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| HFH U16's Season 2009/10 (From September 2009 To December 2009) |
06 Sept 09, Waterhead v's Halton F H
13 Sept 09, Halton F H v's Wigan St Cuthberts
20 Sept 09, Halton F H v's Wigan St Patricks
27 Sept 09, Blackbrook Royals v's Halton F H
04 Oct 09, Halton F H v's Oldham St Annes
11 Oct 09, Halton F H v's Rylands Sharks
18 Oct 09, Portico Vine v's Halton F H
25 Oct 09, Halton F H v's Waterhead
01 Nov 09, Wigan St Cuthberts v's Halton F H [FREE WEEKEND]
08 Nov 09, Wigan St Patricks v's Halton F H
15 Nov 09, Halton F H v's Blackbrook Royals
22 Nov 09, Oldham St Annes v's Halton F H
29 Nov 09, Rylands Sharks v's Halton F H
06 Dec 09, Wigan St Cuthberts v's Halton F H [EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY NWC CUP - Third Round] CANCELLED
13 Dec09, Wigan St Cuthberts v's Halton F H [EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY NWC CUP - Third Round]
20 Dec09, Halton F H v's Portico Vine [CANCELLED]
06 Sept 09, Waterhead v's Halton F H
Awaiting information.
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13 Sept 09, Halton F H v's Wigan St Cuthberts
The HFH U16’s overcame a stuttering start to win comfortably in their opening game of the season. The early stages looked promising as Hornets tore into the Wigan side but on three occasions they knocked on and as a result lost good field position. It took St Cuthbert’s eight minutes to get into the Hornets half but they only managed to end the set of six with a deep kick which rolled dead. Hornets again lost the ball in a good position but it wasn’t long before they scored the opening try and what a good try it was.
St Cuthbert’s conceded a penalty for offside twenty five yards out on the right and from the tap, Hornets moved the ball across the field with skill and speed and Sheridan finished the move off to touchdown in the corner. He was just short with the touchline conversion but Hornets were in the lead and they started to play with more urgency. Steven Ball was just tackled short and after fifteen minutes another good move resulted in the ball going to ground.
A good long kick down field saw Cuthbert’s pin Hornets back on their own line but from deep in their own half Hornets broke superbly for an exhilarating score. Sheridan broke a tackle and made twenty yards before slipping a pass to Gilmore who looked as though he was in the clear fifty yards out. Good scrambling defence hauled him down but the ball was moved left and Sheridan put Clare in wide out. Sheridan converted and Hornets were ten points up.
St Cuthbert’s rallied and had their first real pressure in the Hornets half. They were fortunate to be given another set of six tackles when a grubber kick rebounded off a Hornets foot and they took full advantage by scoring a good try wide out to reduce the deficit to six points. So despite dominating the half, Hornets went into the break with only a slender lead and ruing the missed chances.
The second half saw Hornets brush away the early season rustiness and put their opponents to the sword. After only two minutes, a lovely Gilmore kick near the line saw Sheridan swoop to collect and touchdown under the posts. Straight from the kick off, Hornets used their set of six to the full advantage making great yards with every tackle and Speakman swept in for his team’s fourth try. Sheridan converted both goals and suddenly it was 22 - 04 and the Cuthbert’s looked disheartened.
The next try soon followed with the impressive Whitty charging over and then Speakman scored his second after St Cuthbert’s lost the ball sixty yards out. Sheridan again converted both and at 34 - 04 it was a matter of how many Hornets would win by. Gilmore, who looked dangerous every time he had the ball, dummied his way through a gap fifty yards out to create a debut try for Rigby and with five minutes left, a lovely long Buck pass put Sheridan in for his hat trick try and a personal points tally of twenty four points.
With a tough game against Wigan St Patricks next week, Hornets needed to blow away the cobwebs and their second half display suggests they will be a force to reckon with as they seek a hat trick of title wins.
Tries Scored:
Sheridan – 3
Speakman – 2
Whitty, Clare and Rigby - 1 each
Goals:
Sheridan - 6
Awards:
Top Tacklers: Clare, Speakman, Wainwright and Buck
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U16’s) 44 verses WIGAN ST CUTHBERTS (U16’s) 04
Team:
1. Jack Owens, 5. Luke Jones, 19. Will Hughes, 4 Andrew Sheridan, 15 Kieran Butterworth, 17. Tom Gilmore, 7. Lewis Hulme, 8. Lewis Whitty, 9. Steven Ball, 13. Jack Buck, 14. Andrew Crooks, 12. Alex Clare, 6. Dominic Speakman
Substitutes:
10. Ryan O’Brien, 2. George McGrogan, 11. Andrew Wainwright, 16. John Rigby
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20 Sept 09, Halton F H v's Wigan St Patricks
With no more than a handful of points between these teams in their last six matches, Hornets sent a warning out to the rest of the league with this impressive seven try demolition of one of their closest rivals.
Hornets started confidently and soon got into their stride. After four minutes a towering kick from Tom Gilmore caused havoc in the St Pats defence and forced a knock on 20yds from the Wigan line.
Another knock on by Hornets meant the chance was lost but they soon responded in style. A long kick downfield was fielded by the impressive Jack Owens who made good yards. The ball was moved left and good hands saw Owens involved again and Mark Percival put Will Hughes in at the corner. Eight minutes later another sweeping movement across the field saw Hughes score another with only his second touch of the ball. Andrew Sheridan hit the post with the conversion attempt but Hornets looked in command at 08 - 00.
