Halton Farnworth Hornets arlfc - Fixture HFH U15s Season 2008 09 From January

HFH U15's Season 2008/09 (From January 2009 Onwards)

04 Jan 09, Rylands v's Halton F H
11 Jan 09, Leigh Miners Rangers v's Halton F H
18 Jan 09, Halton F H v Portico
25 Jan 09, Rylands Sharks v's Halton F H
01 Feb 09, Halton F H v's Rylands
08 Feb 09, SRL Games 2009
15 Feb 09, Blackbrook v's Halton F H
22 Feb 09, Leigh Miners Rangers v's Halton F H
01 Mar 09, Leigh East v's Halton F H [North West Counties Cup Competition]
08 Mar 09, Awaiting Information
15 Mar 09, Halton F H v's Leigh Miners Rangers
22 Mar 09, Portico Vine v's Halton F H [NWC CUP COMPETITION - QUARTER FINALS]
29 Mar 09, Halton F H v's Leigh Miners Rangers [NWC CUP COMPETITION - SEMI FINAL]
05 Apr 09, Portico Vine v's Halton F H
12 Apr 09, EASTER
19 Apr 09 - The HFH U15's Win the Premier League Title
26 Apr09, Halton F H v's Wigan St Patricks [NWC CUP COMPETITION - FINAL]

04 Jan 09, Rylands v's Halton F H

Awaiting information.

Awaiting information.

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18 Jan 09, Halton F H v Portico

With two months off due to poor weather and the Christmas break, the season restarted with a top of the table clash.

Portico, who has defeated Hornets in the last two meetings, started slowly and after two minutes a great Hornets move down the right saw Jack Owens slip a lovely pass to Mark Percival who broke the tackle, drew the full back and put Alex Clare in for the opening try. Andrew Sheridan converted and it looked as though Hornets had rediscovered their best form.

However from the restart a knock on gave Portico the chance to immediately get back on level terms and following a penalty for offside, they easily burst through the home defence to touchdown.

The conversion made it all square and it was then Portico who dominated the rest of the half with their mobile pack consistently making more yards than the Hornets forwards. Also Hornets were making far too many handling errors, gifting their opponents not only possession but good attacking positions.

Fortunately the Hornets defence was on top form and the long raking kicks of Dominic Speakman were the only weapon Hornets had in getting out of their own half. It was from such a kick that Portico made a rare error and Hornets were awarded a scrum twenty yards out. They moved the ball left and Keiron Butterworth was agonizingly bundled into touch just short of the line.

Portico certainly shaded the first half with possession and territory but the teams went into the break at 06 - 06 apiece.

Portico opened the second half making good yards and a long kick downfield looked to be safely gathered by the Hornets defence but they again lost the ball in the tackle and from the scrum, Portico whipped the ball wide to the left for the winger to score in the corner to put the St Helens team four points ahead.

Hornets continued to try and take the Portico pack on up the middle which was proving unsuccessful but after eleven minutes of the half they produced a lovely flowing move down the left and Percival was denied by the corner flag and great defence as he touched down.

This should have spurred Hornets on but it was the visitors who immediately struck back and a lovely chip over the defence was gathered on the full and a further six points saw Portico take what appeared to be a commanding lead.

However, their discipline began to let them down and back to back penalties gave Hornets a chance to attack and with ten minutes remaining.

Will Hughes thought he had scored but was judged to be in touch. But two minutes later he was not to be denied as another good move saw him score in the corner.

With four minutes left, Hornets sensed that they could snatch something from the game and they began to make holes in the Portico defence for the first time. A sweeping move down the right saw the hard working Percival go over only for the referee to judge that he had lost the ball.

Portico heaved a huge sigh of relief as the final whistle sounded to signal Hornet’s first defeat of the season.

Whilst the best team won on the day, Hornets will know that they played into Portico’s hands and a slightly improved performance could have seen them come away with at least a point. If they are to retain their title, they must now attempt to win all their remaining games which although a tall order, they are well capable of achieving.

Tries Scored:
Alex Clare and Will Hughes – 1 each

Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan - 1

Awards:
Top Tacklers: Alex Clare, Mark Percival and Tom Gilmore

Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 10 verses PORTICO VINE (U15’s) 16

HFH U15’s Team:
Jack Owens, Will Hughes, Mark Percival, Andrew Sheridan, Keiron Cunningham, Dominic Speakman, Tom Gilmore, Nathan Dolan, Steven Ball, Aaron Leong, Andrew Wainwright, Alex Clare, Jack Buck

Substitutes:
Andrew Crooks, George McGrogan, Luke Jones, Brandon Ross

Hornets bounced back from last week’s defeat with a solid workmanlike performance against a dogged Ryland’s team. On a perfect day for rugby Hornets started brightly and were soon camped in the Ryland’s half but they failed to turn their overwhelming possession into points.

Ryland’s were struggling to get out of their own half with the Hornets defence in top form and it seemed inevitable that Hornets would soon score. After eight minutes Dominic Speakman floated a peach of a pass to Alex Clare who in turn produced a lovely short ball for Andrew Sheridan to score in the corner despite the attention of three defenders.

Six minutes later good pressure by Hornets forced a knock on thirty yards from the Ryland’s try line. Sheridan made valuable yards to set up position and Speakman put Gilmore over from short range. Sheridan converted and Hornets were well in control at 00 - 10 up.

