line, which produced a tremendous tackling stint.
Whilst this was a great team effort, special mentions must go to Dominic Speakman, Lewis Whitty and Andrew Wainwright who laid the foundations for this great win.
After being drawn away in every round of the BARLA Nation Cup, and having travelled to Dewsbury, Port Talbot, Warrington and now Whitehaven, the HFH U14’s fully deserve their place in the BARLA National Cup Final.
They will now face Castleford Lock Lane, who put out Wigan St Patrick’s in the other Semi Final.
The HFH U14’s will now carry the flag for the North West Counties and the HFH Club with pride and hope to bring the BARLA National Cup back to Wilmere Lane Sports Ground, Widnes - home of the Halton Farnworth Hornets arlfc.
The BARLA National Cup will take place at SOUTH LEEDS STADIUM on MONDAY 5th MAY 2008 (May Day Bank Holiday).
Spectators are most welcome to join the HFH U14’s on another away trip but this time to the BIG Final itself. Please contact John Crooks or Paul Hulme for further information.
Tries Scored:
Steven Ball and Andrew Sheridan – 1 each
Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan - 1
Awards:
Top tacklers were Dominic Speakman, Mark Percival, Andrew Wainwright and Alex Clare.
Final Score:
KELLS (U14’s) 06 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 10
HFH U14’s Team:
Jack Owens, Will Hughes, Mark Percival, Andrew Sheridan, Keiron Conroy, Dominic Speakman, Lewis Hulme, Andrew Wainwright, Steven Ball, Lewis Whitty, Nathan Dolan, Alex Clare, Jack Buck
Substitutes:
Luke Jones, Nick Rigby and Andrew Crooks
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16 Mar 08, Halton F H v's Portico Vine
HFH U14’s almost extinguished Portico’s title hopes with a great performance that sees them remain unbeaten in their league campaign.
The strong wind threatened to be a factor in the game but Hornets did not let it bother them as they played into it in the first half. Hornets were immediately on the offensive but the Portico line held firm however after nine minutes, a strong run by Andrew Wainwright set up an attacking position. Andrew Sheridan was then tackled just short of the line and from the play the ball, Alex Clare dived over.
Hornets continued to try and press home their advantage but their eagerness resulted in handling errors and with only a slender lead, Portico were still in the game.
With only three minutes to go to half time, the turning point was reached! Dominic Speakman produced a shuddering tackle which dislodged the ball from a Portico forward, and Jack Buck scooped up the ball to race twenty five yards for a try under the posts. Sheridan converted and Hornets took a 10 - 00 lead into the half-time break.
With the wind now at their backs, Hornets made early inroads into the Portico defence and Speakman was denied an early try. But their next score didn’t take long when Speakman launched a big kick downfield and Andrew Wainwright showed remarkable pace to outstrip the Portico players, collect the ball and reach over for the touchdown. Sheridan added a difficult conversion and Hornets were now in control.
Mark Percival then broke from his own half with a great dummy and run but his pass out to the wing could not be collected.
Hornets were regularly forcing Portico back in their own half with a good kicking game and an Alex Clare punt down field, saw Keiron Conroy show some neat football skills to score in the corner.
With three minutes to go, Portico scored after some rare pressure on the Hornets line.
After some difficult recent games, this could have proved an awkward match for the HFH U14’s but they deserve credit for a wonderful disciplined and defensive performance, which set the platform for some good attacking play.
Tries Scored:
Alex Clare, Jack Buck, Andrew Wainwright and Keiron Conroy - 1 each
Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan - 2
Awards:
Top tacklers were Alex Clare, Lewis Whitty and Steven Ball
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 20 verses PORTICO PANTHERS (U14’s) 04
HFH U14’s Team:
Jack Owens, Luke Jones, Mark Percival, Andrew Sheridan, Keiron Conroy, Dominic Speakman, Lewis Hulme, Andrew Wainwright, Steven Ball, Lewis Whitty, Nathan Dolan, Alex Clare, Jack Buck
Substitutes:
George McGrogan, Nick Rigby, Andrew Crooks and Ryan O’Neill
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23 Mar 08, NO GAME - EASTER WEEKEND
NO GAME - EASTER WEEKEND
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30 Mar 08, Halton F H v's Golborne Parkside
Playing their first match after the Easter break, an injury hit HFH U14’s put in a good performance to beat a determined Golborne side.
The match started with a Golborne error but from the scrum, Hornets also knocked on and the early chance was lost. Golborne then produced a flowing sixty yard movement up the right wing which resulted in a try under the posts and Hornets found themselves six points down after only four minutes.
This spurred Hornets on and they soon had the opposition defending, and after forcing an error twenty yards from the Golborne line, good passing saw Alex Clare somehow collect the ball behind his back to score wide out.
Four minutes later, Hornets were awarded a penalty sixty yards out. The ball was passed out to the Centres where Andrew Wainwright scattered would be Golborne tacklers aside, to race forty five yards for a superb try.
Andrew Sheridan converted and Hornets were now 10 - 06 in front after twelve minutes.
The HFH U14’s increased the lead further when an up-and-under was fumbled by the Golborne Full Back, and Alex Clare pounced to score his second try. Sheridan again converted and Hornets went into the break with a 10 point lead.
Second half, and Golborne knew that they had to score the next try. This is exactly what they did with another long range effort.
HFH U14’s players were struggling with injuries and the Hornets had to hang on. Wainwright then produced a bone shaking tackle to bring about a Golborne knock-on and from the resulting scrum, Hornets pressure saw Dominic Speakman score.
Hornets were now in control and after thirteen minutes of the second half, good passing and offloading in the tackles put Lewis Whitty under the posts and Sheridan converted.
Hornets continued to go forward and a long kick downfield was chased by Dominic Speakman and it was his presence that forced the Golborne Full Back to knock-on. Dominic Speakman gratefully picked up the ball to feed Lewis Whitty for his second try in four minutes and Andrew Sheridan converted once again to complete the scoring.
Whilst the score line gives the impression that this was a comfortable win, Golborne were a big mobile side and in particular their Stand Off and Loose Forward caused Hornets problems.
However once again, it was the Hornets defence and their unquestionable desire to win the game which kept their unbeaten league record intact.
Tries Scored:
Lewis Whitty and Alex Clare - 2 each
Andrew Wainwright and Dominic Speakman – 1 each
Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan - 4
Awards:
Top tacklers were Andrew Wainwright, Alex Clare and Lewis Whitty
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 32 verses GOLBORNE PARKSIDE (U14’s) 12
HFH U14’s Team:
Jack Owens, Luke Jones, Keiron Conroy, Andrew Sheridan, Nick Rigby, Dominic Speakman, Lewis Hulme, Andrew Wainwright, Steven Ball, Lewis Whitty, Andrew Crooks, Alex Clare, Jack Buck.
Substitutes:
None
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02 Apr 08, Wigan St Patrick's v's Halton F H
In a pulsating game at Clarington Park against Wigan St Patricks, a drop goal five minutes from time sealed the game and ensured Hornets had one hand on the championship trophy.
Previous meetings between the top two clubs had seen no more than two points between them and a close exciting game was expected - it didn’t disappoint!
Hornets tore into St Pats from the start and the Wigan team somehow repelled the marauding Hornets forwards. After going close on two occasions, the Hornets were awarded a penalty following a high tackle and they swung the ball out to the left where Andrew Wainwright used his strength to carry two tacklers over the line to score in the corner.
It was all Hornets but at some time the class of St Pats would show and on fourteen minutes, a great forty yard break threatened to break the Hornets defence but the chance went begging. A minute later, a high kick from Dominic Speakman was dropped by the St Pats winger and from the resulting scrum good passing saw Andrew Sheridan force his way over wide out.
Despite all their pressure, Hornets knew that an eight point lead was not enough and it was important that they kept St Pats out before the break.
However with what seemed like their only visit to the Hornets twenty five, the home team scored an all important try on the stroke of half time to make the interval score 04 – 08.
The second half was a reversal of the first with Hornets rarely breaking out of their own half and after six minutes, St Pats created space on the right and a lovely flowing movement saw them score in the corner.
With the teams locked at eight points apiece and the home side looking threatening every time they had the ball, it seemed that Hornets would lose their unbeaten record but tremendous defence continually kept out the big Wigan side.
Speakman’s kicking started to drive Hornets forward and at last they managed to get in the opposition half, and with five minutes left, they worked the ball right and then back to the middle where Andrew Sheridan calmly dropped the all important one pointer. However there was still plenty of time for St Pats to snatch the game and they threw everything at Hornets. Desperate passing on the last tackle almost saw them break through the Hornets defences but once again the resolute Hornets held firm to secure a fantastic result.
This game was a credit to Rugby League and all the players deserve congratulating on producing a match, which was worthy of what had been called the “Title Decider”.
With three matches left, Hornets still have to win two more games to make sure that the title is theirs but this great win will give them added confidence that they can finish the season top of the league.
Tries Scored:
Andrew Wainwright and Andrew Sheridan – 1 each
Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan – 1dg
Awards:
Top tacklers were Alex Clare, Lewis Whitty, Dominic Speakman and Mark Percival.
Final Score:
WIGAN ST PATRICKS (U14’s) 08 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 09
HFH U14’s Team:
Jack Owens, Luke Jones, Mark Percival, Andrew Sheridan, Keiron Conroy, Dominic Speakman, Lewis Hulme, Lewis Whitty, Steven Ball, Andrew Crooks, Andrew Wainwright, Alex Clare, Jack Buck
Substitutes:
Nick Rigby and Keiron Butterworth
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06 Apr 08, Portico Vine v's Halton F H
HFH U14’s lost their unbeaten league record against a Portico team who they had convincingly beaten only a fortnight ago. However this was a patched up Hornets side who clearly were suffering from the massive effort they had put into their midweek victory over Wigan St Patricks.
The match started with Hornets pegged back on their own line after losing the ball but their defensive line held and they began to make inroads into the Portico half. After eight minutes, a good move down the left looked to have stopped when Hornets knocked on but the referee waved play on and Hornets whipped the ball out to Luke Jones on the wing who then scored in the corner.
Hornets then tried to increase their lead but poor handling and an unusually slack defence saw Portico claw their way back into the game. After eighteen minutes, Hornets were penalised close to their line and Portico immediately scored near to the posts which saw them take a two point lead.
With only two minutes to half time, Hornets kicked the ball down field and forced a Portico error. From the resulting scrum the ball was swung across the field were Andrew Sheridan sent Keiron Conroy racing into the corner to give Hornets a slender two point advantage at half time.
Hornets now found themselves playing up the slope in the second half and with further injuries beginning to take their toll, they found themselves struggling to make any inroads into the Portico half and it was the home side who looked more dangerous.
After nine minutes, Hornets conceded a further try when Portico pressure saw them score on the last tackle but there was plenty of time left for Hornets to ensure that they took one more step to the league title.
With seven minutes to go, it looked as though that moment had come when Andrew Wainwright burst through a tackle seventy five yards out and exploded up the right hand touchline for what seemed like a trademark try. However, great covering by Portico brought him down just short of the line. In their haste to catch the home team short in defence, Hornets lost the ball and their best chance of winning the game.
Although the last few minutes were frantic, Hornets could not find the fluency that had served them so well this season and the home side deservedly took the spoils.
Hornets needed to win two out of their last three games to win the league title but now they find themselves having to win both matches starting with a midweek night fixture on Wednesday 9th April, away to Blackbrook.
Providing they can learn from this defeat, and hopefully get players back from injury, there is no reason why Hornets cannot take the title they so richly deserve.
Tries Scored:
Luke Jones and Keiron Conroy – 1 each
Conversions:
None
Awards:
Top tacklers were Alex Clare, Lewis Whitty, Mark Percival, Steve Ball and Andrew Wainwright
Final Score:
PORTICO VINE (U14’s) 10 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 08
HFH U14’s Team:
Jack Owens, Keiron Conroy, Mark Percival, Andrew Sheridan, Luke Jones, Alex Clare, Jack Buck, Lewis Whitty, Steven Ball, Nathan Dolan, Keiron Butterworth, Andrew Crooks, Andrew Wainwright
Substitutes:
Nick Rigby
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09 Apr 08, Blackbrook v's Halton F H
A deserved hard fought victory against Blackbrook Royals now means that HFH U14’s need a win in their last game away to Wigan St Cuthbert’s, to give them the league title.
After their shock defeat to Portico, Hornets were able to field a much stronger squad for this game and they tore into Blackbrook from the very start, putting the home side on the back foot. After four minutes, Blackbrook were caught offside and Andrew Sheridan slotted over the penalty to give Hornets an early lead.
They continued to dominate possession and territory but despite some good play they could not turn their pressure into points. With seven minutes to the interval, Andrew Wainwright made a typical burst up the middle and was hauled down just short of the line.
Hornets were determined not to let this chance go by and they quickly moved the ball right for Keiron Butterworth to score his first try for the club. This seemed to spark the home team and Hornets spent the rest of the first half defending their narrow lead.
After being caught offside, Blackbrook scored a good try in the left hand corner and after further consistent acting play by Blackbrook, the half time whistle went giving Hornets a slender two point advantage.
The second half saw the introduction of Dominic Speakman and after two minutes, good play by the Hornets gave them a platform from which Dominic Speakman created a try in the corner for Andrew Sheridan.
With only a six point lead, Hornets could still not breathe easily and the home side rallied but could not pierce a Hornets defence which was back to its best.
Now with ten minutes remaining, Hornets produced the best move of the game, which went through seven pairs of hands, but unfortunately it came to nothing and the game was still on a knife-edge.
Blackbrook were now starting to become frustrated and the game threatened to boil over. After some hard work by Mark Percival, he was on the receiving end of a nasty high tackle. When order was restored, Hornets continued to attack and a minute later, the referee penalised Blackbrook for offside and Sheridan kicked a good penalty to calm the Hornets nerves.
With no further scoring, Hornets had beaten Blackbrook for the third time this season and now travel to Wigan St Cuthbert’s this Sunday, in the hope of winning and becoming League Champions.
Tries Scored:
Keiron Butterworth and Andrew Sheridan – 1 each
Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan – 2 penalties
Awards:
Top tacklers were Alex Clare, Lewis Whitty and Mark Percival
Final Score:
BLACKBROOK ROYALS (U14’s) 04 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 12
HFH U14’s Team:
Jack Owens, Keiron Butterworth, Andrew Sheridan, Keiron Conroy, Will Hughes, Mark Percival, Jack Buck, Lewis Whitty, Steven Ball, Ryan O’Brien, Andrew Crooks, Andrew Wainwright, Alex Clare
Substitutes:
Nick Rigby, Dominic Speakman, Luke Jones, Nathan Dolan and George McGrogan
13 Apr 08, Wigan St Cuthbert's v's Halton F H
For this final league fixture of the current season, a victory by HFH U14's would have crowned them NWC Under 14's Premier League Champions.
Unfortunately, due to CONTROVERSIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, the fixture was 'called off'.
This fixture is now scheduled to be played TUESDAY 15th April 2008, with an evening kick-off to be advised.
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15 April 08, Wigan St Cuthberts v's Halton F H v's
Halton Farnworth Hornets U14’s
Premier League Champions 2008
[And still the BARLA National Cup FINAL to follow!]
HFH U14’s were crowned the Premier League Champions as they secured the all important win at Wigan St Cuthbert’s. They knew that any slip up would have meant a play off against Wigan St Patricks but Hornets were in no mood to extend the season any further. So they turned in an impressive first half performance to ensure the Premier League Champion Trophy was theirs.
Electing to play down the slope and with the breeze behind them, the Hornets dominated from the start and it was only a matter of time before they opened the scoring.
After seven minutes, St Cuthbert’s were forced to kick the ball dead and from the resulting drop out, Hornets edged their way towards the line before sending the ball wide on the left for Andrew Wainwright to score. Andrew Sheridan converted superbly and Hornets were on their way.
From the re-start, Hornets produced some tremendous handling and passing skills for Mark Percival to score wide out on the right. With the opposition not being able to offer much resistance, Hornets confidence grew and they began to play some entertaining rugby.