Another Gilmore high kick saw St Pats knock on again but unfortunately Hornets couldn’t take advantage. Hornets continued pressing on the St Pats line but were penalised for offside however they soon got the ball back after another Wigan handling error. Sheridan then put Keiran Butterworth over but the try was harshly disallowed for a forward pass. St Pats were having difficulty breaking out of their own half but on the next Hornets attack, a loose pass by Dominic Speakman was intercepted and resulted in an 80yd try under the posts to make the score 08 - 06.
Gilmore’s kicking game was giving St Pats problems and from the kick off, his powerful kick saw the ball go dead and force a drop out. St Pats managed to defend that set of six but when they tried to send the ball downfield on the fifth tackle, the ball was charged down and Gilmore swooped on the loose ball to go 50yds and place the ball down under the posts. Sheridan added the extras and Hornets went into the break with a 14 - 06 lead.
From the restart another handling error gave Hornets the start to the half they wanted. From the resulting scrum, the ball was moved right and Speakman went over. The St Pats players encouraged the referee to consult the touch judge and the try was disallowed for a knock on. A comment made by Gilmore resulted in him being sent to the sin bin and St Pats realised this could be their opportunity to get something from a game which they had never looked like winning. However despite their efforts, they could not break a resolute Hornets defence in which Clare and Speakman were outstanding.
On eleven minutes, a Hornets move seemed to have broken down as a wide pass went what seemed aimlessly to Keiran Butterworth on the wing. However he expertly cut inside and showing good pace scorched under the posts for a great try. Sheridan converted and suddenly the Wigan heads went down and Hornets were rampant. First Owens burst through a gap only to look the wrong way with Hughes looking for his hat trick. A minute later Speakman put Butterworth over for his second of the afternoon and it was now 24 - 06.
Next it was Percival, who had a good game, to score a well deserved try when he beat three men with great footwork and Sheridan converted from wide out.
With a few minutes to go a chip over the defence saw Owens race onto the ball at speed and score under the posts and with the extras added, Hornets had won 36 - 06.
Despite the score line, this was a hard game and just the type of run out Hornets needed. The forwards set the platform with Lewis Whitty, Alex Clare, Dominic Speakman and John Rigby prominent, and then he backs finished off with aplomb.
Tries Scored:
Butterworth and Hughes - 2 each
Owen, Percival and Gilmore - 1 each
Goals:
Sheridan - 4
Awards:
Top Tacklers: Speakman, Clare and Gilmore
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS 36 (U16’s) verses WIGAN ST PATRICKS (U16’s) 06
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:
Luke Jones, Andrew Crooks, George McGrogan, Jack Buck, John Rigby
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27 Sept 09, Blackbrook Royals v's Halton F H
Whilst the score line suggests an easy win to extend their unbeaten start of the season, this was a lacklustre display by the Hornets. Many of their players had played midweek against a touring Australian team and perhaps fatigue played a part in a stuttering performance. Hornets started the game solidly but after three minutes a loose Lewis Hulme pass was intercepted and Blackbrook raced 60yds to score and take a six point lead.
The home side were causing the Hornets problems by moving up quickly and disrupting their attacking style and it needed a bit of luck to get them back in the game. Jack Owens, who had a tremendous game at full back, made a break 35yds out but his pass to George McGrogan was knocked back towards his own line by a Blackbrook player. The loose ball was swooped upon by Andrew Sheridan who scored then converted his own try to level the scores.
Hornets then knocked on from the kick off but the home side failed to took advantage and they were made to pay when Hornets went up field, moved the ball from right to left where Owens again broke through to put Sheridan in under the posts for his second and another six pointer. Blackbrook then inexplicably decided to take a short kick off which was caught by Jon Rigby 60yds out. With a great turn of speed Rigby raced away to leave the home defence flatfooted and Hornets now led 06 - 18.
The two quick tries unnerved Blackbrook and Hornets were now making good yards with every play. In the next set of six, Tom Gilmore launched a kick skywards which caused chaos and was allowed to bounce. The kick was followed by Sheridan who accepted a good bounce to go over for his hat-trick try and his fourth goal. Not content with a hat -trick, he then scored another just before half time following a good pass by Ryan O’Brien.
With a half time lead of 06 - 28 the game appeared won and it now seemed a matter of how many the Hornets would score but they began the second half poorly and undisciplined. Two back to back penalties gave Blackbrook a good attacking position and they took their chance to go over in the corner and an excellent touchline conversion made it 12 - 28. Instead of concentrating on what they do best, Hornets decided to mix it with Blackbrook and you could sense that tempers were beginning to get a little frayed. On twelve minutes a thundering tackle by Alex Clare was deemed dangerous by the referee and he found himself in the sin bin for ten minutes.
Strangely this seemed to spur Hornets on and a lovely little break by Tom Gilmore saw him shoot through the narrowest of gaps to pass to the supporting Will Hughes who scored his third try in two games. The next ten minutes were uninspiring and Hornets continued to plough up the middle instead of playing the kind of rugby which had provided them with all of their tries. With five minutes left, they got the ball out wide but Jack Buck knocked on over the line. However they were not to be denied the final score of the game when the dancing feet of Jack Owens made valuable yards up field and Lewis Whitty then charged over from 10yds for a well deserved try. Sheridan converted for a personal tally of twenty six points and the Hornets had collected another two points in the quest for a third title.