The rest of the half saw Hornets continue to dominate, but they could not put the game beyond doubt and when the half time whistle went, Ryland’s must have thought they were still in with a chance of getting something from the game.

The second half began as the first had finished with Speakman’s tactical kicking forcing the home side back. After four minutes another kick was knocked on by Ryland’s and Hornets pressure forced the home side to kick the ball dead. From the drop out a lovely flowing move down the left saw Hornets nearly score but good defence stopped them just short of the line.

A scintillating Andrew Wainwright break covering sixty yards once again set up Hornets but they continued to waste good field position. After a lengthy stop for an injury to a Ryland’s player, the Hornets eventually scored again when the ball was moved right for Wainwright to force his way over. Sheridan converted and at 00 - 16 Hornets had the game won.

The Hornets pack was making good yards and Ryan O’Brien and Alex Clare were prominent both in attack and defence. The game threatened to boil over as the frustrated home side began to concede penalties and it was from one of their indiscretions that Hornets edged towards the line and from the play the ball, Steven Ball produced a cheeky dummy which wrong footed the whole defence and he strolled over the line for a fine try. Sheridan completed the scoring and Hornets had comfortably won the game and managed to keep the opposition scoreless.

This was a good team performance by Hornets and when the news came through that Portico had surprisingly lost to Blackbrook, they knew that they had gone back to the top of the league. They will have to ensure that they take the opportunities that they create but this performance was a good team effort and much needed to bolster their title hopes.

Tries Scored:
Andrew Sheridan, Andrew Wainwright, Tom Gilmore and Steven Ball – All 1 each

Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan - 3

Awards:
Top Tacklers: Alex Clare, Ryan O’Brien and Dominic Speakman

Final Score:
RYLANDS (U15’s) 00 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 22

HFH U15’s Team:
Jack Owens, Keiron Butterworth, Will Hughes, Andrew Sheridan, George McGrogan, Jack Buck, Tom Gilmore, Aaron Leong, Steven Ball, Ryan O’Brien, Andrew Wainwright, Alex Clare, Dominic Speakman

Substitutes:
Lewis Whitty, Lewis Hulme, Luke Jones, Brandon Ross

After last week’s away win at Ryland’s, the HFH U15’s faced the same opposition in the return fixture and once again they were victorious although they made hard work of the overwhelming possession and territory they had.

In freezing conditions both sides tested each other out for the first five minutes without making any meaningful breaks. However a good move down the right forced Ryland’s to scramble across to defend their line and Hornets moved the ball left across the field where Mark Percival put Andrew Wainwright in at the corner.

The Hornets then stepped up the pressure and only excellent defence by the visitors plus unforced handling errors kept the score to four points. A neat Jack Owens kick on the fifth tackle saw Ryland’s scramble to protect their line but despite further attacks Hornets could not find their way over the try line.

Another frustrating knock on saw another chance go begging but Ryland’s immediately lost the ball which was snapped up by Keiron Butterworth. Again the ball was moved swiftly to the left and Mark Percival forced his way over wide out. Andrew Sheridan’s conversion attempt unluckily bounced off the crossbar but at 08 – 00 the Hornets were well in command if not decisively in front on the scoreboard.

Poor discipline saw Hornets give away two needless penalties and Ryland’s had a good attacking position for the first time. They took their chance on the first tackle when their big forward substitute easily brushed off attempted tackles to score ten yards in from touch. An excellent conversion saw them only two points behind and despite not causing too many problems, Ryland’s were now back in the game.

Five minutes before the break, Hornets scored their third try after a forceful break by Wainwright gave the chance for them to spread the ball right where Sheridan scored to make the half time score 12 - 06.

From the restart, Ryland’s couldn’t prevent the ball from going over the dead ball line and from the resulting drop out Lewis Whitty charged through the defence to score under the posts. The conversion made it 18 - 06 but to their credit Ryland’s did not give in and they began to make inroads into the Hornets half.

A good kick downfield saw them force Hornets thirty yards from their own line but they were totally unprepared for a brilliant Hornets response which saw them quickly move the ball to Wainwright who showed his exceptional power and pace to race over from forty five yards. Another Sheridan conversion gave the home side an eighteen point lead and the opportunity in the remaining twenty minutes to put Ryland’s to the sword.

However the remainder of the game saw no further scoring although Hornets created plenty of chances. Whitty knocked on with the line begging and a Butterworth try was harshly ruled out for a forward pass.

Hornets knew after last week’s game that Ryland’s had a powerful pack but could be found wanting wide out and that is exactly where the Hornets scored the majority of their tries. Whilst the HFH U15’s still need to convert possession in to more points, this was another good performance which sees the Hornets consolidate their position at the top of the Premier League.

Tries Scored:
Andrew Wainwright - 2
Mark Percival, Andrew Sheridan and Lewis Whitty – All 1 each

Conversions:
Sheridan - 2

Awards:
Top Tacklers: Alex Clare, Lewis Whitty, Dominic Speakman

Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 24 verses RYLANDS (U15’s) 06

HFH U15’s Team:
Jack Owens, Keiron Butterworth, Andrew Sheridan, Mark Percival, Will Hughes, Dominic Speakman, Tom Gilmore, Ryan O’Brien, Steven Ball, Lewis Whitty, Andrew Wainwright, Alex Clare, Jack Buck

Substitutes:
Andrew Crooks, Lewis Hulme, Luke Jones, Brandon Ross, George McGrogan

STUDENT RUGBY LEAGUE ANNUAL REGIONAL TOURNAMENT GAMES - Wilmere Lane Sports Ground - Saturday/Sunday.