Andrew Wainwright made a great thirty five yard break, which nearly led to another score but then some Hornets great tackling forced a St Cuthbert’s knock on. From the scrum, Andrew Sheridan went close; quickly the ball was given to the marauding Lewis Whitty who scored under the posts. Sheridan converted and with eight minutes to the break, Hornets were 00 - 16 up and in total control.
However they did not let up and on the stroke of half time, they scored two tries which effectively won them the game.
Once again the home side couldn’t cope with the ferocious tackling and this lead to St Cuthbert’s knocking on. From the scrum, the ball was swiftly moved wide for Will Hughes to score and for Andrew Sheridan to successfully kick the conversion from the touchline.
Hornets then produced some champagne rugby and excellent handling saw Andrew Wainwright pass the ball to Alex Clare who in turn, gave Will Hughes his second try.
With a half time lead of 00 – 26, the Hornets must have thought the league was theirs.
Second half, and Hornets were now not only facing the heavy pitch but they faced playing up the slope and into the breeze. It was important that they did not concede an early try.
However, this is exactly what happened and just after five minutes of the restart, the St Cuthbert’s Stand Off darted past four would be tacklers to score near the posts.
This was the wakeup call that Hornets needed and three minutes later, a lovely Ryan O’Brien pass sent Lewis Whitty away. Some good defensive tackling hauled him down just short of the line. A quick play-the-ball sent wide where Andrew Sheridan scored despite the efforts of the home defenders.
There was no further scoring in the remaining twenty minutes but Wigan St Cuthbert’s never gave up and made sure that Hornets could at no time relax.
The final whistle was greeted with scenes of celebration as the league season ended with the HFH U14’s proudly claiming top spot.
This has been a tremendous campaign and congratulations must go to Paul Hulme and John Crooks for giving the players the platform from which to go out and express themselves each week. It has certainly brought dividends.
There is now only one game left……........the BARLA National Cup - Final, against Castleford Lock Lane on Monday 5th May. This will be played at the South Leeds Stadium, and the kick-off will be 2:00pm.
Let’s hope more silverware will be making its way to Wilmere Lane Sports Ground – “HOME” of the Halton Farnworth Hornets.
Tries Scored:
Will Hughes - 2
Andrew Wainwright, Mark Percival and Andrew Sheridan – 1 each
Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan – 3
Awards:
Top tacklers were Alex Clare, Andrew Speakman and Andrew Wainwright
Final Score:
WIGAN ST CUTHBERTS (U14’s) 06 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 30
HFH U14’s Team:
Jack Owens, Keiron Butterworth, Keiron Conroy, Andrew Sheridan, Will Hughes, Dominic Speakman, Mark Percival, Lewis Whitty, Steven Ball, Ryan O’Brien, Andrew Wainwright, Alex Clare, Jack Buck
Substitutes:
Nick Rigby, Andrew Crooks, Luke Jones, Nathan Dolan, Lewis Hulme
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05 May 08, Halton F H v's Castleford Lock Lane BARLA NATIONAL CUP - FINAL
Halton Farnworth Hornets U14’s
Premier League Champions 2008
and now they are also...
BARLA National Youth Cup Winners 2008
BARLA NATIONAL CUP – played at South Leeds Stadium.
A new name is on the BARLA Under14’s National Youth Cup after Halton Farnworth Hornets defeated Castleford Lock Lane of the Yorkshire Junior League at the South Leeds Stadium.
Hornets started more confidently but good Castleford defence plus nervous handling errors saw chances go begging. As both sides battled for the vital first score Hornets benefited from Lock Lane’s indiscipline on twelve minutes following two quick fire penalties, the latter of which saw hooker Steven Ball drive through from the play the ball for a trademark try.
Four minutes later, his opposite number Sean Mills knocked on three metres from the line following a penalty for offside. It proved a lifeline for Halton who on the following set went downfield and two good breaks from Andrew Wainwright and Mark Percival set up a good attacking position.
Quick hands across the field saw centre Andrew Sheridan beat his opposite number for a great try and his touchline conversion to make it 00 - 10.
Lock Lane tried to get back in the game but they could not break a resolute Hornets defence and their ferocious tackling forced an error just twenty yards from the Castleford try line. This resulted in Percival crossing the whitewash only to see the try disallowed for a forward pass but Hornets did not have to wait long for another opportunity. With two minutes to half time, enterprising play on the last tackle saw Lewis Whitty score and Sheridan converted to put Hornets sixteen points clear at the break.
If Hornets thought they had the game won then Lock Lane had other ideas and the opening five minutes of the half turned the game on its head. From the restart Hornets kicked the ball dead and following another penalty Lock Lane scrum half Gareth Kirk passed outside to stand off Bradley Williamson to score out wide in the opening minute.
Lock Lane gained the momentum and following more indiscipline the score line became 10 - 16 four minutes later.
A superb attack saw the ball quickly moved out to winger Kalum Ainsworth who sprinted down the wing beating three defenders before scoring in the corner for the try of the game with Williamson adding the extras.
Hornets had to defend bravely as Lock Lane sensed that they could snatch the game but Hornets scored the decisive try twelve minutes from time following a superb thirty metre break by Witty. Two tackles later Lock Lane were in disarray as Hornets had a four man overlap and second row forward Ryan O’Brien drove over from close range for a converted try.
Lock Lane battled to get back into the game trying to keep the ball alive to find space but this proved to be their undoing as it went to ground forty five metres from their own line. Hornets prop Andrew Wainwright picked up the loose ball and accelerated away to score his side’s fifth and final converted try.
When the whistle went, it signalled the end of a great season for the HFH U14’s who have completed a fantastic double of the Premier League and National Youth Cup.
Further good news followed as Andrew Sheridan was announced ‘Man of the Match’ and he proudly received his award from Rugby League legend Andy Gregory.
It has been a superb season for the HFH U14’s and consequently for the HFH Club as a whole. Congratulations go to all the HFH U14’s playing squad and to coaches Paul Hulme and John Crooks for a tremendous effort.
The parents have played their part to, following the team around the country and their support has been invaluable to the players. All round, it has been a true ‘Team’ affair.
Tries Scored:
Steven Ball, Andrew Sheridan, Lewis Whitty, Ryan O’Brien and Andrew Wainwright – 1 each
Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan – 4
Awards:
Top tacklers were Alex Clare, Dominic Speakman and Andrew Wainwright
Final Score:
CASTLEFORD LOCK LANE (U14’s) 10 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U14’s) 28
HFH U14’s Team:
1. Jack Owens
19. Will Hughes
4. Andrew Sheridan
3. Mark Percival
16. Keiron Conroy
13. Dominic Speakman
7. Lewis Hulme
8. Andrew Wainwright
9. Stephen Ball
10. Lewis Witty
11. Ryan O’Brien
12. Alex Clare
6. Jack Buck
Substitutes:
14. Andrew Crooks
2 George McGrogan
18. Nathan Dolan
5. Luke Jones
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__________________________________________________________________________________
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UNDER 15's
26 Aug 07, West Bank Bears v's Halton F H (Pre Season Friendly)
Close neighbours, West Bank Bears, were the hosts of this pre season friendly game at the Widnes Recreational Club.
Both clubs were looking towards shacking off the cobwebs from the interlude period between one season finishing and another starting. This was an opportunity for coaches of both clubs to see to what extent their players were prepared for the new season, which starts in a couple of weeks.
As a game, the HFH dominated matters but both coaches were not too concerned about the score line; it was more to do about how the team played together, both in attack and defence.
The HFH team performance was exactly what the coach, Neil Meadows, would have expected at this pre season stage. To be honest, all the squad performed pretty well and it was exciting to see some length of the pitch runs, which resulted in tries.
Ryan Gardam had a blistering length of the pitch run in the first half, and not to be out done, speed man Thomas Spencer soon followed suit. At the end of the game, Ryan had come away with a hat trick of tries, as did Mike O`Brien.
Bursting runs and determination by Mike O`Brien helped him achieve his hat trick, with Mike Bailey and Jack Williams both running in one try a piece, with the same doggered determination.
But the backs weren`t to be out done, with impressive Jimmy Hilton getting a brace. With the forwards and backs each being complimentary to each other, the new season for the HFH U15`s should be favourable. Confidence is high and so is the enthusiasm - two main ingredients for breading success.
The score line was irrelevant. It`s what the players put into this pre season game, and what the coaches were therefore able to extract from it, that were the important factors. With the HFH defensive line not once getting breached, the HFH coach will be proud of this first outing.
Thanks of gratitude go to the West Bank Bears for making all the necessary arrangements to ensure this game went ahead.
TEAM:
Mike Bailey, Daniel Clegg, Jordan Holland, James Giblin, James Hilton, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, Mike O`Brien, Phil Smith, Josh Cassidy, Jack Williams, Ste Shone, Thomas Spencer, James Parle,
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09 Sep 07, Leigh Miners Rangers v's Halton F H
The very first league match of the new season and HFH U15`s couldn't have started any better!
With the likes of Ryan Gardam, Jordan Pennington, Phil Smith, David Meadows, Kyle R Nickle and James Giblin all missing through injuries, this result showed what depth of strength there is in the squad.
Added to this was the fact that Danny Heymans and Chris Brown were out for 90% of last season and therefore a bit rusty, then the quality of the result shines through.
But things didn`t end there! To add problem upon problem, on the Friday evening Ste Shone had made him self unavailable because he was suffering from an illness which the whole family were suffering from.
Therefore Coach Neil Meadows was surprised to see Ste Shone, 9:00am Sunday morning with the rest of the players. Thinking Ste had probably turned up to watch the game, Neil went over to have a word with him. To Neil`s utter surprise Ste said he`d turned up to play even though he wasn`t feeling to well. Ste went on to say "I didn`t want to let the team down".
That speaks volumes about the lad and also about the ethics and togetherness that Neil is instilling amongst the playing squad.
Just to ensure Ste should be playing, Neil cleared it with Ste`s Grandad John who gave Neil the nod. That meant Neil had fifteen players available to play.
HFH kicked off the game and immediately put Leigh under pressure. Great determination and enthusiasm for defence put Leigh on the back foot. This paid off when Mr not 100% man, Ste Shone, went over the Leigh line to score a try. Pricey made this up to six points with the conversion.
With Leigh coming back fighting, they were able to penetrate into HFH territory through a series of free kicks for off-side. This meant the HFH players found themselves defending on their own line. This they did remarkably, as they fought off three full sets of six plus another two play-the-balls, before forcing a Leigh error.
Soon afterwards the HFH team were on the attack again and rampant Jack Williams burst over for another HFH try. Pricey once again obliged with the two points to make the half time score 00 -12 to HFH.
The second half was similar to the first with HFH commanding the play and making good ground thanks to fantastic drives by Jack Williams, Jimmy Hilton and Tom Spencer.
As HFH were pressuring the Leigh line, a loose pass led to Leigh seizing the ball and making good ground. A silly penalty lead to Leigh gaining even further advantage, and with the HFH players back peddling, Leigh broke the HFH defensive line for the first time in the game to score out wide. The conversion missed.
This put Leigh up a gear as they pounded the HFH defences but to no avail. The HFH tackling was tremendous and forced an error by Leigh. Tom Spencer had his wits about him and picked up the loose ball to dash virtually the length of the pitch to score. The conversion went just wide,
Straight from the kick off, HFH were harshly done to when the referee awarded a free kick to Leigh for some alleged back chat with the opposition players. This put Leigh in a good position and they again scored wide out. The conversion was good to make the score line 10 - 16.
HFH restarted the game with determination and tackled the Leigh players like demons, through which they were able to cause a Leigh handling error and for HFH to reclaim the ball. Another clean sweeping break by Tom Spencer lead to him running 60 yards only to be ankle tapped near the line. A quick play-the-ball resulted in supporting Ste Shone to across the line to score. With only minutes to go to full time, up stepped Brett Mykalauskis to pop the ball over the cross bar. This was a good feeling for Brett because he was playing his first game for his new club, and ironically, this was against his old club!
This was a great performance by all the lads and shows what team work is all about. Let`s hope this sets out the stall for the rest of the season!
Tries Scored:
Ste Shone - 2
Jack Willimas and Tom Spencer - 1 each
Conversions:
Daniel priace - 2
Bret Mikalauskas - 1
Tackles Made:
TBC
Awards:
Man of the Match: Ste Shone
Top Tackler: Jimmy Hilton
Most Improved: Daniel Clegg
Final Score:
LEIGH MINER RANGERS (U15`s) 10 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15`s) 22.
HFH U15's Team:
Mike Bailey, Daniel Clegg, Jordan Farrell, James Hilton, Daniel Price, Mike O`Brien, Josh Cassidy, Jack Williams, Ste Shone, Chris Brown, Thomas Spencer, James Parle, Daniel Heymans, Brett Mikalauskas, Scott McKeown.
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16 Sep 07, Halton F H v's Folly Lane
This was the second game of the season but the first at home. After the good start to the season last week at Leigh M R, it was expected that a home win was on the cards. Unfortunately things didn`t go that way.
A strong, well organised Folly side took the game to the HFH U15`s but the spirit of the HFH team fought on.
In some senses the HFH were their own worst down fall for not completing the sets of six. In the first half not one set was complete. This lead to frustration amongst the HFH players with the constant spillage and knocking-on`s with the ball.
The Folly players on the other hand were jubilant and thankful for having possession handed to them all the time. They received the ball with thanks!
But the HFH U15`s put up a tremendous effort in defence. Although playing limited attacking play (one of those days when the Bostick on the hands doesn`t work!), the effort put in by all the players can not be denied.
Yes there were good driving runs from Jack Williams, Ryan Gardam, Mike O`Brien and Mike Bailey, but the match will be remembered by the HFH players for the defensive tackling. It took Folly some 17 minutes to record a score, when the big driving forwards burst the line to score. The conversion was missed.
That quality of defensive work can be summed up by the actions of Jordan Pennington. With Folly charging forward with their big pack, Jordan went head-on to tackle the Folly player a round the legs. He did his job but he also took a real bad knock to the head. This stopped the game for some five minutes before Jordan `came round` and was taken from the pitch.
Towards the end of the first half, the HFH team managed to get into the Folly half of the field. Infiltration into Folly`s side of the pitch was a rarity in the first have, but unfortunately it resulted in the same outcome......loosing the ball before the set of six was complete. On this occasion the referee blew his whistle for half time.
In the second half the HFH team played with more aggression, pride and determination. Now attacking the Folly line, James Parle took a scoop from the play the ball. Holding the ball in both hands and running at the Folly players, they were unsure exactly what he was going to do. Slight of hand was James`s trick, as he laid-off a smart short ball for Ryan Gardam to run at a gap. Ryan accepted the offer and crossed the line with two Folly players hanging round him. Pricey was unlucky with the conversion.
Both sides were now attacking in equal proportions, yet the HFH side still couldn`t play mistake free rugby and continued to give valuable, hard earned possession and territory away.
With ten minutes on the clock, attacking Folly was in front of the HFH goal post. Rather than go for the try, they elected for the drop goal attempt which was successful.
This made the score line 04 - 05.
In the dieing minutes, HFH found themselves defending again. One big solid run by the burly Folly Prop Forward left the HFH defensive line in tatters, as he crossed the try line for Folly`s second score. With a good conversion and the referee calling time, the final score line read 04 - 11.
A better second half for the HFH team but now the HFH players know the standard of rugby they need to better, to remain competitive in the NWC division one. They are really capable of this but more aggression to the game is called for, along with a bit of `thinking clever`!
Tries Scored:
Ryan - 1
Conversions:
None
Tackles Made:
TBC
Awards:
Man of the Match: Thomas Spencer
Best Tackler: Ryan Gardam
Most Improved: James Parle
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15`s) 04 verses FOLLY LANE (U15`s) 11
HFH U15`s Team:
Mike Bailey, Jordan Holland, James Hilton, Jordan Pennington, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, Mike O`Brien, Jack Williams, Ste Shone, Thomas Spencer, James Parle, Brett Mikalauskas, Scott McKeown.
Substitutes:
Daniel Clegg, James Giblin, Josh Cassidy, Daniel Heymans.
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23 Sep 07, Ryland Sharks v's Halton F H
With a virtually full strength squad, the HFH U15`s travelled to Warrington to take on unbeaten Ryland Sharks. Travelling with them was a plethora of supporters in the form of family and friends who consistently support the lads home and away.