The watching Portico team will not have seen anything in this performance to frighten them but it is the sign of a good team who can win easily without really hitting the heights.
The Hornets will learn from this performance and a home match next week against Oldham St Anne’s will hopefully see Hornets back to their best.
Tries Scored:
Sheridan – 4
Hughes, Gilmore and Whitty – 1 each
Goals:
Sheridan - 5
Awards:
Top Tacklers: Wainwright, Clare and Speakman
Final Score:
BLACKBROOK RANGERS (U16’s) 12 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS 38 (U16’s)
Team:
Jack Owens, George McGrogan, Andrew Sheridan, Will Hughes, Keiron Butterworth, Tom Gilmore, Lewis Hulme, Lewis Whitty, Alex Clare, Jack Buck, Andrew Wainwright, Jon Rigby, Dominic Speakman
Substitutes:
Luke Jones, Andrew Crooks, Ryan O’Brien, Aaron Leong
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04 Oct 09, Halton F H v's Oldham St Annes
Despite scoring a point a minute in the opening quarter, Hornets made heavy weather of this win against a depleted Oldham team. The home side forced an early mistake when Mark Percival’s crunching tackle forced a knock on. From the resulting scrum, the ball was moved left and Percival was involved again when he put Will Hughes in for the opening try. Andrew Sheridan converted from the touchline and Hornets were six points up in two minutes. There was to be no let up as with every drive, Hornets forwards were making great yards and on the last tackle they kept the ball alive and Jon Rigby scored his third try in as many games and with a simple conversion it was 12 - 00.
The Hornets continued their onslaught and after another Mark Percival break it looked as though another try was on the cards but Will Hughes came inside, Percival passed into touch and the chance was lost. Percival then succumbed to a shoulder injury but the next attack saw Ryan O’Brien give substitute Luke Jones his first touch of the ball and the winger touched down in the corner. At 16 - 00 the game appeared over and a clever Dominic Speakman kick saw Sheridan just fail to collect and score. St Anne’s then made their first foray into the Hornets half and after a good spell of pressure they were held up over the line. Hornets were then beginning to incur the wrath of the referee and three quick penalties saw St Anne’s camped on the Hornets line but poor handling and great defence kept them out.
Kieran Butterworth then cleared his own line with an exciting 45yd break and the set of six ended up with Hornets knocking on right in front of the St Anne’s posts. Another break by Butterworth saw a Rigby cross kick just evade O’Brien as he strived to touch the ball down. As the whistle went for half time, Hornets knew they were well in control but they had not converted their domination of possession and field position into points.
Hornets started the second half in the ascendency and Tom Gilmore was involved in a couple of moves which threatened to open up the St Anne’s defence but as the rain began to pour down, Hornets conspired to lose their way with a series of lost balls, and the Oldham side began to gain in confidence even though they were still finding it difficult to get into the Hornets half. They then received a chance which they capitalised on. A Hornets attack 20yds from the St Anne’s line saw the ball go to ground and St Anne’s picked it up and ran 80yds despite a desperate attempt from Lewis Whitty.
This try inspired the Oldham side and they scored another three minutes later when a good cross kick saw George McGrogan put under tremendous pressure by two Oldham players and despite getting a hand to the ball he couldn’t stop the score. A great touchline conversion made it 16 - 10 and suddenly it was game on.
Again indiscipline was costing Hornets dear but they then got a lucky break. Oldham was harshly pulled up for a knock on and from the scrum Speakman fed O’Brien who charged over near the posts. Sheridan converted and the St Anne’s heads went down. In the next play Whitty made valuable yards up field and his good work was finished off by Speakman, who was influential all game. With six minutes left, it was 28 - 10 and Hornets had regained control.
Oldham rallied but a dropped ball 20yds from the Hornets line was hacked forward and Andy Wainwright, who looked to be slightly offside, picked the ball up and raced 60yds up field. The ball was moved right, then left and Jack Owens joined the line for the full back to go over. Another touchline conversion from Sheridan ended the scoring and Hornets had won 34 - 10.
Oldham St Anne’s deserve a lot of credit from this performance. They arrived with only 13 players and many teams would have folded after conceding sixteen points in fifteen minutes but they stuck to the task manfully.
Hornets will be concerned about the number of penalties they are conceding and the fact that they appear to be switching off when the game appears to be in the bag but they are still unbeaten and their very best is still yet to come.
Tries Scored:
Hughes, Jones, Whitty, Owens, Speakman and O’Brien – All 1 each
Goals:
Sheridan 5
Awards:
Top Tacklers: Sheridan, Rigby, Whitty
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U16’s) 34 verses OLDHAM ST ANNES (U16’s) 10
Team:
Jack Owens, Kieran Butterworth, Andrew Sheridan, Mark Percival, Will Hughes, Dominic Speakman, Lewis Hulme, Lewis Whitty, Steven Ball, Ryan O’Brien, Jack Buck, Andrew Wainwright, Jon Rigby
Substitutes:
Luke Jones, Andrew Crooks, Tom Gilmore, Alex Clare, Aaron Leong. George McGrogan
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11 Oct 09, Halton F H v's Rylands Sharks
After two hours of rain the elements relented and table topping Hornets recorded a comfortable win over a determined Ryland’s team. Ryland’s only had twelve players and Hornets sportingly reduced their team by one and it was the Sharks who opened the game with a good opening set of six but Hornets were soon on the attack and a Tom Gilmore’s kick forced Ryland’s to put the ball dead. A long drop out looked to have cleared the Ryland’s line but Hornets broke from deep as Alex Clare surged through a gap on the right to put Andrew Sheridan over in the corner. Sheridan landed a magnificent touchline conversion and Hornets had taken an early 06 - 00 point lead.