Although the HFH U15’s had beaten their St Helens opponents on the last five occasions, the recent defeat by Blackbrook of title chasers Portico meant that victory couldn’t be taken for granted.

The opening minutes saw Hornets with plenty of possession but they could not breach a well organized home defence. It was going to take something special to open the scoring and on eight minutes Mark Percival burst onto a pass, broke through the tackle and after performing a great juggling act to retain possession of the ball, he swapped passes with the supporting Tom Gilmore to put Gilmore in under the posts. Dominic Speakman converted and Hornets had taken a six point lead.

The next eight minutes saw both teams fail to retain possession of the ball for any decent length of time and the game had become scrappy. Hornets launched another attack and a suspiciously forward pass to Alex Clare went unnoticed and the ball went right where Speakman put Will Hughes in at the corner.

Blackbrook then came into the game and after a kick through was fumbled giving them another set of six. They put the Hornets defence to the test and great tackling kept them out. But five minutes before the break, the Hornets were harshly punished for a knock on, Forty five yards from their own line, and good play by the home side saw their left winger scorch in at the corner to reduce the deficit to six points at half time.

The team changes that Hornets were forced to make for this game seemed to be disrupting their normal fluid style of play and the second half started as the first had ended with poor options being taken and plenty of dropped ball. However after ten minutes they produced their best rugby of the game when good forward play saw them gain a good attacking position twenty yards from the Blackbrook line. Steven Ball made a mini break to take them closer and the ball was then moved right for Percival to dive over.

A good kick off by Blackbrook saw them force a Hornets error and soon the ball was shifted right and suddenly the Hornets were only six points ahead with eighteen minutes left despite looking the most assured side.

The remainder of the game threatened to boil over as some inconsistent decisions by the referee, for both teams, left the players frustrated. Hornets pressed forward and a Speakman kick just ran over the dead ball line with the Hornets attack chasing in vain.

Another Speakman kick forced a drop out but with the minutes ticking away Blackbrook were still in with a chance of a draw. Hornets managed to hold out and gain another vital win to keep them top of the league.

In the circumstances this was a good well earned victory with Speakman, Clare, Jack Buck and Jack Owens prominent in both attack and defence. Hornets continue to set the pace despite not hitting top form and once they have all their injured players back, they will be an even more difficult side to beat.

Tries Scored:
Tom Gilmore, Will Hughes and Mark Percival – 1 each

Conversions:
Tom Gilmore - 1

Awards:
Top Tacklers: Alex Clare, Andrew Wainwright, Jack Buck and Dominic Speakman

Final Score:
BLACKBROOK ROYALS (U15’s) 08 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 14

HFH U15’s Team:
Jack Owens, Will Hughes, Mark Percival, Andrew Wainwright, Keiron Butterworth, Tom Gilmore, Lewis Hulme, Lewis Whitty, Steven Ball, Jack Buck, Andrew Crooks, Alex Clare, Dominic Speakman

Substitutes:
Luke Jones

Although an extremely strong wind threatened to ruin this game as a spectacle, HFFH U15’s ran out comfortable winners in this top versus bottom clash.

The Hornets elected to play into the face of the wind during the first half and the opening minutes saw them on the attack but despite going close on a couple of occasions they could not open the scoring. After ten minutes a long kick downfield by LMR was knocked on and this gave them their first chance to pose a threat to Hornets. They took this opportunity as a large gap opened up in front of the posts and suddenly the home side had a shock six point’s lead.

This seemed to spark Hornets into life and the resulting kick off held up in the wind and Mark Percival majestically rose to catch the ball and make valuable yards. The ball was then moved quickly to the right where Dominic Speakman and then Will Hughes combined to put Keiron Butterworth in at the corner.

Hornets then began to make good yards and threatened the try line but too many dropped passes saw them struggle to pierce a determined LMR defence. The home side then conceded three quick penalties and Hornets capitalised with Speakman first going close before Steven Ball went over from close range. Speakman’s conversion appeared to be sailing over the posts only for the wind to blow it back but Hornets now had two point lead, a lead that they were not going to relinquish.

Andrew Wainwright was then held up over the line as Hornets tried to extend their advantage but with two minutes to half time, LMR knocked on twenty yards from their own line and three tackles later Mark Percival scored under the posts. With Speakman’s conversion, Hornets held a lead of 06 - 14 and it then remained to see how they would use the strong wind to their advantage in the second half.

Hornets didn’t have to wait long for an answer as LMR struggled to cleanly field the ball from the restart and soon the impressive Jack Owens was racing over the line for Hornet’s forth try. Speakman converted to make it 06 - 20 and it was now time for Hornets to take total control. Their forwards led by Alex Clare, Jack Buck and Speakman began to push back the LMR defence and a great break by Clare and backing up by Tom Gilmore, saw Clare score in a move that covered half the length of the pitch. Speakman again converted and four minutes later a great Percival break saw Butterworth score his second and with plenty of time left Hornets were well in command at 06 - 30.

The home side rallied and were unlucky not to score when they lost the ball over the line but unlike Hornets they could not muster a score against the elements. In the final five minutes, Andrew Wainwright scored a brace of tries. His first followed some good hard yards made by the lively Butterworth but then it was all about Wainwright’s power and pace as he scorched over from fifty yards for Speakman to add on the extras. His second saw excellent team play and good hands put him in for the final score of the game.