Last season (2006/2007) the Ryland Sharks were only beaten once at home in the whole season, and that was by HFH. Consequently, this fixture would certainly result if Ryland`s aiming to avenge that defeat.
With Ryland`s having the wind to their backs they kicked-off the game and straight away, HFH took the ball forward with strong running from the forwards. For the first 10 minutes most play was restricted to the middle of the park with tough tackling from both sides.
HFH then started to put pressure on Ryland`s and a great kick from Danny Price went flying towards the Ryland`s Winger. Under pressure, the Ryland`s Winger knocked on, and this pushed the HFH forwards further towards the Ryland`s line.
Again strong defence held the HFH attack at bay. When Ryland`s got a scrum on their 20 metre line, they were quick with their hands and worked an overlap for the winger to race through and score in the corner. The conversion was missed
The HFH U15`s, as determined as ever, attacked and dominated the next length of play putting ever increasing pressure on the Ryland`s try line. Great defence and really tough tackling forced error after error. But a quick 'play-the-ball' to Parley saw him scoot around the markers and dive over the Ryland`s try line under the posts. Daniel Price was good with the conversion.
HFH continued to tackle like demons and were dominant in the play. A fine break by Mike Bailey, who put in a great kick towards the line, was followed up by a really enthusiastic chase from his team mates. This forced the Ryland`s defence to concede a drop out under the sticks.
With continued pressure, Daniel Price put in another cross field kick on the fifth tackle. This was plucked out of the air by Chris Brown who side stepped the Ryland`s winger and scored in the corner. The touchline conversion was narrowly missed by Daniel Price but this concluded the first half with a score line reading of 04 - 10.
Second half and HFH kicked off. Immediately the HFH team backed up the play with a fantastic set of six tackles getting Ryland`s to kick from deep within their own half. Fullback Jordan Holland was strategically positioned to pluck the ball out of the air and take it back towards Ryland`s with interest.
The game was developing into a real tough and physical battle, which the HFH team were more than happy to contend with, and unlike last week`s game, were of the mind set to return the goods!
This was illustrated superbly by Jordan Pennington who made a fantastic tackle on the Ryland`s prop only to get a boot above his eye. This closed and swelled quickly but after an ice pack to the head had been applied, along with Vaseline to cover the wound, Jordan got back to his feet and continued the fight.
Some neat interchange of play and passing got the ball out wide to Ste Shone who broke through two would be tackles and ploughed towards the try line only to be stopped with a great tackle by the Ryland`s full back. Unconcerned about not scoring, Ste got straight to his feet and quickly 'played the ball'. As usual, Parley was on hand to make a neat pass to the strong, straight running of Jordan Holland, who at full speed dived into the corner to score. Ryan Gardam narrowly missed the conversion.
Ryland`s tried a short kick-off which went straight into the arms of Daniel Heymans who ran the ball back hard. From here on the HFH team tucked the ball up their jumpers and played out the final set of six to the final whistle.
All the supporters were in total agreement that each and every player put in a fantastic effort, in what was a very physical and tough encounter. The whole HFH team showed great determination and enthusiasm to defend. Coupled with good attacking and handling skills, this formed the basis of a great win and was just reward for the efforts put into each training session.
Based on this game, this season is going to be a long and hard one but with the same effort given by the players, the HFH U15`s should be looking for a successful one.
A special token of appreciation goes to all the squad players for their fantastic effort so far, and to all the supporters (22 of them) who cheered the lads onto a fine away victory.
Tries Scored:
James Parle, Chris Brown and Jordan Holland - 1 each
Conversions:
Daniel Price - 1
Tackles Made:
TBC
Awards:
Man of the Match: TBC
Best Tackler: TBC
Most Improved: TBC
Final Score:
RYLAND SHARK`s (U15`s) 04 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15`s) 14
HFH U15`s Team:
Mike Bailey, Jordan Holland, Jimmy Hilton, Jordan Pennington, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, Mike O`Brien, Jack Williams, Ste Shone, Tom Spencer, James Parle, Brett Mikalauskas, Chris Brown.
Substitutes:
Josh Cassidy, Kyle R Nickle, Daniel Heymans, Scott McKeown.
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30 Sep 07, Halton F H v's Woolston Rovers
In a tough encounter, the HFH U15's fought gallantly to register a home victory against a big and strong Woolston side.
After only fifteen minutes, the HFH side were eighteen points to the good thanks to Tom Spencer, Chris Brown and the ever improving James Parle.
Tom Spencer was first to score after a good penetrating run to the corner. Left footed Pricey converted with a brilliant touch line kick.
Next on the score sheet was Chris Brown.
With Tom Spencer once again making an impressive break, the opportunity was made for James Parle to float a pass to Winger Chris brown, who sprinted from the half way line to score. Pricey repeated his success of the first touchline conversion.
Camped on the Woolston line, James Parle was next to score when he scooped from a play the ball, to score to the right of the sticks. Pricey again obliged.
With half time fast approaching, the HFH side were in attacking mode once more. Brett Mikalauskas, who has now settled into the side at scrum half, through out a long ranging pass to Ste Shone. With three Woolston defenders ahead of him, Ste steam rollered his way across the line to score, with the Woolston players wondering what day it was! From the opposite touchline, Ryan Gardam was unlucky with the conversion.
With the referee about to blow the whistle for half time, HFH found themselves on the back foot. Missed tackles allowed Woolston to score under the post, and when the conversion went over, the whistled was sounded for half time, with the score line reading 22 - 06.
Right from the restart, the HFH motored ahead with a fantastic individual try from James Hilton. Scooping the ball up from the base of the scrum, he galloped towards the Woolston sticks from the half way line and scored under the posts. Pricey popped the conversion over.
Similar to the end of the first half, the HFH team had a mad moment and started to miss tackles. Woolston took advantage and scored under the posts. After this episode in the game had past, HFH were once again in the Woolston Half. A great passing move, which seen the ball go through many sets of hands, the ball went from one wing to the other when Ryan Gardam scored out wide. Pricey left footed the ball again from the touchline. This time it wasn't a clean kick and to the amazement of the spectators, the ball hit the up-right, bounced onto the cross bar and over the top for two more points.
With the game drawing to its conclusion, HFH were able to put another passing move together for Chris brown to score his second try in the corner, with Ryan just missing the conversion. With the final whistle sounding, and the score line reading 38 - 12, both sets of players shuck hands after a somewhat heated game in a few places.
Without exception, every single player 'pulled their weight' today in a game which the HFH U15's didn't perform to their potential. With all the players starting to play for each other and learning from mistakes, the HFH U15's team are looking good for the rest of the season.
Tries Scored:
Chris Brown - 2
Thomas Spencer, James Parle, Ste Shone, Jimmy Hilton and Ryan Gardam - 1 each
Conversions;
Daniel Price - 5
Tackles Made;
TBC
Awards:
Man of the Match: James Parle
Top Tackler: Ryan Gardam
Most Improved: Brett Mikalauskas
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15's) 38 verses WOOLSTON ROVERS (U15's) 12
HFH U15's Team:
Mike Bailey, Jordan Holland, Jimmy Hilton, Jordan Pennington, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, Mike O'Brien, Ste Shone, Tom Spencer, James Parle, Daniel Heymans, Brett Mikalauskas, Chris Brown.
Substitutes:
Daniel Clegg, Jack Williams, Kyle R Nickle, Scott McKeown, Byron Kerr-Dando.
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07 Oct 07, Latchford Albion v's Halton F H
This was a `switched` fixture for which the HFH U15`s are most grateful for the cooperation of Latchford Albion U15`s.
On a summer like morning, Latchford kicked-off to the Hornets and in no time the HFH forwards were pounding at the Latchford line. Ten minutes of relentless battering of the defensive line, resulted in Mike O`Brien scoring wide out, with Latchford players clinging to him.
Pricey took a beauty of a kick from the touchline, which bounced in between the sticks after bouncing off the upright.
It wasn`t to long before Latchford hard overcome their initial frigid start and from a HFH handing error, the big Latchford number 19 collected the ball and scored under the sticks. The conversion was a matter of routine.
Latchford started working their way out of their half and on the last, put in a high kick towards the touchline. The ball seemed to stay in the air for ever but when it reached the HFH player, it ricocheted in to touch. From the resultant scrum, the ball found the Latchford Stand-off who ran across field, and scored to right of the sticks without a HFH player laying a hand on him. The conversion flew over.
With half time approaching, HFH staged another attack and on the last tackle, Pricey put in a high across field kick. Anticipating Pricey?s actions, Jimmy Hilton went pelting towards the try line. Collecting the ball coolly off the deck, Jimmy side stepped two Latchford defenders to score under the posts. Unfortunately, Pricey missed the easiest of conversions.
A minute to go to half time, the HFH team gave away a free kick on their twenty line. A good pounding burst and positive side stepping left the HFH players flat footed, and Latchford crossed the HFH try line again to score under the posts.
The conversion went over and whistle sounded the end of the first half, with the score line reading 10 - 18.
Some ten minutes into the second half and the game was stopped for a neck injury to Jordan Pennington. In a defensive position, Jordan elected to commit himself to the tackle of the brawling, strong running big Latchford player. Jack Williams was also in attendance but Jordan took the brunt of the attacker`s weight as he rolled over on his neck.
Neil Meadows was immediately on the pitch, as the referee brought the game to a stop. After assessment of the situation, I was evident that an ambulance would be required.
With Jordan flat out in the middle of the pitch but closely attended to, the game was restarted on another pitch, while a group of adults stayed with Jordan.
The HFH players had to pull them selves together and concentrate on finishing the game. It was Latchford who took advantage when they scored in the corner but missed the conversion.
With Jordan flat out in the middle of the pitch but closely attended to, the game was restarted on another pitch, A great break was made by Ryan Gardam and he headed towards the Latchford line. Drawing the fullback, Ryan passed out to supporting Tom Spencer who scored in the corner. Pricey missed this time from the touchline.
At 14 - 22, the Hornets had their chances. Twice they pinned them selves onto the Latchford line but silly errors gave possession over to Latchford.
Yes, the first half of this game was a somewhat dower performance by the HFH U15`s but in the second half they regained some of the missing character of the team. There was no total capitulation of the team but a regrouping of the players for the second half period.
This was a disappointing end score for the Hornets but at least they showed the vigour to fight back, and this speaks volumes for the players.
Tries Scored;
Mike O'Brien, Jimmy Hilton and Thomas Spencer - 1 each
Conversions;
Daniel Price - 1
Tackles Made;
TBC
Awards:
Man of the Match: Jordan Holland
Top Tackler:
Most Improved: Tom Spencer
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15`s) 14 verses LATCHFORD ALBION (U15`s) 22
HFH U15`s Team:
Mike Bailey, Jordan Holland, Jimmy Hilton, Jordan Pennington, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, Mike O`Brien, Ste Shone, Jack Williams, Tom Spencer, James Parle, Scot McKeown, Brett Mikalauskas.
Substitutes:
Daniel Clegg, David Meadows, Kyle R Nickle, Daniel Heymans.
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14 Oct 07, FREE WEEKEND
No fixture.
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21 Oct 07, Langworthy Reds v's Halton F H
Lancashire Cup Competition - Round One.
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The HFH U15`s travelled to Salford to take on Langworthy Reds in the first round of the Lancashire Cup Competition. Although Langworthy are one division below the Hornets, it was never expected to be an easy game as several HFH players were missing through injury and holidays. Fortunately the depth in squad member numbers was sufficient for the HFH U15`s to present a team able to compete in the first round of this cup competition.
But for the HFH U15`s, the writing was on the wall right from the very start of the game.
Langworthy kicked off and the ball was allowed to go over the dead ball line, resulting in a drop out from under the sticks. Tackling was none existent as Langworthy crossed the line to score, and go into a 06 - 00 lead after two minutes.
With Mike Bailey palming a high ball over the dead ball line, pricey took the drop-out from under the sticks. Immediately the referee blew for off-side and Langworthy were given a free kick straight under the sticks. Some how, this went wide.
From the resultant 20m drop out, Pricey found some space, which the eyeful Jimmy Hilton had also spotted. Jimmy collected the ball and made good ground before getting tackled. With the Hornets applying the pressure, Ryan Gardam burst through to score under the sticks. Ryan converted his own try to make the scores 06 - 06.
With Thomas Spencer having one of his dazzling runs, he made some excellent ground from the HFH try line, to over half way. This set-up a perfect attacking position from which the HFH team rumbled through to the Langworthy try line and Mike O`Brien scored wide out. Pricey hit the outside of the upright with his conversion but HFH had taken the lead.
Langworthy battled back to the HFH try line and scored a try in the corner. The attention of four HFH players attempting to push, pull and drag the number 13 Loose Forward into touch, were futile. With a good conversion the lead changed hands to read 12 - 10.
Hornets were under some considerable pressure from the couple of key players in the Langworthy side. Unfortunately, the HFH team didn`t help themselves when tackle after tackle was missed; incorrect running with the ball constantly gave possession away and too much `mouthing` resulted in free kicks.
One such incident occurred in the HFH half when the Hornets spoke out of turn and the referee gave Langworthy a free kick. With only the first tackle of the next set, Hornets were penalised again for the same offence. This time, Langworthy decided to go for the two points because they were near to the sticks. Langworthy got the kick and the whistle was sounded for half time with the scores reading 14 - 10.
Second half and the HFH were in the attacking mode and Ryan Gardam crossed the line only for the referee to disallow the try saying the ball hadn`t touched the ground.
On the next attack, the same move resulted in Ryan performing a similar feat but this time the referee allowed the try. Pricey knocked the ball over the bar for the Hornets to retake the lead 14 - 16.
This was further stretched when, yes that man Ryan Gardam, picked the ball up from the base of the scrum and cut through the three quarter line to score in the corner to register his hat-trick. Pricey got a beautiful conversion from the touch line.
From the restart, HFH collected the high ball over the line only for an error to occur when a back player passed the ball to a forward and the ball was dropped. This resulted in the HFH`s having to drop out from under the sticks.
With Langworthy looking dangerous, their loose forward got his hands on the ball. Feinting a drop goal attempt, he then jinxed his way to the try line to score, without any HFH players even touching him. He kicked his own conversion to bring Langworthy closer to the Hornets at 20 - 22.
From the restart, HFH were penalised once again for allegedly being off side when the kick was taken. With the clock ticking down, Langworthy were offered a passport into the HFH half of the field. With a little bit of improvement in the Hornets tackling, Langworthy were kept at bay.
With HFH now attacking, Pricey did something he hadn`t done since he started playing rugby - his famous SIDE STEP.
With ball in hand, Pricey decided to have a go at breaking the Langworthy defences. A neat little shimmy of the body and a discovery of that side step, he was through to score a great try. Pricey kicked his own conversion and stretched the Hornets lead to 22 - 28.
From the restart, HFH dropped the ball on their own try line. A scrum for Langworthy spelt danger for HFH as the Loose Forward gathered the ball from the foot of the scrum to score wide out. The conversion was missed but the score line was now 26 - 28.
The Langworthy tails were well and truly up and HFH found themselves defending frantically on their own try line. Right under the HFH sticks, the referee gave Langworthy a free kick for allegedly stealing the ball in a three man tackle offence. Two points would have put Langworthy level but they were confident about scoring because they had the upper hand over the Hornets.
Setting themselves, Langworthy passed the ball out to their left hand side.
Out of the grass appeared pricey who had predicted which way Langworthy would go. He intercepted the pass on his own line and ran the full length of the pitch, and only failed to score when he lost his footing and was caught. A quick play-the-ball was made though and good backing up resulted in Jimmy Hilton scoring under the sticks. With a simple conversion for Ryan Gardam, the whistle was sounded for full time and a Hornets hard earned victory.
Tries Scored:
Ryan Gardam - 3
Mike O'Brien, Daniel Price and Jimmy Hilton - 1 each
Conversions:
Ryan Gardam - 4
Tackles Made:
TBC
Awards:
Man of the Match: Thomas Spencer
Top Tackler: Ryan Gardam
Most Improved: Daniel Price
Final Score:
LANGWORTHY REDS (U15`s) 26 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15`s) 32
HFH U15`s Team:
Mike Bailey, James Giblin, Jimmy Hilton, Jordan Pennington, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, Dave Meadows, Mike O`Brien, Ste Shone, Tom Spencer, James Parle, Daniel Hymans, Brett Mikalauskas.