Ryland’s drilled their restart along the ground and the ball rebounded to them off Dominic Speakman but a knock on near the line thwarted their chance of a quick response. Ryland were proving formidable in defence and the Hornets had to kick downfield to get good field position. An excellent kick by Speakman saw the Hornets force Ryland’s into touch forty five yards out but pressure near the line could not be converted into points as Hornets knocked on.
The wet conditions were making the ball hard to handle but both teams could not capitalise on each other’s errors. An impressive Andrew Wainwright break led to another handling error and a lovely Lewis Hulme kick saw Sheridan just fail to hold onto the ball. However after twenty minutes, the Hornets got their second try when Tom Gilmore jinked through a gap fifty yards out to outpace the Ryland’s defence to score under the posts. Sheridan converted and four minutes later chased fifty yards downfield to get on the end of a precision Speakman kick to score in the corner. This time the conversion failed but Hornets were in command 16 - 00 with only four minutes to the break.
But Hornets were not finished in the first half and when Kieran Butterworth got the ball fifty yards out, there didn’t seem to be much on as he appeared to be tackled. But his determination to carry on saw him free himself from the tackle and he then beat another two defenders for a good individual try to give Hornets a 20 - 00 point lead at half time.
Ryland’s started the second half on the attack and after they were awarded a penalty for obstruction they again frustratingly lost the ball. Five minutes later Hornets swept up field and it appeared that Sheridan would be tackled into touch just short of the try line. However he managed to offload the ball to Clare who then produced a magical pass through his legs. The ball then went to Gilmore who scored his second try just to the right of the posts and the conversion made it 26 - 00.
From the kick off Jon Rigby, who was playing against his former club, knocked on and then the Hornets gave away a penalty to give Ryland’s an excellent attacking position. This time they took advantage to score a well deserved try. But they were immediately in trouble when they couldn’t prevent Gilmore’s kick off going dead. From the drop out Hornets attacked down the right. Good quick passing then sent the ball across the field for Butterworth to score his second to make it 30 - 04.
Again Hornets knocked on from the kick off but good defence kept Ryland’s out and they once again raced away when Speakman broke the first line of defence. Clare carried the move on and then Steven Ball showed great footwork to open up a gap and put Lewis Hulme over. Sheridan failed with a simple conversion but six minutes later completed his hat trick when another sweeping move saw Clare once again provide the final pass to put him over. From the restart Hornets were looking for more points but an attempted chip over the defence was snapped up and Ryland’s scored their second try as they raced away from sixty five yards.
Despite the convincing score line Ryland’s were no pushover and their tough tackling was what the Hornets needed as they face their close rivals Portico Vine next week in what already looks like a game which could decide the title. Hornets are playing excellent rugby in parts and must ensure that they are on the top of their game if they want to extend their unbeaten start to the season against a team who they have had some tremendous battles against recently.
Tries Scored:
Sheridan – 3
Butterworth and Gilmore – 2 each
Hulme - 1
Goals:
Sheridan 3
Awards:
Top Tacklers: Clare, Rigby, Buck and Speakman
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS 38 (U16’s) verses RYLANDS (U16’s) 10
Team:
Jack Owens, Andrew Sheridan, Andrew Wainwright, Keiran Butterworth, Tom Gilmore, Lewis Hulme, Jack Buck, Steven Ball, Ryan O’Brien, Alex Clare, Jon Rigby, Dominic Speakman
Substitutes:
Luke Jones, Aaron Leong and Lewis Whitty,
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18 Oct 09, Portico Vine v's Halton F H
A flawless first half performance saw Hornets record an emphatic victory over their rivals from St Helens. Both teams went into this fixture unbeaten and with only a handful of points between the sides in their last four meetings it was expected to be tight affair. Hornets started the better of the two teams and were soon on the attack but the damp conditions were making handling difficult and errors ensured that the Portico line was not threatened.
Portico too were dropping the ball and were having difficulty breaking out of their own half as the Hornets tackling was ferocious. It was this tough tackling approach which led to the opening score when panic passing by the home side inside their own half saw the ball dropped and Tom Gilmore gleefully picked up the loose ball to race 25yds to score at the side of the posts. Andrew Sheridan added the conversion to give Hornets an important six point lead and they continued to keep the pressure on Portico but despite dominating possession they could not turn the pressure into points.
On twenty one minutes the Hornets extended their lead when crisp passing along the line saw Sheridan go over wide out and although the conversion failed a ten point lead was just reward for their efforts. But in the last eight minutes it got even better for Hornets.
A wonderful Andrew Wainwright break of 50yds saw Hornets clear their own line and the ball then went right where Mark Percival, who had an excellent game, sent Sheridan in for his second try. Sheridan landed the touchline conversion and right on the half time whistle converted another after a terrible Portico error presented Percival with a gift of a try.