LMR battled well in the first half but they could not match the sheer relentless power that the Hornets showed. This win keeps Hornets at the top of the league and with a cup game next week the retention of the league title will undoubtedly depend on their game with Portico Vine which takes place in March.

Tries Scored:
Andrew Wainwright and Keiron Butterworth – 2 each
Mark Percival, Jack Owens, Steven Ball and Alex Clare – All 1 each

Conversions:
Speakman - 4

Awards:
Top Tacklers: TBA

Final Score:
LEIGH MINERS RANGERS (U15’s) 06 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 40

HFH U15’s Team:
Jack Owens, Keiron Butterworth, Will Hughes, Mark Percival, Luke Jones, Tom Gilmore, Lewis Hulme, Jack Buck, Steven Ball, Lewis Whitty, Andrew Wainwright, Alex Clare, Dominic Speakman

Substitutes:
Andrew Crooks, George McGrogan, Aaron Leong

NORTH WEST COUNTIES CUP COMPETITION – THIRD ROUND

The HFH U15’s eventually ran out comfortable winners in the Third Round NWC Cup game but the winning margin does not reflect the great effort the home side put into this game especially in a close first half. Played on the artificial 3G pitch, the teams tested each other out in the opening minutes with both sets of forwards running strongly. On six minutes the lively and impressive Keiron Butterworth almost finished a good move up the right wing however the ball was swiftly moved to left and great hands from Mark Percival and Jack Buck put Andrew Sheridan in for his first try of the game.

From the kick off, Percival, who looked threatening all game, made a brilliant break of fifty yards and this gave Hornets the opportunity to score again as Dominic Speakman touched down out wide.

Instead of capitulating against their Premier League opponents, Leigh East continued to drive forward and kept Hornets on the back foot with an impressive kicking game. After making a rare foray into the Hornets 25 yd area, a lovely cross kick caused havoc in the Hornets defence and Leigh scored in the corner. The touchline conversion was just wide but at 04 - 08 the home team began to gain more confidence and more tactical kicking kept Hornets in their own half and they began to dominate proceedings for the next few minutes.

Hornets weathered the storm and with nine minutes to the break, they thought they had scored again but the final pass was ruled forward. Alex Clare was then tackled just short of the line and Leigh East thought they had cleared the danger as they hoofed the ball down field. But Hornets had other ideas as Jack Owens broke from deep. Butterworth and Percival carried the play on and an impressive flick pass from Andy Crooks put Sheridan in for his second try which he converted to make it 04 - 14 at half time.

Hornets began the second half surging forward from the kick off and an Andrew Wainwright break saw Jack Owens tackled touch in goal. A couple of high tackles by Hornets gave the home side a good attacking position but they were unable to take advantage. Hornets swept up field and Wainwright thought he had scored only for some excellent cover forcing him into touch.

The next score was either going to bring Leigh East back into the game or give Hornets breathing space. As it happened, it was a brilliant piece of rugby which put Hornets further ahead. Butterworth, not for the first time, fielded a kick and made valuable yards. Percival broke through the defence at pace and a great inside pass to the supporting Owens saw the full back score under the posts.

Sheridan converted and three minutes later he completed his hat-trick as Hornets started to run riot.
Another conversion made it 04 - 26 and the game looked out of the home side’s reach. To their credit Leigh East forced a Hornets error and good play took them to a position in front of the posts. A well rehearsed move saw the scrum half score a cheeky try and they had brought it back to 10 - 26.

This only served as a wakeup call for Hornets as Wainwright was again unlucky to score as he was held up over the line. But the ball was swiftly moved to the left where Sheridan put George McGrogan in at the corner. A magnificent touchline conversion by Sheridan made it 10 - 32 and it was soon 10 - 38 when a deft Tom Gilmore chip over the defence on the last tackle was re-gathered by Clare for a clever try.

With two minutes to go, the home side scored again when they moved seventy yards up field with their best flowing rugby of the game. Leigh East deserved the score for the considerable effort they had put into the game but they could not match the Hornets power and pace which saw them march into the quarter finals.

Tries Scored:
Andrew Sheridan – 3
Jack Owens, Alex Clare, Dominic Speakman and George McGrogan – 1 Each

Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan - 5

Awards:
Top Tacklers: Alex Clare, Mark Percival and Dominic Speakman

Final Score:
LEIGH EAST (U15’s) 16 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 38

HFH U15’s Team:

Jack Owens, Keiron Butterworth, Will Hughes, Andrew Sheridan, Luke Jones, Dominic Speakman, Lewis Hulme, Jack Buck, Steven Ball, Andrew Wainwright, Andrew Crooks, Alex Clare, Dominic Speakman

Substitutes:
Lewis Whitty, Tom Gilmore, George McGrogan, Aaron Leong

Awaiting information.

With five HFH U15’s players missing, it was thought that this top versus bottom clash might be more competitive but the Hornets produced a good display of attacking rugby to crush their Leigh opponents.

The Hornets were quickly into their stride and after two minutes Tom Gilmore’s lovely quick pass put Jack Owens away and only a last ditch tackle on Will Hughes prevented him from scoring. The ball then went from right to left with Gilmore involved again and Dominic Speakman found Andrew Sheridan who scored wide out.