Substitutes:
Daniel Clegg, Kyle R Nickel.
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28 Oct 07, Hindley v's Halton F H
Although at the foot of the NWC`s League Division One, Hindley were dogmatic in their approach to the game and the HFH U15`s had to fight for this victory.
With Hindley starting the game, they kicked straight in to touch, which gave the Hornets a free kick on the half way line. The first set of six for HFH showed what type of game it was going to be, with wet conditions forcing them to drop the ball and lose the advantage.
Mike O`Brien was in a relentless mood and on one of his runs, he was able to carry three would be Hindley tacklers with him, as he turned and laid a pass off to Parley. Obliging, Parley dove over in at the corner after some fifteen minutes passage of play. Although aligning his kick from the touchline and on the `wrong` side of the pitch for Pricey, he produced a beautiful neat conversion and put the Hornets in front.
Straight from the restart, the Hornets allowed the ball to go dead which immediately put them under pressure but the defensive line held well, with each player doing their bit.
In an attacking position, Ryan Gardam strode through the Hindley defensive line, close to half time. He scored a try but this was disallowed by the referee for some `back chatting` from a HFH`s player.
At half time the score line read 00 - 06.
In the second half, Ryan Gardam carried on were he left off and scored the try he`d been searching for. Pricey was bang-on again with the conversion.
Mike O`Brien was making some brilliant breaks and on one occasion he turned in the tackle to flick the ball back after committing Hindley players. Unfortunately, there was little support to reward the exerted efforts of the attack.
When Parley decided to take it himself, he ran at a gap which had opened up. Holding the ball in two hands, he was able to keep the defensive line guessing at what he was up to. At the right moment, Parley passed the ball to the supporting Mike O`Brien, who in turn committed the Full Back and Winger, before flicking the ball to Wingman Jordan Pennington who dove over in the corner. Pricey was able to knock the ball over the cross bar once again from the touchline.
From another attacking move and on the last tackle, pricey put a kick in to the corner. With Penno and Jimmy Hilton chasing after it, they were jointly able to tackle the Hindley Full Back in to touch. From the resultant scrum, Ryan Gardam bumps his way through the Hindley players to score close to the sticks. Pricey was able to do his bit again.
With time almost up, Pricey elected for another long range corner kick. Wingman Chris Brown, back after an appendixes operation only three weeks ago, was able to collect the ball at speed as it blobbed about. He was brought down just short of the line which signalled the end of the game. A few more weeks of recuperation and Chris Brown will be uncatchable once again.
From a team perspective, it was a really good result. With Jordan Pennington playing on the wing because of a shoulder injury he was carrying in to the game, and David Meadows still affected by his recovery from a broken ankle, the spirit of the team prevailed. Mike Bailey was also back from a knee injury he had sustained a couple of weeks ago, and needed to gingerly ease his way in to the game.
This for ever endless list also contained Ste Shone`s name, who had suffered a back injury a couple of weeks previously. Still, Ste wanted to play in this match and he never put a foot wrong, although his sensitivity with respect to his back was evident.
Jack Williams was back after his exertions of the previous week and this gave an added depth of attack and defence to the team. Jimmy Hilton seemed to be everywhere once again, and Ryan performed as only he knows how. Pricey had the correct kicking head on, while Parley and Tom Spencer investigated every weakness in the Hindley defensive line.
With Mike O`Brien leading the way, Brett Mikalauskas originating almost every initial attacking pass and Danny Heymans providing some upfront support and power, all the players can be happy with this days work.
The attendance of substitutes Kyle R Nickle and Gibbo, on to the playing field towards the end of the game, ensured a squad participation was upheld.
Next week the Hornets are away again, this time to Wigan St Cuthbert`s, in the Second Round of the NWC`s Cup competition. Injury news will need to be kind to the HFH U15`s to allow them to bring another victory home with them but victory is what every single player performs for.
Tries Scored:
Ryan Gardam - 2
James Parle and Jordan Pennington - 1 each
Conversions:
Daniel Price - 4
Tackles Made:
TBC
Awards:
Man of the Match: Mike O`Brien
Top Tackler: Jack Williams
Most Improved: David Meadows
Final Score:
HINDLEY (U15`s) 00 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15`s) 24
HFH U15`s Team:
Jimmy Hilton, Jordan Pennington, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, Dave Meadows, Mike O`Brien, Jack Williams, Ste Shone, Tom Spencer, James Parle, Daniel Hymans, Brett Mikalauskas and Chris Brown.
Substitutes:
Mike Bailey, James Giblin and Kyle R Nickle
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04 Nov 07, Wigan St Cuthberts v's Halton F H
Lancashire Cup Competition - Round Two.
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The HFH U15`s have become accustomed to travelling away week after week - and winning; this Lancashire Cup Second Round tie was to be no exception.
In a brilliant performance, the Hornets showed what they are made of in this tough encounter. Yes, Wigan St Cuthbert`s are in NWC Division Two but that will change next season. Riding high in that division and undefeated, they are a prime candidate for promotion.
Hornets were obviously favourites to win this one but it`s the manner in which they achieved the victory that was most pleasing.
Up against a bigger pack, there was plenty of hard work to be got through and the tough HFH tackling proved to be precise. With lots of verbal emanating from the Cuthbert`s players, both towards HFH players and the referee, it was easy to see why the Hornets were advantageous in the penalty count in the first half. Conversely, Cuthbert`s were lucky to finish the first half with thirteen players on the remaining on the pitch.
HFH on the other hand, HFH just got on with the task ahead of them and got points on the scoreboard when Jordan Holland crossed for a well worked try.
After some initial jitters and resultant knock on`s, Pricey settled down and gave a great inside pass to John Hensby to score. Ryan Gardam added the two points.
Soon after, it was Pricey who struck again. After the Cuthbert`s set of six, in which they made no territorial ground, Pricey ended up with the ball. Putting a high ball up into the Cuthbert`s half, the Full Back fumbled the ball and there to sweep it up was John Hensby to score his second try. Ryan Gardam obliged once again with the two points.
With the Hornets in full flow, pressurisation on the last caused the Cuthbert`s player to drop the ball. On hand to gather the ball was Ryan Gardam who then off loaded to supporting Mike O`Brien. From the half way line, Mike out sprinted the Cuthbert`s chasing defences to score a fantastic try, which he celebrated exuberantly.
Immediately from the kick off, Mike Bailey caught the ball and started off on a swerving run from his own half. Eluding player after player, Mike found himself in the Cuthbert`s half and heading for the line. In a similar vain to Mike O?Brien, Mike Bailey sprinted to the line and was unfortunate when the referee adjudged him to have dropped the ball over the line.
With the work load evenly shared, Parley made a dash for the line, drew the defender but the pass to Winger Jimmy Hilton went to touch, otherwise another try would have been recorded.
Dave Meadows at full back had to contend with plenty of high balls, as this was Cuthbert`s only way out. On once such occasion, David professionally collected a high ball in his own half, and then penetrated his way to the half way line. This then set up the platform for another Hornets attack and Ryan Gardam scored in the corner just before half time. This made the score line 00 - 24.
Second half, and Wigan St Cuthbert`s were determined to make their scoreboard roll over from the zeros, and consequently they made sure that they retained a lot of ball possession.
The Hornets were defending their line on several occasions to the point were the Cuthbert`s players were only inches away from scoring. But panic didn`t set in by the Hornets and they remained cool and workman like in their jobs.
This paid off because the frustration of not scoring caused a Cuthbert`s player to drop the ball on the first tackle of a new set, straight from a Cuthbert`s free kick.
The ball found its way to Wingman Chris Brown. Showing a clean pair of heels, Chris darted off the HFH try line and down the right hand side touch line. He scored a magnificent solo try that any player would be proud of. Pricey popped the conversion over.
With Cuthbert`s still trying to avenge a zero score line, they once again pounded the HFH try line. On the last tackle, pricey spotted the Cuthbert`s player who was to receive the pass. Running at and pressurising the would be Cuthbert`s kicker, the ball was dropped. Pricey said `Thank you` and repeated Chris Brown`s feat of running the length of the pitch and scoring.
Back came the Cuthbert`s attacking line with the Hornets now insistent on not letting the Wigan side score a try. This was exhaled when Cuthbert`s thought they were certain of scoring. Passing along the line resulted in them having the extra man out wide. When the ball reached this player he dove for the corner with nobody in front of him. Out of the blue appeared `two bats out of hell` in the form of Jimmy Hilton and Brett Mikalauskis. Both Hornets players took aim and dove at the attacking player. The impact of both tacklers contacting at the same time caused the Cuthbert`s player to be bulleted into touch, just as he was about to touch down.
The grimacing on the Cuthbert`s side lines was evident to see "what did they have to do to score"? Time didn`t allow this question to be answered as the referee blew for full time with the Hornets camp pleased with the outcome and the Cuthbert`s camp some what frustrated with a score line of 00 - 34.
As protocol will have it, the HFH U15`s have now got to travel away again in the next round of the Lancashire Cup but this time to Oldham St Anne`s. But that will have to wait for one week while the Hornets travel away to Pilkington Recs next week to fulfil a league fixture.
Tries Scored:
John Hensby - 2
Jordan Holland, Mike O`Brien, Ryan Gardam, Chris Brown, Daniel Price - 1 each
Conversions:
Ryan Gardam - 2
Daniel Price - 1
Awards:
Man of the Match: TBC
Top Tackler: TBC
Most Improved: TBC
Final Score:
WIGAN ST CUTHBERT`S (U15`s) 00 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15`s) 34
HFH U15`s Team:
Mike Bailey, Jordan Holland, Jimmy Hilton, Jordan Pennington, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, Dave Meadows, Mike O`Brien, Jack Williams, Ste Shone, James Parle, John Hensby, Brett Mikalauskas.
Substitutes:
James Giblin, Daniel Heymans, Chris Brown and Byron Kerr Dando
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11 Nov 07, Pilkington Recs v's Halton F H
Prior to the start of this game, both teams stood lined up and in the middle of pitch facing the crowd, as everybody held a minutes silence in respect of Remembrance Sunday. This was impeccably observed by every single person.
Then the game started and the HFH U15`s players must be getting tired of travelling away because this lack lustre performance exemplified a weary team.
The body language of the HFH players on the pitch was quit evident to see, with little motivation or enthusiasm and certainly a great lack of aggression. Consequently, the rugby style was `one man` taking the ball up while the rest of the players stood back, hands on hips, and watched.
Fortunately HFH were first to get on the scoreboard when after twelve minutes, and on the sixth, Pricey put in a high ball into the corner. With an unpredictable bounce of the ball, the Pilks Winger was sent the wrong way and this allowed Jimmy Hilton to pounce on the ball as it crossed the try line. Ryan Gardam tagged on the extra two points.
Pilks were playing some decent rugby and right on the verge of half time, they registered their first try when the Wing Man cut inside and scored under the sticks. The conversion was good and the whistle was immediately blown for half with the score line reading 10 - 06, in Pilks favour.
Two minutes into the second half and Jack Williams scored the first of his two tries. From a HFH put in scrum on the half way line, Jack picked up the ball from the base and sped through the Pilks three quarter line. Out pacing any form of defence, he scored in the corner with the Pilks Full Back out flanked. Ryan Gardam`s kick was bang on line but just short. This left the score line reading 10 - 10.
Each team were now searching for that killer instinct and to seal the match. Pilks were really up for this game and showed the more eagerness to get a result, while the Hornets literally `buzzed` around. The Hornets were unlucky though to loose Jordan Pennington with another knock to an already bandaged up knee from earlier injury in the game. He was replaced by Byron Kerr-Dando on the wing.
It took an inspirational bit of play from Jack Williams to bolster the HFH confidence. Looking very much like a reply of his first try, he found a gap in the Pilks line and headed through it. Chased by Pilks players, he managed to find the line to score a great try. Ryan was unfortunate with the conversion.
With the clock counting down, nobody was exactly sure how long there was left to play. This situation had arisen because of an ankle injury to a Pilks player, who had to be stretchered off the pitch. With the next two teams waiting to get onto the park and start their game, the referee maintained the flow of the existing game.
With Pilks consistently having the overlap out wide, they tossed the ball in that direction. Some really bad, no existent tackling allowed the Pilks Winger to fly towards the HFH try line to score in the corner. Fortunately for the HFH team, the conversion was short, and an equal score line of 14 - 14 looked to be the final figure.
But what could it have been?
Parley, carrying the ball in two hands, made a great break in field and towards the Pilks sticks. He was eventually caught by two Pilks players who were unable to put him to ground. Fighting against the tacklers, Parley turned and tried to get the ball back to Pricey for a drop kick but unfortunately the ball was gathered by a Pilks player.
After couple of tackles on the Pilks players, the referee decided to draw the game to a close, with each team taking something away from this game. Pilks took away a good performance and one point, while the Hornets played poorly and yet some how managed to get a point out of the game.
The HFH U15`s have now played five away games and haven`t been beaten. This was the closest they had come to an away defeat. It comes as no surprise to find that the Hornets are away again next week, in the Quarter Final of the Lancashire Cup, to Oldham St Anne`s from the Premier Division.
This will be a real toughie and what the HFH players don`t want, is another performance like todays. If they adopt the right attitude, approach the game in the correct manner (that means Saturday nights sorted!) and dig for that aggression, then a surprise might be in the waiting.
Tries Scored:
Jack Williams - 2
Jimmy Hilton - 1
Conversions:
Ryan Gardam - 1
Awards:
Man of the Match: Ryan Gardam
Top Tackler: Ste Shone
Most Improved: Daniel Price
Final Score:
PILKINGTON RECS (U15`s) 14 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15`s) 14
HFH U15`s Team:
Mike Bailey, Jordan Holland, Jimmy Hilton, Jordan Pennington, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, Dave Meadows, Mike O`Brien, Jack Williams, Ste Shone, James Parle, Daniel Heymans, Brett Mikalauskas.
Substitutes:
James Giblin, Byron Kerr Dando and James Purcell
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18 Nov 07, Oldham St Annes v's Halton F H
Lancashire Cup Competition - Quarter Finals.
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The HFH U15`s record of `playing away` and winning, came to an end in today`s Lancashire Cup Quarter Final against Premier side Oldham St Anne`s (OSA).
Playing up hill in the first half, the Hornets gifted the first try to OSA. Straight from the kick-off, Hornets tried to off load but ended up knocking-on. A scrum under the HFH U15`s sticks was a temptation OSA wouldn`t miss and they came away with six points after two minutes.
As things worked out, the first half had already been decided even before the Hornets had restarted the game because after five minutes, OSA scored again but this time out-wide.
As in all games so far this season, the HFH U15`s haven`t bothered to turn up until the second half. Against a Premier side like OSA, that spells trouble. With the wind in their faces and facing the slope, the Hornets were continually pedalling backwards against a well drilled and disciplined Oldham outfit.
Approaching half time, Hornets had one of their rare excursions into the OSA half. Pushing OSA back, the HFH U15`s found themselves pressing the try line. On the last, quick thinking Pricey put in a peach of a grubber kick towards the OSA try line. The bobble of the ball beat a couple of OSA players but not Mike O`Brien, who dropped on the ball to score a worthy try.
With Ryan making it six points, the half time whistle was sounded, with the score line reading 36 - 06.
As predicted, the HFH U15`s took the second half seriously. Taking the game to the OSA players, the Hornets spent considerable amounts of time in the OSA half, and more to the point, on the OSA line.
On one such raid, Ryan Gardam and then Mike O`Brien were both held up and pulled back from over the try line. From the depths of the mud, up pops Brett Mikalauskis who, with a bit of magic, weaved his way across the OSA try line to score under the posts. This was a great solo effort which came from a platform created by a workman like team. Once again, Ryan Gardam converted.
The opportunity arose again for the Hornets to register more points when close to the try line, David Meadows side stepped a would be OSA defender and laid a pass to the straight running Mike O`Brien. Had Mike of retained the ball, he would have definitely scored under the posts. But it wasn?t to be and OSA soon reached the HFH half, only to score again.