At 00 – 22 the game seemed over but playing down the slope in the second half, Portico would be looking to stage a fight back and therefore it was important that the Hornets remained focused. Sure enough, Portico looked more threatening in the early stages but the Hornets defence, with Jon Rigby, Alex Clare and Dominic Speakman outstanding, kept them at bay. The Hornets, perhaps with the big lead at the back of their mind, started to make uncharacteristic errors and this gave Portico the chance to have substantial time on the offensive and this eventually resulted in a try when hooker Lewis Foster scooted over from the play the ball to reduce the arrears by six points.
Hornets regrouped but the attacking flair that led them to dominate the first half wasn’t there. Long passes went to ground and half chances weren’t taken but their lead never looked threatened despite the home side’s efforts. The game finished with Hornets failing to score in the second half but there could be no doubt that the best team on the day deservedly took the spoils.
There was talk before the game that this match was possibly a title decider. Whilst a win against their fiercest rivals was important it is far too early to mention retaining the league as there are many games to be played between now and the end of the season. If they continue to reach the levels of their first half performance today then they have every chance of achieving success but the hard work must carry on before that success is reached.
Tries Scored:
Sheridan - 2,
Percival and Gilmore – 1 each
Goals:
Sheridan - 3
Awards:
Top Tacklers: Clare, Rigby and Speakman
Final Score:
PORTICO VINE (U16’s) 06 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U16’s) 22
Team:
Jack Owens, Keiran Butterworth, Andrew Sheridan, Mark Percival, Will Hughes, Tom Gilmore, Lewis Hulme, Lewis Hulme, Alex Clare, Ryan O’Brien, Andrew Wainwright, Jon Rigby and Dominic Speakman
Substitutes:
Jack Buck, Luke Jones, Aaron Leong and George McGrogan
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25 Oct 09, Halton F H v's Waterhead
Another good win for the HFH U16’s who remain unbeaten but this was not the walkover the score line suggests as Waterhead put up stern resistance. The team from Oldham started brightly with their big forwards tearing into Hornets but the home defence was strong and Waterhead were using the long kick downfield to try and keep Hornets in their own half. It was from their own half that Hornets opened the scoring on five minutes when good forward play made valuable yards up the right and then the ball was swung left where Mark Percival put Will Hughes over in the corner. Andrew Sheridan converted from the touchline but the next eight minutes saw defences on top with newly promoted Waterhead impressing onlookers.
Hornets thought they had scored again when Percival again put in Hughes but the pass was ruled forward. Waterhead were then penalised for not binding in the scrum and Percival, who was having another fine game, was held up over the line. Jack Owens then went close before a good offload by Percival saw Andrew Wainwright score to put the Hornets 10 - 00 up. Waterhead then began to exert pressure on the Hornets line but try as they might they could not pierce the home defence. Again the Hornets broke from deep and after Dominic Speakman had got the Hornets into the Waterhead half, the ball again went left were Percival and Hughes again combined for Hughes’ second.
Waterhead made a mess of the kick off but Sheridan conceded a penalty when it was deemed that he had picked up the ball within the ten yard line. But Waterhead immediately knocked on and Hornets wasted no time in charging up field and a strong Jon Rigby run saw the strength of the second rower go over. Sheridan converted to make it 20 - 00 and on the stroke of half time Hornets exploited another gap down the left but Percival’s try was ruled out for another forward pass. The half time score flattered Hornets but their ability to absorb pressure and take their chances was all too evident.
Playing down the slight slope in the second half the Hornets started explosively when a Jack Buck drive was followed by a sublime offload in the tackle and Mark Percival raced away for a great fifty yard try. Sheridan converted and it was thought that the Oldham’s team heads would go down but to their immense credit they dominated the next ten minutes in which they scored a good try under the posts to reduce the arrears by six. The Hornets were now the team having to resort to the big kick downfield and Tom Gilmore’s kicks were causing problems but they could not increase their lead.
It was left to ‘Man-of-the-Match’ Percival to get the scoreboard ticking over again when he made another incisive break and this time Speakman was on hand to collect the pass for Hornets sixth try which Sheridan converted. It was that man Percival again who made yet another break but he was dragged down just before the line only for the ball to go right and Jack Owens, who had another good game at full back, went over for another six pointer. It was at this stage that Waterhead did seem dispirited and Hornets attacked with vigour and with six minutes left poor tackling saw Speakman go over for his second try and complete the scoring.
The final score line may have flattered Hornets but it showed what a good side they are. The forwards once again set the platform for the backs to sparkle but let’s not forget Waterhead who showed in patches that they will cause teams problems and the Hornets will not relish going to Oldham later on in the season.
Tries Scored:
Hughes and Speakman – 2 each
Percival, Owens, Rigby and Wainwright – All 1 each
Goals:
Sheridan - 5
Awards:
Top Tacklers: Clare, Whitty and Speakman
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U16’s) 42 verses WATERHEAD (U16’s) 06
Team:
Jack Owens, Keiran Butterworth, Andrew Sheridan, Mark Percival, Will Hughes, Tom Gilmore, Lewis Hulme, Lewis Hulme, Alex Clare, Ryan O’Brien, Andrew Wainwright, Jon Rigby, Dominic Speakman
Substitutes:
Jack Buck, Luke Jones, George McGrogan
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01 Nov 09, Wigan St Cuthberts v's Halton F H [FREE WEEKEND]
Free Weekend - Wigan St Cuthberts no longer in the Premier League.