Sheridan almost scored again but the final pass was deemed forward and Leigh was finding it hard to contain a rampant home team. However, they briefly rallied and only great defence from Jack Buck and Keiron Butterworth prevented LMR from scoring. Hornets immediately made good yards but again wasted a scoring chance when another unnecessary forward pass ruined a good handling move.

However it wasn’t long before the Hornets scored again. When George McGrogan was tackled just short, the Hornets quickly moved the ball across the pitch and Luke Jones scored in the corner. Sheridan landed the touchline conversion to make it 10 - 00 to the league leaders.

Yet another forward pass saw a try go begging and against stronger opponents these errors could have been costly. Andrew Wainwright then made a magnificent break and the supporting Gilmore exchanged passes before putting the ball down between the posts. The easy conversion made it 16 - 00 and with their next attack Sheridan made valuable yards down the left but his inside pass was intercepted and LMR scored a fine seventy yard try.

This gave LMR the boost they needed and they enjoyed more possession during the last five minutes of the first half, although they didn’t threaten the Hornets line.

Although comfortably in the lead, the Hornets knew that they could have been further ahead and they went about the second half in more clinical manner scoring forty two points with no reply.

Three minutes after the break, the impressive Speakman exposed Leigh’s weakness down the left and Sheridan put Jones in for his second try. Speakman scored another four minutes later and with Sheridan converting both efforts the score had quickly moved onto 28 - 04. The next attack saw the ball go from left to right for Jack Owens to score a well deserved try and the Hornets were in irresistible form.

Sheridan increased his points tally to eighteen points with a well taken fifty yard try before another blistering Wainwright break set up the position for Speakman to also score his second try which Sheridan converted.

Gilmore scored the next and this time Speakman slotted over the extras.

Leigh was demoralized and a long kick downfield was expertly caught by Owens who produced the pass of the match as he was falling to the ground for the Hornets, and Gilmore took play to within twenty yards of the LMR line.

A couple of tackles later Ryan O’Brien, returning from injury, flopped over the line to make it 54 - 04.

The Hornets then had what looked a good try disallowed as Speakman and Keiron Butterworth both went for the ball over the line but the referee ruled a knock-on. However, Butterworth was not to be denied as his impressive work rate was rewarded with a well taken try as a poor LMR kick was returned with power and pace.

Whilst the Hornets could have played better in the first half, they upped their game in the second and showed why they remain top of the league. Speakman led from the front as usual, Butterworth excelled playing out of position in the forwards, Owens made yards every time he had the ball and Sheridan continued his points scoring spree having now scored forty two points in the last two games.

But their next two matches will be much harder as the HFH U15’s are to face their nemesis in Portico Vine, in their final league game and the quarter final of the NWC Cup Competition.

Tries Scored:
Andrew Sheridan, Luke Jones and Dominic Speakman - All 2 Each
Tom Gilmore, Keiron Butterworth, Andrew Wainwright, Ryan O’Brien and Jack Owens – All 1 Each

Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan - 6
Dominic Speakman - 1

Awards:
Top Tacklers: Keiron Butterworth, Jack Buck, Andrew Wainwright and Will Hughes

Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 58 verses LEIGH MINERS RANGERS (U15’s) 04

HFH U15’s Team:
Jack Owens, George McGrogan, Will Hughes, Andrew Sheridan, Luke Jones, Tom Gilmore, Lewis Hulme, Jack Buck, Steven Ball, Andy Wainwright, Keiron Butterworth, Dominic Speakman - (12-A-Side)

Substitutes:
Nathan Dolan, Ryan O’Brien

North West Counties Cup Competition – Quarter Finals

What a game!

Both sides deserve credit for an entertaining and nail biting game which was only decided after extra time and with a golden point.

If the Hornets thought that Portico would still be basking in last week’s Lancashire Cup final triumph they were very much mistaken, as the home side defended stoutly from the start and despite the Hornets completing their sets of six, they could not break through to claim the opening score.

They were made to pay when Portico made their first foray into the Hornets half and excellent play gave them a position just in front of the posts. Two quick passes later and Portico’s second rower crossed for the game’s first try which was easily converted, and after seven minutes they led 6-0.

Hornets did not take long to respond when on the last tackle, Dominic Speakman put Mark Percival into a gap and he expertly drew the cover to put Will Hughes over. Andrew Sheridan converted magnificently from the touchline and Hornets were level.

The next fifteen minutes saw both sides struggle to get near their opponents try line as defences snuffed out attack after attack. Hornets came close when they forced Portico to drop out but slowly the home side used their big forwards to make valuable yards downfield.

Five minutes before half time the Hornets could not stop the relentless pressure and despite three tacklers being in the way, Portico forced their way over the line and looked to be taking a four point lead into the break. But again, the Hornets fought back and with literally seconds remaining a Tom Gilmore break supported by Sheridan, made inroads into the Portico half.

Portico conceded a penalty and three tackles later, Speakman forced his way over from the play the ball and once again it was all square.

The strong wind, which was causing problems for both sides, may have spoilt the game slightly but the intensity and commitment of both sides was tremendous.
Portico again charged into the Hornets half and after six minutes a kick on the last tackle saw the kicker obstructed and this gave Portico the opportunity of another six tackles and they used them to full effect to score a well worked try out wide on the left.
A great conversion put them six points in the lead again and they were soon on the attack when, a good kick downfield, saw the Hornets pinned back within fifteen yards of their own line. The Hornets were struggling to make any headway against Portico’s ferocious defence but a rare break downfield saw Percival burst through tackles and step inside two defenders for a wonderful try to reduce the deficit to two points.