The second half performance and attitude of the HFH U15`s was pleasing to see in the second half. They didn?t roll over and give the game to the Premier side; on the contrary they battled it out with character. Hit hard with injuries, the remaining thirteen HFH players on the pitch gave it their all.
There were numerous occasions when the Hornets created changes but things went against them. On one such occasion, and in the OSA half, three Oldham players decided to be `markers` as HFH played the ball. Spotted by the referee, a free kick was awarded to the HFH U15`s.
In a prime position, and just some five metres from the OSA line, the Hornets had a clean set of six to score. From the penalty tap, Bret passed the ball out to Pricey, who unfortunately spilled the ball to ground. The conditions of the weather and pitch didn`t permit this type of summer rugby.
Everybody on the side lines was feeling the effects of the penetrating cold wind, and damp conditions. Itchy feet were prevailing, for the hike back to the OSA Clubhouse for a hot drink. On the pitch though, the Hornets players were having different thoughts.
In one of the last plays of the game, the Hornets were once again attacking the OSA defences. With ball in hand, Pricey lobbed the ball high over the defensive line, and towards the try line.
Full Back Jordan Holland, was game for this chase and out sprinted all to ground the ball and register another Hornets try. Pricey had a go at the touchline conversion, and although bang on line, it just fell short, with the wind not helping matters.
After only a few more minutes, the referee blew for full time and both sides shock cold hands. OSA had run out comfortable winners in the end but they hadn1t broken the spirit of the HFH U15`s players who never lay down and surrendered.
If only the Hornets had performed in the first half as they did in the second half, things might have been much closer. The playing and physical gulf is not enormous but the mindset of the players is. The psychology of the game is yet to be found, switched-on and nurtured to its potential.
Well done to ALL the players for getting this far in the Lancashire Cup; reaching the Quarter Finals and for conducting yourselves in the manner that you have done so.
Tries Scored:
Mike O`Brien, Bret Mikalauskis and Jordan Holland - 1 each
Conversions:
Ryan Gardam - 2
Awards:
Man of the Match: David Meadows
Top Tackler: Ryan Gardam
Most Improved: Ste Shone
Final Score:
OLDHAM ST ANNE`S (U15`s) 48 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15`s) 16
HFH U15`s Team:
Mike Bailey, Jordan Holland, Jimmy Hilton, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, Dave Meadows, Mike O`Brien, Jack Williams, Ste Shone, James Parle, Brett Mikalauskas, Byron Kerr-Dando, Scott McCann.
Substitutes:
James Giblin, Kyle R Nickle, and James Purcell.
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25 Nov 07, Halton F H v's Leigh Miners Rangers
Prior to the start of this fixture, all the players, referee, coaches and spectators had a minute`s silence in memory of Mike Gregory.
This was a return fixture with Leigh Miners Rangers (LMR) visiting Wilmere Lane. If the match was anything like the opening game of the season at Leigh, then all the spectators were in for a feast of rugby.
With the Hornets kicking off, it was evident that this was going to be a close game, with both teams playing out their full sets of six. Considering the wet conditions, there was very little spilled ball, which reflected the determination of both teams to keep retention.
There was a good early move by the HFH U15`s players with good hands across the pitch, resulted in Winger Jimmy Hilton sprinting down the touch line towards the LMR try line. Only a last ditch tackle prevented Jimmy from scoring. A quick play the ball found a couple of LMR players off side. The Hornets drove the ball towards the sticks but the LMR defences prevented the Hornets from scoring.
In contrast to last week`s cup game, the HFH 15`s actually performed in the first half with blistering runs from Ryan Gardam, Mike O`Brien & Bailey, Jack Williams, Scott McCann and Daniel Heymans. The defensive quality of the forwards was also vastly superior to last week`s game.
With twenty three minutes of the game gone, Ryan Gardam was given a yellow card (his first card ever), for allegedly lifting a player to high. Such was the determination in Ryan`s heart but a decision which the LMR parents thought a bit rash.
It was some 28 minutes into the first half before the first score was made. With the Hornets defending gallantly on their own try line, they found themselves in possession of the ball. A synergising run by the strong Ste Shone, found him beating LMR player after player, until eventually he was captured on the half way line.
From a great platform, the Hornets pressed forward. On the sixth, Pricey masterminded one of his high cross field ticks to the corner. With the ball starting to fall to earth over the try line, up popped that unlikely Winger - who was actually a Second Rower - Jack Williams. Timing everything perfectly, Jack collected the ball clean and dove to ground to score a try and slide across the dead ball line. Left footed, Pricey put a pearl of a conversion together from near to the touchline.
LMR tried a similar move when attacking the Hornets line towards the end of the first half. Fortunately the Hornets had Winger Jimmy Hilton, who was able to leap high and neatly basket the ball for the half time whistle to sound with the score line reading 06 - 00.
The second half was not too dissimilar to the first, with both sides giving it their all. Full Back Jordan Holland was back to his best putting in some crunching tackles, and always there in the line to make the extra man, if only the ball had been thrown to the open side of the field instead of the blind side all the time. The frustrated shouts of coach Neil Meadows was falling on deaf ears!
This was a dower point because on numerous occasions, if the ball had been moved to the open field, the Hornets had the capacity to score, with the LMR defences stretched. This would have resulted in a different score line than the tight one that resulted from this fixture.
Toughie Mike O`Brien had a fearless performance with the best being his speedy run from the half way line. With grit and determination in his face, he wheeled his way through the LMR players like a bolt of lightning. Heading for the corner flag for a certain try, only the equivalence of a brilliant tackle by the LMR player forced Mike into touch. A true piece of rugby was shown both in attack and in defence.
On several occasions the HFH U15`s players found themselves defending desperately on their own line. On one incident, LMR raised a cross field kick the open field. With the ball bobbling about it looked dangerous for the Hornets but Winger Byron Kerr-Dando dropped on the loose ball only inches from his own try line. Now under greater pressure, it took good scoops by Ste Shone and Jordan Holland to make them inches into feet.
The rest was left to Pricey! Collecting the ball, Pricey was having none of this defending one`s own try line stuff, so he pounded the ball down field, and into the LMR half. The pressure was off - well for now!
With only minutes remaining, LMR constructed their final assault on the Hornets. Placing a little chip over the defensive line, the LMR player recollected and headed for the line. With plenty of support LMR managed to score in the corner after some desperate cover tackling by the Hornets players. Fortunately for the HFH U15`s, the touch line conversation attempt was just wide and the final whistle was sounded.
With a finishing score line of 06 - 04, it painted a true picture of a tough encounter.
For the Hornets, it was pleasing to get back to winning ways and take the two points but the roasting that the players received after the game only emphasised the frustration of the coaching staff. Yes, the Hornets could have drawn or even lost this game but there again, they could have won by a bigger margin if only they had opened their eyes, and ears, and give the ball a bit of air.
Nonetheless, lots of effort and determination was spent by the forwards and backs with more lessons learnt for next Sunday.
Tries Scored:
Jack Williams - 1
Conversions:
Daniel Price - 1
Awards:
Man of the Match: TBA
Top Tackler: TBA
Most Improved: TBA
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15`s) 06 verses LEIGH MINERS RANGERS (U15`s) 04
HFH U15`s Team:
Mike Bailey, Jordan Holland, Jimmy Hilton, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, Dave Meadows, Mike O`Brien, Jack Williams, Ste Shone, Daniel Heymans, John Hensby, Brett Mikalauskas, Scott McCann.
Substitutes:
James Giblin, Kyle R Nickle, Byron Kerr-Dando and James Purcell
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02 Dec 07, Folly Lane v's Halton F H
POSTPONED - Water logged pitch.
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09 Dec 07, Halton F H v's Ryland Sharks
POSTPONED - Water logged pitch.
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16 Dec 07, Woolston v's Halton F H [last game until 06Jan08]
POSTPONED - Water logged pitch.
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06 Jan 08, Halton F H v's Latchford Albion
This was the HFH U15`s first game of the New Year; the last time they played was on 22nd November 2007. With several player missing due to injuries and sickness, the Hornets mustered together fifteen players.
Within the overall game, the Hornets were on top for three quarters of the period. If fact the HFH U15`s scored first when, after just five minutes, Jack Williams made a brilliant break down the left hand side wing.
Beating player after player, Jack got closer and closer to the Latchford Line. It was only the intervention of the Latchford Full Back who stopped Jack but was unable to put him to ground. Somehow, Jack managed to get the ball out to the supporting Ste Shone, who went over for a fantastic try.
Ryan Gardam banged the ball over from the touch line, to make the score 00 - 06.
Against opposition who were much superior in size and physic, the HFH players didn`t shrug their responsibilities and took the game to Latchford side. The Hornets crossed the line again when, a neat Pricey cross field kick to the corner was knocked back by Penno and collected by John Hensby, who scored. The try was disallowed when the referee claimed the ball went forward.
Still the HFH team pounded away at the Latchford line, and on the last tackle and in the corner, John Hensby scooped blind from the play the ball but was brought down just short.
In another incident, Pricey and Penno combined once more. Another cross field corner kick, and Penno pelted across the line to win the touchdown of the ball against the Latchford Winger. Penno, thinking he`d scored, was disappointed when the referee disallowed the try, claiming Penno had been in an off side position.
With only a few minutes to half time, the HFH U15`s players eased off the gas, and this allowed Latchford to stride through for a try under the sticks.
At half time, the score line was 06 - 06.
From the HFH second half restart, the Latchford player was put under pressure and knocked on. With good field possession made towards the Latchford sticks, the Hornets were awarded a free kick by the referee for stealing the ball. Ryan Gardam knocked the ball over the cross bar and claimed the two points.
That made the scoreline 06 - 08.
For the Hornets, things were going full steam ahead, and they looked in control of the game. This was reaffirmed when good across field hands, found Pricey in possession of the ball. Slinging a long pass out wide, Pricey found Jack Williams, who steamed onto the ball to score in the corner. Little Pricey put in a gem of a conversion from the touchline to make the scores 06 - 14.
But Latchford were never going to be out gunned!
Calling on their reservists, the Latch team turned the tables when the big forwards ploughed through some really poor tackling, to score in the corner. As it turned out, this then signalled the end of the Hornets run in this game, even though the score line was only 10 - 14.
The Latchford players scored another three easy tries and two conversions to round the game off at 26 - 14 in their favour.
For the Hornets, there were positives and negatives for Team Coach Neil Meadows to contemplate. A massive plus was the performance of Jack Williams - he had a stormer! He ran, he tackled and he was all over the field, setting a great example for all the other players to follow.
Mike Bailey gave examples of what he is capable of, with some serving runs going forward, and Ryan Gardam performed to his usual high standards. Pricey put some cracking chips in but it would be nice to see him commit to running the ball forward, and use that massive side step he once exposed.
Jimmy Hilton played out of position in the pack and this was due to the lack of forwards available. He did well but picked up a knock on the shoulder that seen him subbed. Brett Mikalauskas had a quit game back after the Christmas break, as did Ste Shone and Jordan Holland.
James Parle showed some signs of what he is capable of doing but eased off at stages. Dave Meadows played his part in the tackling role, which was something his mum said she was surprised to see! John Hensby stood his ground in the wing position and showed signs of some potential aggressive tackling, something which the team requires. Byron Kerr-Dando, the other winger, collected a couple of Latchford cross field kicks and made them safe. Some more work on the defensive nature of his game would be a great plus. Finally, substitutes James Gibbo and James (Celly) Purcell graced the turf at Vicky Park, when the Hornets encountered injury problems to a couple of players, and Team Coach Neil Meadows was forced to shuffle the playing positions about.
All in all, this wasn`t too bad a return to playing rugby after such a lengthy lay off. The frustrating part was the fact that for most of the game, the Hornets were flying the flag. Unfortunately, they were unable to retain the momentum they originally in flickered on the Latchford team and in the end, the Latchford big lads run out winners.
Tries Scored:
Ste Shone and Jack Williams - 1 each
Conversions:
Ryan Gardam - 2
Daniel Price - 1
Awards:
Man of the Match: TBC
Top Tackler: TBC
Most Improved: TBC
Final Score:
LATCHFORD ALBION (U15`s) 24 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15`s) 14
HFH U15`s Team:
Mike Bailey, Jordan Holland, Jimmy Hilton, Jordan Pennington, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, Dave Meadows, Jack Williams, Ste Shone, James Parle, John Hensby, Brett Mikalauskas, Byron Kerr-Dando.
Substitutes:
James Giblin and James Purcell
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13 Jan 08, NO FIXTURE
NO FIXTURE
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20 Jan 08, Leyland Warriors v's Halton F H
POSTPONED - Water Logged.
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27 Jan 08, Halton F H v's Hindley
Having waited three weeks to get another fixture completed, the HFH U15’s were not complaining too much! The spate of bad weather has enabled the return of long term injured players Phil Smith and Thomas Spencer.
Also appearing for the Hornets was Carl Mercer who, like Phil Smith, started on the bench while Tom Spencer was playing in his normal position on the right wing.
With James Parle and Byron Kerr-Dando both returning after missing a week due to other commitments, the line-up of substitutes has never looked healthier. James Giblin, Daniel Heymans, Kyle R Nickle, John Hensby and James Purcell were all pounding the side lines as the whistle sounded to start the game.
Playing up the slope and against the wind, the HFH U15’s didn’t get the best of starts. Kicking off to Hindley, who immediately knocked-on, the Hornets never took advantage of possession or territory. Although camped on the Hindley line, the HFH U15’s were unable to secure any points.
An infringement gave Hindley a free kick. Whacking the ball deep into the HFH half, the HFH players had to turn and give chase. The Hindley winger was soon pressurising his counterpart, Tom Spencer, and this in turn caused Tom to fumble the ball. Although regaining possession, the ball somehow spilt from under his body and the Hindley player collected to score under the sticks.
A score line of 00 – 06 after eight minutes wasn’t the start the Hornets were looking for!
This bit of luck seemed to inspire the Hindley team, who were again on the attack. Only a last gasp copy book tackle by Winger Jimmy Hilton, who took the marauding Hindley player round the ankles, saved the HFH team from further embarrassment.
As the game developed and the HFH U15’s adapted to the conditions, they played some decent rugby. Pricey put a lovely weighty kick for Jimmy Hilton to chase and who collected it on the bounce, to see line at his mercy. Unfortunately for Jimmy, it was reversed roles, as he was tackled round the ankles by the Hindley Fullback.
Further pressure was applied by the HFH team and this accumulated in the ball getting passed out to David Meadows, who dove over in the corner. With half time fast approaching, HFH managed to squeeze another two quick tries in, with Carl Mercer crossing the Hindley white wash twice, in the same place as Dave Meadows.
With the strong wind precluding any of the HFH conversions, a healthier score line of 12 – 06 brought the half time whistle.
In the second half, the HFH team took advantage of the elements and Pricey put another chip kick in for Jimmy Hilton. Again, Jimmy collected neatly and again he was tackled just short of the Hindley line. Reacting quickly, Jimmy played the ball which allowed Mike O’Brien to score in the corner. Left footed Pricey, kicking from the touchline and on the wrong side of the pitch for him, put in a beautiful kick to claim the two points.
A great bursting break by Mercer brought the Hornets another try when Carl laid the ball off to Pricey. Committing the Hindley fullback, Pricey had a pick of four HFH supporting players to choose from. With Mike O’Brien been the nearest, he received the pass from Pricey and scored a great worked try. This time though, Pricey just missed with the conversion.
With Parley doing his scooting routine from the play the ball, it wasn’t surprising to see him attempt this close to the Hindley line, only to be held-up over the line. Mike Bailey then did another of his penetrating runs and knocked Hindley players out of the way. Taking on the last Hindley defender, Mike slipped the ball to Winger Jordan Pennington, who scored in the corner. Pricey got the touchline conversion.
Jordan Holland remained solid at Fullback and took every opportunity to link up with the Hornets attacking line. Ste Shone again demonstrated why he retains one of the centres positions, and Jack Williams never faltered in both attacking and defending. With Brett Mikalauskas giving Coach Neil Meadows a greater number of options for positional plays, and with relative new comer John Hensby not putting a foot wrong in the wing position, the HFH team seem to be brimming with confidence as the game rolled on.