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08 Nov 09, Wigan St Patricks v's Halton F H
The HFH U16’s produced another clinical performance to remain unbeaten this season and continue their march towards a third successive title. Games between the two teams over the past three seasons have seen some memorable battles but the Wigan team are not quite the same opposition this season and they were soon on the back foot when a high kick, quickly followed up by the Hornets, saw St Pats knock-on only 20yds from their own line. From the scrum Jon Rigby drove the ball in and easily went over for the first try of the game. Andrew Sheridan failed to convert but the Hornets looked fired up and eager to add more points.
However, the next fifteen minutes saw some poor handling from both sides and the game became scrappy with the home side making good yards helped by silly penalties conceded by the Hornets. It was hard to see where the next score would come from but with St Pats attacking down the Hornets right, Tom Gilmore intercepted and raced away before being stopped after 35yds. The ball was moved left then right where Sheridan cut inside to score. He converted his own try and Hornets had a 10 point lead without playing particularly well. The remaining ten minutes of the half saw Hornets trying to play a more expansive game but unnecessary passing and dropped ball made it a stop start affair and there was no further score in the first half.
The Hornets started the second half impressively and having gained valuable yards down the right, the ball was moved left where a St Pats player tried to intercept but only managed to knock on and play continued. Gilmore jinked inside and in support was Jack Owens who accepted a good pass to go over and with Sheridan converting it was 00 – 14.
Whilst individual tries catch the eye there is nothing better than to see a side score a try which involves several players and the Hornets next score was possibly the try of the season to date. Excellent passing and fantastic backing up saw the final pass go to Sheridan who scored his second try and draw applause from both sets of supporters. Suddenly it was 00 - 20 and game was effectively over. St Pats rallied and they managed to get within 20yds of the Hornets line but tremendous defence saw them lose the ball and in typical fashion, Gilmore swooped on the ball to race away for an 80yd try. Sheridan converted and at this stage the home side’s discipline became frayed and the referee had to calm things down as the game threatened to boil over.
A relieving kick downfield by St Pats was picked up by Mark Percival who made his usual important yards on the left. The ball was moved right where Sheridan put ‘Man-of-the-Match’ Owens in for his second. The referee once again had to warn the home side about their verbal goading of the Hornets players but to their credit the Hornets players just concentrated on their rugby and with ten minutes to go, good work from Owens and Sheridan put Percival in at the corner. Sheridan converted from the touchline and having averaged 36 points per game to date, they were now 00 - 36 up with eight minutes to go. However there was no further scoring and the Hornets defence, which has been excellent all season, had kept the opposition scoreless for the first time this campaign.
With five games left in the league season, the Hornets are favourites to win the league but with two away games in Oldham and a tough game against Portico to come, no one is taking things for granted and the aim now must be to finish the season unbeaten.
Tries Scored:
Owens and Sheridan – 2 each
Percival, Rigby and Gilmore – 1 each
Goals:
Sheridan 4
Awards:
Top Tacklers: Clare, Rigby and Wainwright
Final Score:
WIGAN ST PATRICKS (U16’s) 00 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U16’s) 36
Team:
Jack Owens, Keiran Butterworth, Andrew Sheridan, Mark Percival, Will Hughes, Tom Gilmore, Lewis Hulme, Lewis Whitty, Alex Clare, Ryan O’Brien, Andrew Wainwright, Jon Rigby, Dominic Speakman
Substitutes:
Jack Buck, Andrew Crooks, Aaron Leong, Steven Ball
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15 Nov 09, Halton F H v's Blackbrook Royals
No match this weekend.
Blackbrook Royals U16’s conceded the game (unable to raise a team).
Therefore the NWC League has deemed the HFH U16’s as winners with a default score line of 18 - 00.
The HFH U16’s are also awarded the two league points.
Tries Scored:
Goals:
Awards:
Top Tacklers:
Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U16’s) 18 verses BLACKBROOK (U16’s) 00
Team:
Substitutes:
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22 Nov 09, Oldham St Annes v's Halton F H
The HFH U16’s recorded a ninth successive win but they were made to fight all the way by a home side that belied their lowly position in the league. The Hornets got off to a good start when they were given an early penalty for offside but the keen St Anne’s defence intercepted a stray pass and the early chance was lost.
The next ten minutes were dominated by the home side who took advantage of Hornets errors which included forward passes and being tackled into touch on the first tackle.
The St Anne’s Stand-off was causing particular problems but the Hornets defence stood strong until the pressure finally took its toll as their big number 10 raced onto a pass five yards out to plough through under the posts and the home side had a deserved six point lead.
St Anne’s were buoyed by this try and from the restart started to play expansive rugby but the ball held in the wind and Andrew Sheridan intercepted, burst through an attempted tackle and raced sixty yards to score under the posts. He converted to level the scores and Hornets were back in the game.
The Hornets at last started to make some ground but suffered a blow on twenty minutes when Alex Clare intercepted only to be injured when he was tackled. St Anne’s cleared their lines with a kick down field but a lovely pass fifty five yards out saw Mark Percival in full flight, running the angle, breaking two tackles and scoring a magnificent try to put Hornets 06 - 12 up.
St Anne’s tried a short kick off but lost the ball and Hornets held onto their slender lead until the break, a lead which they barely deserved in a lacklustre performance.
The first eight minutes of the second half saw Hornets play improve but silly errors cost them good field position and the home defence seemed to be coping well with the Hornets attack. What was needed was a touch of class and after nine minutes, Tom Gilmore produced a lovely kick on the last tackle which landed over the line and Andrew Wainwright raced onto the ball to touch down.