The last ten minutes of the game were tense and exciting.

Portico threw away a golden chance when they knocked on over the line and it seemed only a matter of time before they scored again. Then, with only four minutes left, Andrew Wainwright, who by his standards was having a quiet game in attack, broke a tackle on the half way line and surged away from the chasing home defence, showing great pace to score under the posts. Sheridan converted and Hornets thought they were in the semis.

Unfortunately, from the kick off Hornets relaxed and Portico found touch to get head and feed at the scrum. They edged closer to the line and on the very last play of normal time produced an excellent cross kick which was gleefully caught to ensure the scores were level. Everyone held their breath as the touchline conversion attempt just drifted wide and extra time was to be played for the second time this season between these two sides.

Each half only consisted of five minutes and immediately Portico went on the attack and only an ankle-tap tackle by Alex Clare, prevented a possible try.

The half came to an end with the Hornets in the ascendency and Wainwright agonizingly short of the line.

The final half of this pulsating game saw Portico knock on twenty yards from their line but they ensured the Hornets couldn’t get the one pointer by closing them down at every opportunity. With one last chance on offer Hornets burst down the left and Percival thought he had scored and won the game but the pass was correctly judged forward.

So both teams were now in the rare situation of having to face a golden point scenario.

Portico, despite last week’s exertions, still seemed as strong but it was the Hornets who took the game to them. Steven Ball thought he had scored but was judged to be held up over the line. However Hornets were not to be denied and the ball was thrown back to Sheridan who calmly slotted over the all important drop goal to send the Hornets players and supporters wild.

This was a great game and whilst it was a magnificent team performance, there were some important individual efforts worthy of a mention.

Alex Clare and Dominic Speakman completed a breath taking fifty five tackles between them and tore into the bigger Portico pack. Lewis Whitty and Andrew Wainwright shared the workload with forty four tackles.

Jack Owens was immaculate at Full Back; as safe as houses and making valuable yards to visibly lift the team.
Mark Percival, who was carrying a shoulder injury, regularly broke tackles and never shirked his tackling responsibilities.

The Hornets now face Leigh Miners Rangers in the Semi Final and although they must not underestimate their opponents, they will surely not face a harder game all season.

Tries Scored:
Will Hughes, Mark Percival, Andrew Wainwright and Dominic Speakman – All 1 each

Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan – 2
[Plus 1 drop goal]

Awards:
Top Tacklers:
Alex Clare, Andrew Wainwright, Dominic Speakman and Lewis Whitty

Final Score:
PORTICO VINE (U15’s) 20 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 21

HFH U15’s Team:
Jack Owens, Will Hughes, Mark Percival, Andrew Sheridan, Keiron Butterworth, Tom Gilmore, Lewis Hulme, Lewis Whitty, Steven Ball, Ryan O’Brien, Andrew Wainwright, Alex Clare, Dominic Speakman

Substitutes:
Aaron Leong, Jack Buck, Andrew Crooks, George McGrogan, Luke Jones

North West Counties Cup Competition - Semi Final

The HFH U15’s turned in a lacklustre performance to book their place in the Final of the NWC Cup but they were given an almighty scare by a Leigh side that never gave up.

Having thrashed LMR 58 - 04 only a fortnight ago, the Hornets players seemed to think that all they had to do was turn up to win. But sport has a habit of proving people wrong and after only three minutes Leigh MR had raced into a six point lead after two Hornets errors had seen them camped in their own 25.

From the restart, Leigh MR knocked on and the Hornets took full advantage. Dominic Speakman made good yards down the right and then the ball was swung left and fine handling by Steven Ball and Andrew Sheridan put Luke Jones in at the corner. Sheridan converted from the touchline and Hornets then started to exert pressure which suggested that they might start to pile on a few points. Unfortunately, a combination of handling errors and taking wrong options meant that Leigh MR were still in the game.

Tom Gilmore’s kicking game was creating problems for the away team and after what had been an average ten minutes for the Hornets, a high kick from Gilmore caused chaos over the Leigh try line and Gilmore capitalised on the error to touchdown. Three minutes later, a Gilmore cross kick forced Leigh MR to hack the ball dead and another well place cross kick saw Luke Jones just fail to score.

So the Hornets went into the break with a slender four point lead and they looked a shadow of the side that battled so heroically the week before at Portico.

Any hopes that the half time team talk would pep them up were dispelled as Leigh MR scored the best try of the game when their centre collected the ball fifty yards out, jinked past the first tackle, and then went on an arcing run down the right to score a great try. The conversion from wide out made it 10 -12 and a real shock was on the cards. But again, Leigh MR allowed the Hornets straight back into the game when they knocked on from the restart and after Lewis Whitty had made valuable yards, Alex Clare scored near the posts for Sheridan to make it 16 - 12.

The return of the kick offs were proving difficult for both teams and Hornets returned the favour by knocking on and giving Leigh MR hope of an immediate response but this time good defence kept them out. On the last tackle Leigh MR were unfortunate to be pulled up for a knock on when a Hornets player clearly ripped the ball out in a four man tackle.