The HFH U15’s were now starting to rack-up the points but they saved the best until last. Tom Spencer instigated a break down the left side, and although getting caught by the Hindley defender, Tom managed to get the ball away to supporting Mike O’Brien. In a similar vein, Mike was also caught but he too managed to get the ball out to a group of supporting HFH players.
This interaction of getting tackled but keeping the ball alive, continued as the HFH’s team approached the line. The final pass went to Phil Smith, who fittingly round off his return game, by scoring under the posts. Pricey knocked the ball over the cross bar to make the final score line 32 – 06.
This was a demon of a game for the HFH U15’s, who have now amassed a multitude of players with a drift of varying rugby league skill sets. This is just as well because injuries in this game resulted in Ryan Gardam (fingers) and Scott McCann (shoulder) having to walk off the field, while Mike O’Brien (knee) had the be stretchered off the pitch, with only thirty seconds of the game remaining.
This was a great performance by all the players and a great victory to do the double over Hindley. With the scheduled season end fast approaching, there will be plenty of opportunities for the Hornets to show what they are truly capable of. Having up to now, seven postponed fixtures to be rescheduled, the season will have to be stretched to accommodate these matches.
Barring injuries, the Hornets should be up there amongst the top spots in the league.
Tries Scored:
Mike O’Brien and Carl Mercer – 2 each
David Meadows, Jordan Pennington and Phil Smith – 1 each
Conversions:
Daniel Price – 3
Awards:
Man of the Match: Mike O'Brien
Top Tackler: Jimmy Hilton
Most Improved: Daniel Price
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 32 verses HINDLEY (U15’s) 06
HFH U15’s Team:
Mike Bailey, Jordan Holland, Jimmy Hilton, Jordan Pennington, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, Dave Meadows, Mike O’Brien, Jack Williams, Ste Shone, Thomas Spencer, Brett Mikalauskas, Scott McCann.
Substitutes:
James Giblin, Phil Smith, Kyle R Nickel, James Parle, Daniel Heymans, John Hensby, Byron Kerr-Dando, James Purcell, Carl Mercer.
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03 Feb 08, NO FIXTURE
NO FIXTURE
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10 Feb 08, Halton F H v's Pilkington Recs
The HFH U15’s took on Pilks Recs on one of the Wilmere Lane Sports Ground rugby pitches, only recently made available, after the installation of a new drainage system. Even after all the recent bad weather, the pitch was perfect.
And it was a perfect start for the Hornets when, after receiving the ball from the kick off, the HFH U15’s scored straight away when Mike O’Brien finished a dashing move to cross the line for a fine try, converted by Pricey. Less than two minutes gone and the home side were already six points up.
It was some ten further minutes into the game before any further points were recorded when Carl Mercer scored in the corner. Pricey was just wide with the conversion.
When half time arrived the score line had remained stagnant at 10 – 00 but that’s not to say the standard of play had done likewise. There were some impressive first half performances by the Hornets players and none were more so than that of Jordan Holland.
Playing into a really bright, strong sun light, Jordan never faulted from making safe every kick that was put his way, particularly the ones with ice on them! All round, his game was exceptional – defending like a trooper when needing to and joining the attack at every opportunity.
But he wasn’t alone. Tom Spencer, only just back from a serious injury, was there to impress, and it looked as though he’d never been away. His straight, strong fast running hasn’t deserted him.
James Parle thought he’d sneaked a try under the sticks but a last minute clasping tackle forced James to drop the ball over the line.
All round, it wasn’t such a bad first half for coach Neil Meadows but he would have been much happier had the players read the game and paid attention to the flanks, were the HFH centres and wingers bathed in glorious sun shine!
With Pilks scoring a try and conversion ten minutes into the second half, and with their ego high, it looked as though Pilks had turned a corner. Unfortunately they hadn’t accounted for Brett Mikalauskas. Having one of the best games he’s had since joining the Hornets, Brett ‘tuk em on’ near to the Pilks sticks. With determination, nothing was going to stop him, not even some big Pilky forwards and so he placed the ball over the white wash between the posts. This was an easy one for Pricey.
It wasn’t long before the Hornets reached the twenty points mark when up pops Winger Jimmy Hilton to score a great try in the corner. Left footed Pricey kicked a fantastic conversion from the touch line, on the wrong side of the pitch for him! At 22 – 06, the HFH team was starting to coast.
Impressively, straight from the Pilks kick-off, Carl Mercer received the ball and embarked on ‘mission impossible’. With thirteen Pilks defenders in front of him, he thought he’d give it a go. His decision making was stop. Reaming a slice through the defensive line, Carl found himself clear and out sprinted the dispirited Pilks players. Pricey was unlucky with the kick.
Showing his own talents, Tom Spencer scored a try under the sticks after impressive attacking play. Pricey converted.
The next try was a peacher. With the Hornets now playing with confidence, some great hand work was followed by Carl making another fine break. Throwing a long pass to the ever supporting Jack Williams, Jack toiled with the back stepping Pilks defensive line, as Jimmy Hilton hugged his wing in anticipation of the final pace. As he did, the expressions from Jacks movements indicated that Jimmy was correct in thinking that the ball was coming his way – and so did the Pilks players.
With Jimmy Hilton thinking he’d caught the ball, Jack sold an outlandish dummy to everyone, cut inside and made a bee line for the Pilks sticks, scoring yet another fantastic Hornets try. Pricey added the points.
With the second half drawing to a conclusion, Tom Spencer set off on another of his spell bound runs. A fit Tom would have scored but after running from his own half, he got caught short of the line. It can’t be many games off from Tom’s constant and progressive improvement of his knee injury, that we’ll see him score this type of try.
With the final whistle almost sounded, Pilks ended up scoring the last try to bring the curtain down on a fine 38 – 12 win for the HFH U15’s.
This was a really strong team performance by the Hornets with the second half showing the capabilities and skill sets of all the players, whether that be defending or attacking. Every player deserves a pat on the back for all their efforts in this match.
Tries Scored:
Carl Mercer - 2
Mike O’Brien, Brett Mikalauskas, Jimmy Hilton, Tom Spencer and Jack Williams - 1 each
Conversions:
Daniel Price – 6
Awards:
Man of the Match: Jordan Holland
Top Tackler: Jack Williams
Most Improved: Tom Spencer and Brett Mikalauskas (joint)
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 38 verses PILKINGTON RECS (U15’s) 12
HFH U15’s Team:
Mike Bailey, Jordan Holland, Jimmy Hilton, Jordan Pennington, Daniel Price, Dave Meadows, Mike O’Brien, Jack Williams, Ste Shone, Thomas Spencer, Brett Mikalauskas, Scott McCann, Carl Mercer.
Substitutes:
Phil Smith, Kyle R Nickel, James Parle, Byron Kerr-Dando, James Purcell.
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17 Feb 08, Crosfields v's Halton F H [Fixture reversed on day & played at Wilmere Lane Sports Ground]
With an overnight temperature of -5 degrees, the weather everybody woke up to shouldn’t have been such a shock. In hind sight, the scheduled 10:30am kick-off time should have been agreed between both teams for a later time, to allow the sunshine to do its works.
As it was, the HFH U115’s met at 9:15am before travelling to Warrington. There must have been doubt in everybody’s mines as to whether this game would be given the green light.
Arrival at Hood Lane, home of the Crosfields ARLFC, presented the inevitable; the referee (Darren Hayes) had declared the rugby pitches unplayable due to the rock hard ruts and divots. An alternative pitch location, at Gregg Street Playing Fields was suggested by Crosfields so off went the referee to check it out.
On returning, the two team’s coaches were informed that if a delayed kick-off was in agreement, there was a possibility that the sun would render the pitch playable. Both coaches agreed to defer the kick-off time by forty five minutes.
While waiting for Mother Nature to do her bit, the Crosfields kitchen took a battering!
After getting changed and being ‘psyched up’ in the changing rooms, it was a ten minute walk to the new venue. On arrival at the ground, and whilst walking towards the pitch for the warm-up, it was evident that the pitch was not suitable to play on. With bare hard patches scattered across the pitch, the dangers to both teams’ players became paramount.
After several telephone calls and consulting with the referee and Crosfields management, it was agreed to switch the game to Wilmere Lane Sports Ground, from where confirmation had been received that the two newly drained pitches were playable.
So everybody set about tracking back to the Crosfields Club, collect the cars and head for Widnes.
The change of venue allowed the fixture to proceed because on arrival at Wilmere Lane Sports Ground, the pitch was in perfect condition. This was in contradiction to the hospitality to be offered to Crosfields by the HFH Club, since the ‘switch’ meant the club wasn’t prepared.
While the referee, players and coaching staff concentrated on getting the fixture underway, the HFH U15’s parents and family members got stuck into sorting out drinks and food, etc, for the numerous spectators who were longing for a hot drink.
While on this point, a special token of gratitude goes to Sheila Meadows, who volunteered to drive to Morrison’s ‘to do the shopping’, and allow the players to have after match refreshments. Both sets of parents were also grateful because they were able to purchase something to eat. Thanks Sheila.
And so at 12.10pm the game finally kicked off. With a sneaky short kick-off being produced by Pricy, the HFH pack was able to retrieve the ball and immediately put themselves on the front foot.
Driving runs by the HFH pack continually broke through the Crosfields defences and set-up an attacking position within striking distance of the Crosfields line.
A quick play the ball allowed a smart pass to go down the blind side, where Ryan Gardem burst through the defensive line and scored in corner. Pricey was just wide with the conversion.
HFH claimed another two points when an offside decision was awarded to them after over keen Crosfields defending players were caught off-side. Pricey duly accepted the two points on offer and HFH were now 06 – 00 up.
The next ten minutes took the same format as the first five minutes with HFH dominating the play and moving the ball around the backs with ease. The HFH U15’s were constantly putting pressure on the Crosfields team who held out until a penalty was awarded to HFH for striking.
The ’tap’ penalty was put into Scott McCann’s hands who burst through the line to score out wide. Again pricey was just wide with the conversion.
Special mention goes to Jordan Holland who brilliantly made a try saving one on one tackle to keep Crosfields out.
With more attacking and free flowing football, HFH created chance after chance and eventually the ball found its way into Mike O’Brien’s hands. With Mike’s driving power he was able to drive his way over the Crosfields white wash for a fine try. With Pricey converting, the points rose to 14 – 00.
As the game approached the end of the first half, Crosfields broke the momentum of the HFH team with some stern defensive play and with a cross field kick, Crosfields enabled their winger to catch the ball and dart over the line for a try. A successful conversion brought about ending of a tough first half and a score line of 16 - 06.
The second half continued in a similar fashion to the majority of the first half with HFH piling pressure onto Crosfields.
A fine powerful fifty yard break by Carl Mercer brought him to within touching distance of the Crosfields try line. A quick play the ball by Carl allowed quick clean hands passing along the line. The ball came to Danny Price who put in a great deceiving grubber kick on the second tackle, to the distaste of Coach Neil Meadows. But Pricey and Phil Smith had already conjured up a plan between themselves. And the communication between pricey and Smithy paid off.
Smithy timed his run to perfection and burst through the Crosfields defensive line to pick up the ball and dive over the line for a fantastic try. Pricey popped the ball over the cross bar and the score rose to 22 - 06.
Crosfields ‘on the edge’ defending turned the game into a hostile battle with a number of players on both sides losing their cool. Referee Darren Hayes, whose strong line kept the game moving along, was a valuable commodity on the field as a younger referee might have withered under the intensity of the occasion.
A fine kick by the Crosfields number six, who chipped the HFH defensive line twenty five metres from his own line, created a ‘two on one’ break. As usual, the ever improving and reliable Jordan Holland made yet another fantastic try saving tackle. The HFH team scrambling defence stopped the break but a couple of quick play the balls by Crosfields pushed them up the pitch. Eventually, Crosfields overloaded the HFH right sided defence and scored right in the corner. A touchline conversion brought Crosfields closer to HFH at 22 – 12 and things stayed that way until the final whistle not long after.
A good performance from an ever improving side with some good free flowing attacking play, good communications, bags of enthusiasm, loads of determination and the willingness to defend and ‘tough out’ the heavy periods in the game, resulted in a fine win for the HFH team.
This was a great display of togetherness and team work and all the players are now starting to reap it’s just deserts and rewards. All parents, supporters and coaching staff will be looking forward to completing the season on an ever increasing high.
Well Done lads; a brilliant performance.
Tries Scored:
Ryan Gardam, Scott McCann, mike O’Brien and Phil Smith – 1 each
Conversions:
Daniel Price – 1 (and 1 penalty)
Awards:
Man of the Match: Carl Mercer
Top Tackler: Jordan Holland
Most Improved: Phil Smith
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 22 verses CROSFIELDS (U15’s) 12
HFH U15’s Team:
Mike Bailey, Jordan Holland, Jimmy Hilton, Jordan Pennington, Daniel Price, Dave Meadows, Mike O’Brien, Jack Williams, Ste Shone, Thomas Spencer, Brett Mikalauskas, Scott McCann, Carl Mercer.
Substitutes:
Mike Bailey, Phil Smith, James Parle, John Hensby
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24 Feb 08, Halton F H v's Woolston [NWC Challenge Cup - Round Two]
NORTH WEST COUNTIES CHALLENGE CUP – Round Two.
With a competitive atmosphere aerating this developing squad, performances on the field are vastly improving. Today was no exception, in both attack and defence, the HFH U15’s showed how far they have come under the watchful guidance of Head Coach Neil Meadows, and Coach John Goulding.
With a total of six tries scored against the out spoken Woolston side, Pricey almost made it six out of six with the conversions but unfortunately one attempt hit the post.
That happened on the very first attempt after Ryan Gardam, who once again had a great penetrating performance, had opened the scoring for the Hornets.
This was also the time at which a serious injury occurred to Jordan Pennington, although at the time it was a strange happening. Jordan was running back with the rest of the team after Ryan had scored his try, when suddenly he went to ground with nobody around him.
In obvious pain, Jordan lay on the ground while Neil and John undertook to assess the situation and looked carefully at Jordan’s left shin bone. Although it wasn’t clear cut what had happened, Jordan’s legs were strapped together and he saw stretchered off the field.
After this eight minute stoppage, the referee restarted the game and the HFH U15’s were again looking for points. This followed soon afterwards when little ‘live wire’ Brett Mikalauskas performed his magic to score. Having already crossed the white wash last week, Brett is now starting to make it a bit of a habit by also collecting a second try later on in the second half.
With half time approaching and the score line reading 10 – 06, John ‘Rambo’ Hensby wasn’t thinking of the liquid refreshment at half time. With ball in hand and is ‘Sat-Nav’ programmed to steer him a straight line, there was nobody, not even half a dozen Woolston players, were enough to stop him from scoring.
This was a tremendous effort by John, and he touched down near the sticks. Pricey slide the ball over the cross bar to bring half time.
Thirteen minutes into the second half, and it was Woolston who seized the initiative by bull dozing over the line for an unconverted try but the best was still to come!
With a scrum set well into the Hornets end of the pitch, Pricey was earmarking HFH players for coming out of the scrum, and replacing them with backs. With some form of obvious construction applied to his reorganizational composition of the pack, Pricey fed the scrum.
Low and behold, Ryan Gardam (who Pricey had let say at his Loose Forward position in the pack at this particular scrum), picked up the exiting ball at the base of the scrum. Striding forwards down field, Ryan had made the initial break and hard on his shoulder in support was no other than Carl Mercer.
Drawing another Woolston player, Ryan laid a neat pass to the speedy Carl Mercer, who put his head back, and like a Greyhound out of the blocks, he sprinted clear of everybody to score a fantastic try for the Hornets. Pricey got the extras to make the score 22 – 10.
Further attacks followed and with only some eight minutes to go, a lovely passing movement across the line, resulted in Brett Mikalauskas getting his second, when he crossed in the corner. The touchline conversion from Pricey was an impeccably judged kick, and flew bang on centre line high over the cross bar.