Sheridan converted and Hornets had an important twelve point lead. Four minutes later the Hornets they extended their lead when a measured Lewis Hulme cross kick to the right hand corner was caught by Keiran Butterworth who just managed to put the ball down before being tackled into touch.
So despite not being at their best, the Hornets held a sixteen point lead and with fifteen minutes left, they looked to further press home their advantage.
However the home side wouldn’t give up and they made inroads into the Hornets half and forced them to drop out under the posts. But St Anne’s failed to cross the try line as a wild pass sailed into touch and once again the impressive Hornets defence had secured their line.
The Hornets then charged up field and good work down the left saw Hulme put in Percival for his second try. Sheridan failed with the touchline conversion but the game was now safe with only minutes to go.
There was still time for another Hornets attack which saw them create a three man overlap only for Jon Rigby’s pass to drift forward and Ryan O’Brien’s try was ruled out.
There were impressive performances from ‘Man-of-the-Match’ Jack Owens, who was his usual threat in attack and defence, from Alex Clare’s replacement Steven Ball and Dominic Speakman but overall Hornets will not be happy with their efforts.
The HFH U16’s have to win two of the remaining three games and none of those games can be regarded as easy and therefore the Hornets have to focus on producing the form they are capable of to ensure they remain at the top.
Tries Scored:
Percival - 2
Sheridan, Butterworth and Rigby - 1 each
Goals:
Sheridan - 3
Awards:
Top Tacklers: Speakman, Ball, Percival
Final Score:
OLDHAM ST ANNES (U16’s) 06 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U16’s) 26
Team:
Jack Owens, Keiran Butterworth, Andrew Sheridan, Mark Percival, Will Hughes, Tom Gilmore, Lewis Hulme, Lewis Whitty, Alex Clare, Ryan O’Brien, Andrew Wainwright, Jon Rigby, Dominic Speakman
Substitutes:
Jack Buck, Andrew Crooks, Aaron Leong, Steven Ball, Luke Jones
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29 Nov 09, Rylands Sharks v's Halton F H
Injuries from last week plus others sustained in the warm up and during the game could not prevent the HFH U16’s from making it ten straight wins in a thoroughly workmanlike performance.
Ryland’s opened the game strongly but despite having two sets of six in the Hornets half they could not pierce the strong defence which was to the cornerstone for this win. A good break out of defence by Dominic Speakman got Hornets into the Ryland’s half and quick ball down the right saw Jack Buck unselfishly put in Andrew Sheridan for his sixteenth try of the season. Sheridan converted and Hornets then started to make inroads into the home defence and another score looked likely but handling errors in the cold wet conditions saw chances go begging.
Ryland’s then made a terrific sixty yard break which was only halted by a magnificent Jack Owens tackle, and a kick on the last tackle saw Hornets knock on and Ryland’s continued to test the Hornets defence but like so many times this season it stood firm. Two quick penalties gave the home side further chances to score and the Hornets scrambling defence was being tested to its limit.
Then on twenty minutes, there followed a try of high quality as Hornets broke from deep in their own half. Owens made the initial break and then passed to Sheridan who skipped round his tackler and found Tom Gilmore in support. Gilmore raced away and Speakman was on hand to power his way over the last twenty yards to end a magnificent move. Sheridan added the extras and Hornets had a 00 - 12 point lead despite not being at their best. The first half then petered out with Hornets once again on the defensive but further handling errors ensured that there was no further score.
The half time team talk from coach Paul Hulme left the players in no doubt what was required from them but nevertheless they started the second half poorly as knock-on’s gave Ryland’s an attacking position but an attitude of ‘they will not score’ saw Ryland’s thwarted once again.
The Hornets ability to break from deep saw Gilmore make twenty five yards before ‘Man-of-the-Match’ (for the third successive game) Jack Owens, take the Hornets to thirty yards of the home line. This came to nothing but Hornets then upped their defensive work in the middle of the field to ensure Ryland’s had difficulty crossing the half-way line.
On six minutes, the jinking Gilmore was on the receiving end of a swinging arm which caught him across the face and the referee had no hesitation in showing the Ryland’s prop forward a red card. This served to give Hornets the boost they needed and four minutes later, good hands from Speakman, Sheridan and Buck saw Speakman finish off the move and go over for his second try.
At 00 - 18 the game appeared safe but with twenty minutes left there was still plenty of time for the home side to get what would have been a well deserved score but Owens, yet again, made another great clearing run downfield but his pass to Mark Percival was deemed forward.
Ryland’s briefly rallied but a thunderous Owens tackle, dislodged the ball and Hornets were once again on the attack. Gilmore’s kicking, which had regularly forced the home side back into their own half, put Hornets within ten yards of the Ryland’s try line and more pressure saw a Ryland’s knock on. From the scrum, Percival scored to take his tally to six tries in the last five games and a magnificent touchline conversion from Sheridan made it 00 - 24.
There was still time for another sixty five yard break from the impressive Owens and the ball went left to Jon Rigby who should have put Percival in for his second but another forward pass meant that the score line remained unchanged.
Considering the enforced changes this was a good win against a team who fought every inch of the way. Once again the Hornets defence was magnificent with Ball, Rigby, Speakman, O’Brien and Buck sharing the workload upfront and Owens, Percival and Gilmore assisting in the backs. But it is the ability to suddenly break from distance which makes Hornets stand out from the rest.