After 10mins a lovely Jack Owens break saw the Hornets in a good attacking position and the ball then went left where Owens was involved again as he put Sheridan in for a try in the corner.

Yet again from the restart, Hornets contrived to knock on but Leigh MR failed to take advantage and Hornets produced a flowing movement up field which saw Will Hughes tackled just short of the line. A big kick down field saw the Hornets knock on over their own line and Leigh MR sensed that this may be a great chance to get back into the game with ten minutes left but the Hornets defence stood strong.

The game was now end to end stuff and Hornets found themselves twenty yards out from the line and on the sixth tackle. Ryan O’Brien offloaded to Sheridan who somehow got the pass out and the ball was expertly moved right through several pairs of hands and Will Hughes put George McGrogan in.

The match was then held up for five minutes as a Leigh MR player had been injured as the try was scored but that didn’t bother Sheridan as he landed another touchline effort. At 26 – 12, the game looked over but to Leigh MR’s credit they never gave up and a jinking run by their classy centre saw him score his second and with seven minute left it was 26 - 18.

There was no more scoring after this and the Hornets go into the final where they will play Wigan St Pats on Sunday 26th April.

The Hornets will have to play a lot better than this if they are to lift the trophy but of more immediate concern is the all important league fixture against Portico Vine next week.

A win will see them maintain their position at the top of the NWC U15’s Premier League but a loss could see the title going to Wigan St Pats.

This is the business end of the season and it will go right down to the wire.

Tries Scored:
Luke Jones, Andrew Sheridan, Alex Clare, Tom Gilmore and George McGrogan – All 1 each

Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan 3

Awards:
Top Tacklers:
Alex Clare, Andrew Sheridan and Dominic Speakman

Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s 26) verses LEIGH MINERS RANGERS (U15’s) 18

HFH U15’s Team:
Jack Owens, Will Hughes, Mark Percival, Andrew Sheridan, Luke Jones, Jack Buck, Lewis Hulme, Lewis Whitty, Steven Ball, Nathan Dolan, Andrew Wainwright, Alex Clare, Dominic Speakman

Substitutes:
Keiron Butterworth, Andrew Crooks, Tom Gilmore, George McGrogan, Ryan O’Brien

The HFH U15’s finished top of the Premier League with a hard fought win over a Portico team who had a good recent record against the Hornets. On a perfect day for rugby league, the opening exchanges were fairly even and after the Hornets were forced to drop-out from under their own posts, they moved up field and took a four point lead on ten minutes. The ball was moved left where Mark Percival was stopped just short but the ball was then swiftly moved right and Jack Owens chimed into the line from Full Back to put Andrew Sheridan in for the opening score.

The Hornets then started to apply constant pressure and a lovely Dominic Speakman kick over the defence was collected by Percival who looked certain to add a second try but a great ankle tap tackle brought him down with the line begging.

Portico fought back well and went close on a couple of occasions but were let- off the hook when, after conceding a penalty near their own line, Portico knocked on at the first tackle. The Hornets took full advantage of this and moved downfield with Tom Gilmore producing a peach of a pass to put Alex Clare in near the posts for a great try. Sheridan converted and Hornets were 00 - 10 up and looking as though they might increase their lead.

Gilmore was causing all sorts of problems with his high kicks, which were difficult to see as they were launched into the bright sun but the Hornets were unable to capitalise on this good field position and there was no further scores in the first half.

If the first half was predominately Hornets then the second half was Portico's.

The Hornets started the half brightly and Speakman was stopped just short of the line but from then on, Portico gained control and forced the Hornets to defend frantically as they pounded away at the line.

Firstly, Hornets had to drop out under the posts and then they held up a Portico player over the line with excellent defensive teamwork. Indiscipline by the home side gave the Hornets much needed relief and a couple of penalties put the HFH U15’s in the Portico half. Another penalty for offside in front of the Portico posts saw Sheridan slot over the penalty. At 00 - 12 and nineteen minutes to go, it looked like the Hornets could breathe somewhat easier.

In past games between these two sides, there has never been more than six points between the two teams, so this score line was somewhat surprising. But Portico were going to make sure that this game was also going to be close and a high kick saw four Portico players put Full Back Owens under considerable pressure. The ball was spilled and a Portico player scooped up the loose ball to score and make it 06 - 12.

The last fifteen minutes saw Portico batter the Hornets line as they sensed they could get something out of the game. Strong runs by their forwards and cross kicks to the corner, were all repelled. The Hornets were mightily relieved when the final whistle went as this meant that the league leader’s position would now depend on the meeting between Wigan St Patricks and Portico Vine in a fortnight.

A win for Portico Vine will give the Hornets the Premier League title.

A win for Wigan St Patricks would mean a ‘play-off’.

With the Hornets still to play Wigan St Patricks in the NWC Cup Final, this is going to be an exhilarating climax to what has already been a fascinating and productive season for the HFH U15’s.

Tries Scored:
Andrew Sheridan and Alex Clare – 1 Each

Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan - 2

Awards:
Top Tacklers:
Alex Clare, Andrew Wainwright and Dominic Speakman

Final Score:
PORTICO VINE (U15’s) 06 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 12

HFH U15’s Team:
Jack Owens, Will Hughes, Mark Percival, Andrew Sheridan, Keiron Butterworth, Tom Gilmore, Lewis Hulme, Jack Buck, Steven Ball, Ryan O’Brien, Andrew Wainwright, Alex Clare, Dominic Speakman

Substitutes:
Andrew Crooks, Lewis Whitty, George McGrogan, Luke Jones, Aaron Leong

This weekend, for the second successive season, the HFH U15’s won the Premier Division and they didn’t even have to play a game.