The game was fast approaching its conclusion but there was still time for another try and Pricey was to oblige. Winning a loose ball on the half way line, Pricey toe ended it towards the Woolston try line. Another little prod sent it across the try line and Pricey scuttled towards the ball with some haste. He managed to plant the ball to ground for another great try, and narrowly avoided the ball running out dead. With breath back in his lungs, Pricey claimed another two points to round the game off at 34 – 10.
Once again, the HFH U15’s showed what they are capable of, yet this wasn’t the pinnacle of performances. Yes, they won this tough, hard and physical cup encounter but it was a good job Jordan Holland was at Full Back and had his tackling head on.
On several occasions, the HFH players were dropping off the initial tackles and allowing the Woolston players to gain territory which they should never have achieved. In other forms of tackling attempts, the Woolston player would be stopped but still managed to off-load the ball to another supporting player.
These were minor blips on the day but on another day, with another team, it could mean a game is lost. That by the way, the defensive ‘on the line’ quality of the defending was superb. On several occasions the Woolston team did hammer away at the Hornets try line, which from a territory point of view wasn’t down to their endeavours of working themselves up field.
But the HFH players were strong and repelled the onslaught from the Woolston team, time after time. Training three times a week is starting to pay dividends, as the fitness levels were evident between the two sides, later on into the second half.
A great win lads and a great performance by each of you.
The HFH U15’s now face an away draw next week in Round Three of the NWC Challenge Cup, to Premier table toppers and unbeaten Wigan St Jude’s. This should be one to savour!
[Jordan Pennington update: Fracture of the tibia. Leg in full plaster. To have bone scan to ascertain why this fracture happened.]
Tries Scored:
Brett Mikalauskas - 2
Ryan Gardam, John Hensby, Carl Mercer and Daniel Price – 1 each
Conversions:
Daniel Price – 5
Awards:
Man of the Match: Daniel Price
Top Tackler: Jack Williams
Most Improved: TBC
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 34 verses WOOLSTON ROVERS (U15’s) 10
HFH U15’s Team:
Mike Bailey, Jordan Holland, Jimmy Hilton, Jordan Pennington, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, Dave Meadows, Mike O’Brien, Jack Williams, Thomas Spencer, Brett Mikalauskas, Scott McCann, Carl Mercer.
Substitutes:
Kyle R Nickel, John Hensby, Byron Kerr-Dando and James Purcell
Tries Scored:
Brett Mikalauskas - 2
Ryan Gardam, John Hensby, Carl Mercer and Daniel Price – 1 each
Conversions:
Daniel Price – 5
Awards:
Man of the Match: Daniel Price
Top Tackler: Jack Williams
Most Improved: TBC
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 34 verses WOOLSTON ROVERS (U15’s) 10
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02 Mar 08, Wigan St Judes v's Halton F H [NWC Challenge Cup - Round Three]
NORTH WEST COUNTIES CHALLENGE CUP – ROUND THREE
The HFH U15’s were finally out classed in the NWC Challenge Cup Round Three, to Premier table toppers and unbeaten Wigan St Jude’s. But the HFH players can hold their heads high as they were note disgraced.
Taking the field with some key players missing due to long term injuries, the Hornets dug deep, and as well as facing the Premier champs, they also played into the glaring sun and powerful gusty winds.
But the Hornets got off to a good start when, straight from the kick-off, Pricey found touch for a scrum down, and put-in to the Hornets. Attacking the St Jude’s line, the HFH U15’s tried gallantly to break the defensive line, which stood strong.
Held up over the line, the referee brought play away from the St Jude’s line, for the Hornets to play their last tackle. Pricey collected the ball and put a little grubber kick into the corner. The St Jude’s winger, pressurised by several Hornets players, fumbled the ball. There to collect and score was Pricey, who had chased his own kick.
Pricey’s touchline kick, though on line and target, was blown away from the sticks at the last moment, by the strong winds. Eight minutes gone, and the Hornets were leading 00 – 04.
There was some powerful running by the HFH Forwards, with Jack Williams, Ryan Gardam and Carl Mercer taking no backward steps. Brett Mikalauskas made a fine break through the middle, only to be stopped when a St Jude’s player clung to his shorts.
Playing the overlap every time, Wigan St Jude’s scored in the corners after twelve and sixteen minutes, to make the score line 08 – 04.
In another St Jude’s attack, Jack Williams put in a crunching tackle on the big forward in the Hornets quarter, which caused the player to drop the ball. Hornets gleefully gathered the ball to make it theirs, and on the second tackle, were awarded a free kick when the referee adjudged the St Jude’s players to be off side.
With kicking the ball up field to touch not an option due to the prevailing winds, the ball was tapped. Unfortunately for the Hornets, they dropped the ball on the second tackle. With St Jude’s amassing into the HFH U15’s half, the Jude’s classy and skilful Full Back gathered a pass, and weaved his way through a flat footed Hornets defence, to score under the posts. Twenty five minutes gone and the score had risen to 14 – 04.
The Hornets lifted their peckers and fought back. On one of their attacks, they played some lovely hands as the ball flowed across the line and the momentum took them forward. With a three man overlap, a try looked certain but the St Jude’s covering defensive players provoked a split second in-decision, and the fine pass was omitted.
Not to be undone by the fiery tackling of the St Jude’s players, the Hornets found themselves pounding away at the St Jude’s try line yet again.
In a similar move to the Hornets first try, Pricey tried the cross field kick again. This time Jimmy Hilton chased the ball but the St Jude’s winger had collected cleanly. This didn’t stop Jimmy from pinning him down over his own try line, and for a St Jude’s drop out from under their sticks.
As luck would have it, for St Jude’s that is, the Hornets knocked-on collecting the ball and gave possession immediately back to the Jude’s.
Accepting the offer, St Jude’s scored another try out wide, to make the half time score line 20 – 04.
The second half started like the first but this time, the Hornets allowed the ball to bounce into touch, and give possession straight over to the Jude’s. The Hornets players held out for some five minutes on their own try line, and it was only after another out wide overlap had developed, that St Jude’s scored again, this time under the sticks.
From the restart, Pricey once again bounced the ball into touch, to the dismay of the Jude’s players. Again, the HFH U15’s were camped on the St Jude’s try line, and only the fact that the Hornets knocked-on, relieved the pressure for the Jude’s players.
Not one for turning down an acceptance, the St Jude’s team made the most of the opportunity and run in another try out wide, to make the score 30 – 04 after twelve minutes of the second half.
And that seemed to be the pattern of the game because once more, the Hornets players found themselves camped-on, and attacking the St Jude’s try line. This came about because Pricey’s restart had this time caused the St Jude’s player to knock-on. Advantage couldn’t be made by the Hornets team because another knock-on accrued; right on the oppositions try line.
It wasn’t long before St Jude’s motored down field and scored once again.
With time running out, the Hornets team decided to use the elements to their advantage, and Pricey put in a neat chip over the St Jude’s defensive line. David Meadows was on hand to give chase and managed to touch the ball down before it ran over the dead ball line. Pricey skimmed the upright with his conversion attempt, and although the touch judge raised his flag, the referee over ruled him. This made the score line 36 – 08.
From the restart, the ball went into touch after touching a Hornets player. With twenty four minutes gone, the break was used substitute John Hensby to be introduced to the field for James Parle. From the resultant scrum, St Jude’s scored again to make it 42 – 08.
Soon after, Carl Mercer was injured and had to be helped from the field. He was replaced by James Purcell. With full time only some five minutes away, the Hornets were in possession of the ball, in the St Jude’s half of the field.
Pricey elected for another of his chips over the defensive line, and there once again giving chase was David Meadows. In a simpler operation than the first try he’d scored, David only had to gather the ball and fall over the line unattended. Unfortunately, the thought of collecting a brace of tries against the Jude’s, got the better of him and he fumbled the ball to knocked-on, with the line at his mercy.
St Jude’s ran in their final try on the full time whistle, to make the final score line 46 – 08.
If only the Hornets players hadn’t attempted to make so many high tackles instead of going low
for the legs. If only the Hornets players hadn’t given away possession so readily. If only the Hornets players had ceased their chances to put point on the board. If only!
St Jude’s were the better team, that’s why they are where they are but taking into account the ‘if only’ scenarios, a score line of 36 – 16 would have reflected the performance of the HFH U15’s team, and the game in general.
Good luck to Wigan St Jude’s in the Quarter Finals; the HFH U15’s will have learnt a lot from this tough encounter.
Tries Scored:
Daniel Price and David Meadows – 1 each
Conversions:
Awards:
Man of the Match: Jack Williams
Top Tackler: Daniel Price
Most Improved: TBC
Final Score:
WIGAN ST JUDE’S (U15’s) 46 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 08
HFH U15’s Team:
Mike Bailey, Jordan Holland, Jimmy Hilton, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, Dave Meadows, Mike O’Brien, Jack Williams, Thomas Spencer, James Parle, Brett Mikalauskas, Scott McCann, Carl Mercer.
Substitutes:
James Giblin, John Hensby, Byron Kerr-Dando and James Purcell
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09 Mar 08, Saddleworth V's Halton F H
A scheduled kick-off time of 11:45am turned into a 12:00pm kick-off as the two U15’s sides waited for the availability of a pitch at the Saddleworth ‘Greenfields’ venue. It was a mud covered pitch the HFH U15’s took too as they embarked on their seasonal ‘game by game’ improvement this time against a Saddleworth U15’s side.
It took the Hornets just five minutes to make their first delivery of goods. The ever improving Brett Mikalauskas was as sharp as a knife as he darted towards the Saddleworth try line. Stopped short, Brett performed a quick play the ball, which allowed the Hornets to keep the pressure on. The ball was tossed from one set of hands to another but Brett was intent on scoring and made sure he got the ball back. With determination he crossed the Saddleworth try line for the Hornets first score, and gave Pricey an easy conversion.
Given the conditions, there was some excellent rugby produced by the Hornets to outclass the home side. Some clever kicking by Pricey was matched by determined chasing of the ball by all the HFH U15’s players. Effort and determination was not in short supply.
This was exemplified when, in an attacking role in the middle of the field, a Saddleworth player dropped the ball. With surrounding Saddleworth players looking on, James Parle was the first of the Hornets players to react. Dropping on the loose ball, he was able to get back up and gain several yards before been dumped in the mud. Un-rattled by the dumping, Parley jumped up and played a quick ball to the supporting Carl Mercer.
Holding the ball to commit would be tacklers, Carl fed out a lovely pass to Wing man Thomas Spencer. Still with some work to do, Tom spend towards the try line and crossed in the corner with three Saddleworth tacklers hanging from him. Pricey was unlucky with the touchline conversion.
In another attacking role, Pricey cleverly chipped over the advancing Saddleworth defenders and Parley was there to collect a convenient bounce of the ball. Feeding Winger John Hensby, he made ground towards the Saddleworth sticks. Another quick play the ball and Pricey puts in another chip kick, and one which bobbled on the Saddleworth try line. Although there were three HFH players giving chase, the condition of the pitch meant that each of them missed the ball and the chance to put more points on the board.
It wasn’t long before the Hornets were buzzing around the Saddleworth try line once more. Under the sticks, HFH U15’s were awarded a free kick for an infringement. After several minutes waiting, while an injured player was seen to, pricey tapped the ball and held it while the Hornets did a running scissors move. A free kick was then immediately awarded to Saddleworth for ‘crossing’.
A big hit by Jack Williams meant the Hornets regained possession, as the power of the tackle made the Saddleworth player spill the ball. Quickness of actions was the secret ingredients to spell bound the Saddleworth players, as Pricey fed Mike Bailey who then planted a neat pass to the straight running Winger, Jimmy Hilton. Another touchline conversion was just missed.
From the resultant restart, the ball didn’t travel ten metres but a HFH player gathered the ball. The referee immediately awarded the Saddleworth team a free kick. With only ten minutes to go to half time, and the Hornets regaining possession, Dave Meadows broke and held the ball superbly before floating it out to Jimmy Hilton, who scored his second try once again in the corner. A missed conversion brought a half time score line of 00 – 18.
At the start of the second half, Scott McCann was interchanged for Phil Smith. With a scrum on the half way line and only twelve minutes gone, the Hornets laid a lovely angled line. Winning the scrum, the ball found good hands and when it reached Carl Mercer, he out sprinted the Saddleworth defenders down the wing line, and then scored under the posts. Pricey got the conversion.
Fifteen minutes gone and Wing men Jimmy Hilton and Byron Kerr-Dando were interchanged. With the Hornets deciding to take a small vacation, the Saddleworth players ceased their opportunities. Sum penetrating high kicks caused the Hornets to create errors, and from one such incident, the Hornets were forced to drop out from under their own posts.
A neat short kick was played but the HFH players failed to collect the ball, while the Saddleworth player said ‘Thank you’ and strode across the line.
In an almost exact replay, the Hornets dropped out short from under the sticks but this time Winger Byron Kerr-Dando collected but was bundled in to touch. This was the chance Saddleworth were waiting for as they pounded away at the HFH try line. Only a head-on tackle under the sticks by Full Back Jordan Holland, prevented the big Saddleworth Prop Forward from scoring.
Surviving the onslaught and with only eight minutes remaining on the clock, the Hornets players battened the hatches down. Unfortunately, a slip on the muddy ground by a HFH player left a gap through which the Saddleworth Prop drove through. A superb stint of tackling brought the Prop Forward down to terra-firma, for what the HFH players thought was a try saving tackle but the referee awarded a try. The score line now read 10 – 24 and looked more respectable for the Saddleworth players.
With Wingers Byron Kerr-Dando interchanged for Jimmy Hilton’s return to the field, pressure was once again applied to the Saddleworth defences. This forced a drop out from under the Saddleworth sticks. HFH were then awarded a free kick because the Saddleworth players were adjudged to have been in front of the kicker.
The HFH U15’s took the opportunity to interchange several players with James Purcell replacing John Hensby and Scott McCann returning to the field to replace Mike O’Brien.
From the resultant free kick, Pricey tapped the ball and good clean neat hands ensured the ball found Winger Tom Spencer, who repeated his feat of the first half, and squeezed in at the corner for his second try.
With time running down on the clock, the score line stayed at 10 – 28 for a fabulous HFH U15’s victory.
Next week, the HFH U15’s have had to cancel any potential fixture because of the HFH Clubs hosting of the Student Rugby League Regional Championship Games at Wilmere Lane Sports Ground, for the third consecutive year. They will wait to see what the following week’s fixture will bring.
Tries Scored:
Thomas Spencer and Jimmy Hilton – 2 each
Brett Mikalauskas and Carl Mercer – 1 each
Conversions:
Daniel Price - 2
Awards:
Man of the Match: Brett Mikalauskas
Top Tackler: David Meadows
Most Improved: Mike O’Brien
Final Score:
SADDLEWORTH (U15’s) 10 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 28
HFH U15’s Team:
Mike Bailey, Jordan Holland, Jimmy Hilton, Daniel Price, Dave Meadows, Mike O’Brien, Jack Williams, Thomas Spencer, James Parle, John Hensby, Brett Mikalauskas, Scott McCann, Carl Mercer.
Substitutes:
Phil Smith, Kyle R Nickle, Byron Kerr-Dando and James Purcell
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16 Mar 08, ?
POSTPONED
STUDENT RUGBY LEAGUE REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES 2008 - hosted by the Halton Farnworth Hornets arlfc, at Wilmere Lane Sports Ground for the THIRD consecutive year.
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23 Mar 08, NO GAME - EASTER WEEKEND
NO GAME - EASTER WEEKEND
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30 Mar 08, Folly Lane v's Halton F H
For today’s encounter, HFH U15’s travelled away to take on table toppers and unbeaten side Folly Lane U15’s.
This was always going to be a ‘sluggers’ game with the conditions more suited towards that of a hippopotamus’.
Folly Lane had already predetermined their tacked and continually drove the ball down the middle of the park. Having some big, strong and robust Forwards, they used the conditions to their advantage.
The arrival of half time drew a score line of 00 – 00, which showed the level matching of the two teams in really difficult conditions.
In the second half, the HFH U15’s possession was fine but retention was another matter. For the first twenty minutes of the second half, the Hornets continually defended their own try line to keep a 00 – 00 score line.
HFH errors in their own half, such as trying to pass when near the HFH try line instead of simply getting away from it, just played into the hands of the forever running Golborne Forwards.