This leads Hornets to the brink of championship glory but next week they are on cup duty at Wigan St Cuthbert’s before the showdown with the only team that can take the title from them ……………….Portico Vine.
That promises to be a cracker!
Tries Scored:
Speakman - 2
Percival and Sheridan - 1 each
Goals:
Sheridan - 4
Awards:
Top Tacklers: Speakman, Rigby, Buck
Final Score:
RYLANDS (U16’s) 00 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U16’s) 24
Team:
Jack Owens, George McGrogan, Andrew Sheridan, Mark Percival, Luke Jones, Tom Gilmore, Lewis Hulme, Lewis Whitty, Alex Clare, Steven Ball, Jack Buck, Jon Rigby, Dominic Speakman
Substitutes:
Andrew Crooks, Aaron Leong, Will Hughes, Keiran Butterworth
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06 Dec 09, Wigan St Cuthberts v's Halton F H [EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY NWC CUP - Third Round] CANCELLED
THE EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY NORTH WEST COUNTIES CUP - Third Round [Premier teams introduced].
C A N C E L L E D.
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13 Dec09, Wigan St Cuthberts v's Halton F H [EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY NWC CUP - Third Round]
Original fixture was HFH v's Portico Vine.
THE EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY NORTH WEST COUNTIES CUP - Third Round [Premier teams introduced].
The HFH U16’s moved into the quarter finals of the Edge Hill University sponsored North West Counties Cup Competition but were given an awful fright by a great St Cuthbert’s performance. It was thought by most observers that the Hornets would easily beat a team that were two divisions below them but the home team out enthused the Hornets for most of the game and it was just that bit of class plus tremendous defence, which got them through.
On a cold but bright morning, the Hornets got off to a promising start playing down the slope. A St Cuthbert’s knock-on put Hornets on the attack but they too knocked-on in a good position and the home side moved up field to take an immediate advantage. On the last tackle, St Cuthbert’s put up a speculative kick towards the wing, and a static Hornets defence allowed St Cuthbert’s to snatch the ball to touch down. Despite the conversion drifting slightly wide, the two points were given and Hornets were six points down.
The next seven minutes saw the Hornets fail to get into their fluent rhythm and when they did reach the home 25yd line they conspired to knock on or throw passes into touch. On thirteen minutes, the Hornets had a lucky escape when a great run by the St Cuthbert’s left winger saw him outstrip the Hornets defence and then hack the ball on. Jack Owens slipped over as he came to cover and it looked as though St Cuthbert’s were in for another try but in the art of grounding the ball the winger knocked on. The home side continued to attack but they could not pierce a resolute defence that had to work overtime to keep out an impressive St Cuthbert’s side that were out to cause an upset.
At last, the Hornets got a break when they were given a relieving penalty for offside. Lewis Whitty then made great yards up the middle and good passing between Dominic Speakman and Tom Gilmore put Owens in under the posts. Sheridan converted and it was all level but from the kick off the Hornets knocked on to put St Cuthbert’s on the attack. They too spilled the ball and then from the scrum the Hornets knocked on in what was becoming a frustrating performance from a team who had swept all before them to date.
The Hornets then moved down field and put the home team under pressure that forced them to drop out from under the posts. Gilmore fumbled the ball, which clearly went backwards, recovered, and the ball was moved left where Mark Percival touched down. Again, from the restart Hornets knocked on but with St Cuthbert’s once again testing their defence, the half time whistle went.
For the second game in a row, Coach Paul Hulme delivered a scathing team talk at the break and it appeared that this had the desired effect as the Hornets had their best spell of pressure after the restart. Speakman lost the ball trying to put the ball over the line but the handling errors that typified the first half had not disappeared and they threw away the good positions they had created. St Cuthbert’s then laid siege to the Hornets line but great defence and even more handling errors meant that the four point advantage still remained but it did look as though the next try could possibly win the game. That four pointer went the way of the visitors as the Hornets created a good attacking position and Jack Buck put in Will Hughes at the corner. Sheridan couldn’t convert but Hornets did have some breathing space with seven minutes left.
The try inspired the Hornets, and for the remainder of the game the Hornets were in the ascendency. With three minutes to go, they scored direct from a scrum when Jack Owens joined the line and dummied the full back for a fine individual try. Sheridan added the two points and the Hornets had progressed to the quarter finals.
In the semi finals, in January 2010, the Hornets will be playing arch rivals Portico Vine, who they play next week in a league encounter. This will be a match they must win to clinch and secure the Premier League title.
A big improvement is needed if they are to gain the success the majority of their play this season deserves.
Tries Scored:
Owens – 2
Hughes and Percival – 1 each
Goals:
Sheridan - 2
Awards:
Top Tacklers: Speakman, Rigby, Buck
Final Score:
WIGAN ST CUTHBERTS (U16’s) 06 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U16’s) 20
Team:
Jack Owens, Luke Jones, Andrew Sheridan, Mark Percival, Keiran Butterworth, Tom Gilmore, Lewis Hulme, Lewis Whitty, Steven Ball, Aaron Leong, Jack Buck, Jon Rigby, Dominic Speakman
Substitutes:
Andrew Crooks, Will Hughes, George McGrogan, Andrew Wainwright
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20 Dec09, Halton F H v's Portico Vine [CANCELLED]
12:15pm KICK-OFF.
C A N C E L L E D - Frozen pitch.
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