Their closest rivals, Wigan St Patricks, failed to beat Portico Vine and this gave the Hornets the title they deserved so much, after only losing one game.

Congratulations go to all the players in the squad but special thanks go to coaches Paul Hulme and John Crooks who have led the team to success throughout this season.

Next week sees the Hornets face Wigan St Patricks in the NWC Cup Final at Golborne Parkside Sports & Social Club, with a 4:00pm kick-off.

Hopefully it will prove to be a successful weekend which will earn the HFH U15’s yet another League & Cup DOUBLE!

North West Counties Cup Competition – FINAL

Held at Golborne Parkside Sports & Social Club,

4:00pm kick-off.

The HFH U15’s secured yet another impressive double by winning the NWC Cup Final in a match which was much closer than the score suggests.

Matches between the Hornets and St Pats are always tight affairs and this was no exception. From the kick off, St Pats found touch to immediately put them on the front foot but a subsequent knock on meant that they could not take advantage of a good start. Both teams were testing each other out with the forwards dominating play but after six minutes the Hornets attacked and a high Dominic Speakman kick on the last tackle saw Tom Gilmore just fail to hold onto the ball for what was a certain try.

The next ten minutes were nip and tuck with the Hornets playing one-man rugby, giving the ball little air and not playing their natural game. As a result, St Pats were edging the battle.

On eighteen minutes, the Wigan side were awarded a penalty for offside and the ball was swiftly moved right and Connor Farrell, St Pat’s influential loose forward, produced a fine pass to put winger Billy Atherton in at the corner.

Hornets rallied and a high tackle on Andrew Sheridan, twenty yards out, gave the HFH U15’s the opportunity to get back on equal terms but they knocked on. St Pats immediately gave Hornets another chance by knocking on at the scrum but inexplicably, the Hornets lost the ball and the chance was gone as the half time hooter was sounded.

The first half was probably one of the most disappointing halves of the season for the Hornets. They rarely looked like breaking the Wigan St Pats first line of defence, with only Jack Owens at full back, regularly running back the St Pats kicks and causing them problems.
But the Hornets were only four points adrift knowing that any improvement in their performance would give them great opportunity of lifting the trophy.

Four minutes into the half, Speakman launched a lovely cross field kick on the last tackle and Gilmore this time judged it to perfection by catching and racing over for the Hornets first try.

Wigan St Pats responded and only a good Will Hughes tackle prevented them scoring down the right wing. St Pats then conceded a couple of penalties to ease the pressure on the Hornets but yet again, the HFH U15’s failed to take advantage and got tackled into touch on the first tackle.

Nerves were obviously getting to both teams as St Pats immediately knocked on and conceded another penalty in front of their own posts. Hornets decided to take the points on offer and Sheridan slotted home the penalty to give the Hornets a two point advantage.

Back came St Pats but the tremendous tackling of the Hornets forwards kept them at bay. Then, after fourteen minutes, there came the turning point of the game.

St Pats put up a high kick on the last tackle which was caught by Gilmore facing his own line. He turned round, beat the first defender and raced eighty yards for a tremendous solo score in the corner.

It was at this point you sensed that for the first time, the Hornets had won the mental battle in the game and they then began to take control.

Gilmore was just wide with a drop goal attempt and Hornets kicking game, from Speakman and Gilmore, was forcing the Wigan side back into their own half.

With eight minutes to go, a thunderous Andrew Wainwright tackle forced a knock on and the Hornets took advantage when the ball was moved left and a lovely Alex Clare pass put Mark Percival in to ensure the cup was won. Sheridan converted from the touchline to make it 16 - 04 and with seven minutes to go, all that the Hornets had to do was continue to tackle as they had all game.

St Pats launched another attack down the right but not for the first time during the match, they knocked on.

Hornets then had further chances to add to the scoreboard.

Sheridan missed what seemed a straightforward penalty and Gilmore missed another drop goal attempt but it mattered not as the hooter was sounded to end what has been another fantastic season for Halton Farnworth Hornets U15’s.

Congratulations go to the players who have deserved the spoils for all the hard work they have put in all season. And also to Paul Hulme and John Crooks who have guided the team to further success.

Tom Gilmore deservedly won the ‘Man-of-the-Match’ award for his two tries and excellent kicking game.

The Hornets have once again proven to everybody that they are the best team in the North West Counties U15’s League.

The HFH U15’s players are a great honour to themselves, their coaches, their parents/guardians and to the HFH Club.

Tries Scored:
Tom Gilmore – 2
Mark Percival - 1

Conversions:
Andrew Sheridan - 2

Awards:
Top Tacklers:
Andrew Sheridan, Alex Clare and Dominic Speakman

Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U15’s) 16 verses WIGAN ST PATRICKS (U15’s) 04

HFH U15’s Team:
Jack Owens, Keiran Butterworth, Andrew Sheridan, Mark Percival, Will Hughes, Tom Gilmore Lewis Hulme, Lewis Whitty, Steven Ball, Ryan O’ Brien, Andrew Wainwright, Alex Clare, Dominic Speakman

Substitutes:
Luke Jones, Andrew Crooks, Aaron Leong, Jack Buck

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