Towards the end, an excellent run was made by Jack Williams, whose energies, commitment and dedication was second to none. Tackled just short, he managed a quick play-the-ball, and quick thinking Brett Mikalauskas scooted over the line to register the HFH U15’s first points.
Pricey managed to angle a difficult conversion clean over the cross bar to give a final score line of 16 - 06.
Tries Scored:
Brett Mikalauskas – 1
Conversions:
Daniel Price - 1
Awards:
Man of the Match: TBC
Top Tackler: TBC
Most Improved: TBC
Final Score:
FOLLY LANE (U15’s) 16 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 06
HFH U15’s Team:
Mike Bailey, Jordan Holland, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, Dave Meadows, Mike O’Brien, Phil Smith, Jack Williams, Thomas Spencer, James Parle, John Hensby, Brett Mikalauskas, Scott McCann, .
Substitutes:
Byron Kerr-Dando and James Purcell
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06 Apr 08, Halton F H v's Saddleworth
POSTPONED.
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12 Apr 08 [SATURDAY] Halton F H v's Saddleworth
SATURDAY fixture with 10:30am kick-off.
As the HFH U15’s work towards the end of the 2007/2008 season, those fixtures which had earlier been postponed are now starting to dwindle in number. Saddleworth were the visitors to Wilmere Lane Sports Ground this Sunday, the two teams having only played each other earlier in March, when the Hornets took the journey along the M62, and ran out victorious 10 – 20.
Today’s game was played in a similar vein, with both sides showing some considerable ball skills, and crunching tackling techniques.
It was the Hornets who struck first when some good forwards play got the HFH U15’s right up to the Saddleworth try line. At acting half back was Brett Mikalauskas who gathered the ball, kept his frame low and scooped forward to cross the Saddleworth try line for Hornets first score. Pricey added the extra two points.
Fifteen minutes into the first half, and Jack Williams showed a fine turn of speed, as he latched onto a neatly laid pass that invited him to ‘take the gap’. Bursting through like a ‘Pendolino’ on a mission, he sped his way from the half way line and towards the Saddleworth sticks. With time to spare, he was able to run round the sticks and dive over for a splendid try. Ryan was successful with the conversion.
Not only once but twice, did Jack attempt this particular move. Only on the second occasion, the Saddleworth defensive line was slightly more aware of the consequences and so brought Jack down to terra firma but only after he’d made some excellent yardage.
With the score line staying at 00 – 12 up to half time, the second half started well for the Hornets. They were soon once again in the Saddleworth half of the field, and attacking profusely. The awarding of a free kick for off-side, allowed the Hornets to creep even closer. Form the resultant tap, Mike O’Brien was first to take the ball up. Good yards were made by this straight, hard run.
Several tackles later, Mike O’Brien was there again, only this time he decided to take the blind side. He burst through and took four Saddleworth players with him, as he crossed the line for a fine effort of a try.
His little jinking dance routine showed how pleased he was with himself for scoring this one! Unfortunately, Pricey was wide with the conversion attempt.
The second half moved on and Saddleworth never stopped chipping away and on several accounts, sloppy tackling was nearly the Hornets down fall. Only a bit of luck and the rub of the green prevented Saddleworth from registering any points.
With only five minutes of the game remaining, Carl Mercer sped through a neat gap, and made a dash for the try line. Starting off from the half way line, Carl looked for all intents and purposes, as though he was going to score. Only a faster pair of legs on the Saddleworth Winger brought Carl to ground in the Saddleworth quarter of the field.
A quick play-the-ball saw Pricey feed John Hensby, who had a good run at the line. From this play-the-ball, Brett slung the ball blind, and a lovely floating pass saw Jimmy Hilton gather the ball and dive over the line in the corner. Jimmy’s deliberate diving action was one for the cameras! Ryan’s touchline conversion attempt was just short of the mark.
From the restart, Saddleworth laid on a neat, high and short kick. The HFH U15’s players were second best on collecting the ball, and Saddleworth found themselves moving in for a score. Only resolute tackling by the now tired HFH players, prevented this happening.
With the final whistle sounding, and the score line reading 20 – 00, the Hornets had done a good job, and were worth their after match refreshments (pies!).
The HFH U15’s would like to make players, supports and Saddleworth Rangers aware that the injury sustained by Scot McCann (who was stretchered off the pitch and take to hospital in an ambulance) proved not to be a broken left leg. X-rays showed a bad spate of bruising, for which Scott has got to rest his leg.
Tries Scored:
Brett Mikalauskas, Jack Williams, Mike O'Brien and Jimmy Hilton – 1 each
Conversions:
Daniel Price and Ryan Gardam- 1 each
Awards:
Man of the Match: Jack Williams
Top Tackler: Daniel Price
Most Improved: TBC
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 20 verses SADDLEWORTH RANGERS (U15's) 00
HFH U15’s Team:
Jordan Holland, Jimmy Hilton, Jordan Pennington, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, Dave Meadows, Mike O’Brien, Jack Williams, Thomas Spencer, James Parle, Brett Mikalauskas, Scott McCann, Carl Mercer
Substitutes:
Mike Bailey, James Giblin, Kyle Nickel, John Hensby, Byron Kerr-Dando and James Purcell
20 Apr 08, Leyland v's Halton F H
This is a FOUR pointer game.
Kick-off is 11:30am.
POSTPONED - No allocated referee.
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23 Apr 08 [WEDNESDAY, 6:15pm KO] Crosfields v's Halton F H
As the current season rapidly draws to an end, the HFH U15’s find themselves embroiled in a back log of fixtures, needing to be shoe horned into a short duration of time.
This return fixture with Crosfields was expected to be a real tough one – it was the last time the two teams met at Wilmere Lane Sports Ground, when the HFH U15’s ran out winners. And so the same conclusion was thrashed out in this encounter but only after the HFH U15’s team had put the much travelled supporting fans through some heart palpitating moments.
With a 6:15pm kick-off, the HFH U15’s got the game underway and it only took five minutes of the game to have elapsed before Pricey launched a sky scraper of a kick, while in the Crosfields half.
With a marauding crew of HFH players fast approaching the solitary figure of the Crosfields fullback, it came as no surprise to watch the Fullback slightly hesitate and completely miss the descending ball. Pricey, on the other hand, was switched-on, and gleefully collected the bouncing ball. Heading towards the Crosfields line, he was just caught by the seat of his pants but fortunately, Jimmy Hilton was in close support, to take a neat flick pass and score a valuable staring try. Pricey converted.
It was a welcoming site to see the running skills of Winger Tom Spencer, who was unfortunate not to engineer a try from absolutely nothing. On the half way line and defending, Tom was facing two Crosfields attacking players. Managing to entrap the ball handler, the Crosfields player made a weak pass which went to ground. Kicking the loose ball ahead, Tom give chase up the wing, closely followed by three Crosfields players.
It was a scramble to the line as Tom further kicked the ball into the scoring zone. Unlucky, Tom was millimetres away from touching the ball down, as another Crosfields player slide into the ball and knocks it dead.
The Hornets didn’t have all their own way. On many an occasion they had to sustain a tremendous barrage of wave after wave of attacking Crosfields players. A silly penalty for retaining hold of a player’s leg while getting up from the ground was the call against the Hornets. On the Crosfields second tackle of that set; they flew in under the sticks to level the scores.
Fast approaching half time, the HFH U15’s were trying their last chance of the first half, and a speculative Pricey ‘up & under’ looked to be neatly falling into the arms of the well positioned Crosfields Centre.
Up pops Jimmy Hilton, straight out of the blue, and leaves a calling card with the Crosfields Centre, as he conveniently ‘bread binned’ the falling ball to score a fantastic try. Again, Pricey converted to make the half time score line 06 – 12.
The start of the second half and the electrifying break by David Meadows was passionate to watch. From the half way line, David collected the ball, took a few steps, and then realised his feet movements had created a niche of light between two would be Crosfields defenders. Asking no questions and not seeking any answers, David was off on his manifesting route to the Crosfields try line.
With plenty of side steps and swerving avoidance of would be tacklers; the Crosfields try line was all but there. And so where David’s hopes of scoring!
A rear ankle tackle prevented an inevitable and justifiable try, which was a shame after such an exhilarating run. But still with the plot, David makes a quick play of the ball, and a neat Pricey grubber kick forces a drop out.
Not wanting to move from the Crosfields line, Ryan Gardam put himself up for the ball near the try line, and takes four trying Crosfields tacklers with him as he powers across the try line. Pricey couldn’t miss.
With a 06 – 18 score line and all things in the garden looking rosy, the Hornets decided to do a bit of sun bathing, to their own detriment. Crosfields soon rallied up twelve points, due to a lull in the HFH tackling department, and with twenty five minutes of the second half already gone, the score line was now showing 18 – 18.
Up steps Jack Williams to lead the way forward and reawaken the Hornets players. Another inspirational run by Jack gave the much needed imputes for the HFH U15’s players to realise what was happening.
From a play-the-ball, Carl Mercer sprinted diagonally across the pitch to score a good individual try under the sticks. Pricey obliged with the conversion. And then Mike O’Brien thought he’d get on the score sheet, when he scooped from near the line, to take defenders with him to score. His delight in scoring was evident tin his dance routine! Pricey mad it five out of five.
Crosfields scored a late consolation try on the full time whistle to make the final score 24 – 30, and another winning way result for Coach Neil Meadows and his marauding men!
Well done boys; you all worked really hard in this toughie. Let’s take the next one.
Tries Scored:
Jimmy Hilton – 2
Ryan Gardam, Carl Mercer and Mike O'Brien - 1 each
Conversions:
Daniel Price - 5
Awards:
Man of the Match: Daniel Price
Top Tackler: Jack Williams
Most Improved: Thomas Spencer
Final Score:
CROSFIELDS (U15's) 24 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 30
HFH U15’s Team:
Mike Bailey, Jordan Holland, Jimmy Hilton, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, Dave Meadows, Mike O’Brien, Jack Williams, Thomas Spencer, James Parle, John Hensby, Brett Mikalauskas,, Carl Mercer
Substitutes:
Phil Smith, Byron Kerr-Dando and James Purcell
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27 Apr 08, Halton F H v's Rylands
HFH U15’s needed to win this one if they stood any chance of finishing second in League Division One, and gaining promotion to the Premier League for next season.
Having home advantage, the HFH knew this would be no bus mans holiday but on a perfect playing surface, both sides gave a great account of themselves. Early exchanges were contested fearlessly as both sides tested each other out in the tackling department. It soon became pretty obvious that in this game, you’d have to take your chances as they came, or regret it!
With the score line remaining 00 – 00 with two minutes to half time, HFH U15’s were pressurising the Ryland’s line and forced a drop out. Pricey switched an attacking move inside, and Carl Mercer scored under the sticks with Pricey converting. This was an opportunity created and an opportunity taken, which was rewarded with a half time score line of 06 – 00.
In the second half, the pace and toughness of the game was relentless but as time moved on, the HFH players were beginning to feel the effects of the Wednesday mid-week game the previous week.
The onset of fatigue meant tackles were starting to get sloppy, and the HFH attacking line was becoming more akin to the line markings on the pitch. Yet battle away they did and only some ‘set- move- play’ by Ryland’s was capable of deceiving the HFH defensive line.
It was the combination of the Ryland’s Prop Forwards which caused a turn of events for the HFH players. From a tap penalty, the burley Prop ran at the HFH defenders, who pulled the Ryland’s player down some inches from the line. Now it was the turn of the other Prop Forward to play out the set move!
Capitalising on the territory gained so close to the HFH try line, the pounding second Prop collected a pass and set his target. This was aimed at none other than his companion Prop Forward, who had just laid the ground.
Running straight at the previous ‘play-the-ball’ position, the Prop was obscured by his companion, and he was able to touch the ball down and be awarded a try.
Now at 06 – 06 a piece, HFH u15’s restarted the game but immediately put themselves back under pressure, when the kick was said to have gone ‘straight out’. This was self inflicted pressure which the tiring HFH players could have done without. Defending was becoming an exhaustive operation.
In attack, the HFH U15’s tried some speculative kicks from Pricey but good positioning defused the potential for the chasing HFH Wingers to cause any problems.
With time running out, it was now anybodies game and both teams came close to scoring on several occasions. It was obvious that the side that made the next error would suffer the consequences and unfortunately for the HFH U15’s, this misfortune happened to them.
Ryland’s seized on the opportunity and scored in the corner. With a drop goal following a few minutes later and only seconds from full time, the HFH U15’s had lost 06 – 13. And to the team who will now probably finish in the second spot position in the league, and no doubt be relishing the thought of Premier Division rugby next season.
For the HFH U15’s it’s been a real belter of a season with improvement upon improvement creating a successful atmosphere. The encounter against Premier Champs Oldham St Anne’s gave the HFH team a good ‘marker’ by which they will be able to measure themselves throughout season 2008/2009.
The camaraderie amongst the players is second to none, and with the step-up next season to the U16’s being something to look forward to, Head Coach Neil Meadows will no doubt set the target high.
Well done lads, every single one of you.
You’ve all toughed it out one way or another but this season end isn’t the end! To enable consistency of understanding between all the players, to develop one’s own character standing and to demonstrate willingness amongst you all, there are certain activities happening which are targeted at maintaining the camaraderie culture.
Participation in the ten week HFH Toddlers Summer School is one example of how you, as a HFH player, can demonstrate a willingness to help others, while at the same time, learning from others.
There will be summer training sessions when rugby takes a back seat, and the squad of players have a game of football or cricket. The addition of a Pool Table in the Annexe will also aid the continual strengthening of the ties between all the squad players.
For next season, Neil is looking towards a squad with strength in depth; to a squad which helps each other and to a squad who show maturity and respect for each single member - all mates together!
Tries Scored:
Carl Mercer – 1
Conversions:
Daniel Price – 1
Awards:
Man of the Match: TBC
Top Tackler: TBC
Most Improved: TBC
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 06 verses RYLANDS (U15’s) 13
HFH U15’s Team:
Jordan Holland, Jimmy Hilton, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, Dave Meadows, Mike O’Brien, Phil Smith, Jack Williams, Thomas Spencer, James Parle, John Hensby, Brett Mikalauskas, Carl Mercer
Substitutes:
Mike Bailey, James Giblin, Kyle R Nickel and James Purcell
Tries Scored:
Carl Mercer – 1
Conversions:
Daniel Price – 1
Awards:
Man of the Match: TBC
Top Tackler: TBC
Most Improved: TBC
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 06 verses RYLANDS (U15’s) 13
HFH U15’s Team:
Jordan Holland, Jimmy Hilton, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, Dave Meadows, Mike O’Brien, Phil Smith, Jack Williams, Thomas Spencer, James Parle, John Hensby, Brett Mikalauskas, Carl Mercer.
Substitutes:
Mike Bailey, James Giblin, Kyle R Nickel and James Purcell
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30 Apr 08 [WEDNESDAY] Woolston v's Halton F H
Kick-off is 6:30pm.
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CANCELLED
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05 May 08, Halton F H v's West Bank Bears [WARL CUP - FINAL.......CURTAIN RAISER]
Match Report to follow.
Tries Scored:
Brett Mikalauskas - 2
Jordan Holland, Jimmy Hilton, Scott McCann, Mike O'Brien and Carl Mercer - 1 each
Conversions:
Ryan Gardam - 4
Awards:
Man of the Match: Carl Mercer (as selected by WARL)
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 36 verses WEST BANK BEARS (U15’s) 00
HFH U15’s Team:
Mike Bailey, Jordan Holland, Jimmy Hilton, Jordan Pennington, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, Dave Meadows, Mike O’Brien, Jack Williams, Thomas Spencer, James Parle, Brett Mikalauskas, Carl Mercer.
Substitutes:
James Giblin, Phil Smith, Kyle R Nickel, Ste Shone, John Hensby, Byron Kerr-Dando and James Purcell
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__________________________________________________________________________________
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OPEN AGE
15 Dec 07, Halton F H v's Hull Isberg [BARLA Nations Cup - Rnd1]
The ACE EUROPE INSURANCE BARLA Nations Cup - Roune One (Kick-off 2:00pm).
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