Halton Farnworth Hornets arlfc - Fixture HFH U17s Season 2009 10 From August

HFH U17's Season 2009/10 (From August 2009 To December 2009)

This had the prospects of been an influential game if last season was anything to go by, as the players of both sides had plenty to say about each other then.

But this was a pre-season friendly game played at WLSG and even though it was a toughly fought contest, there were only a couple of isolated skirmishes throughout the game. A few hot headed tempers along the way were encountered but in the end, player’s common sense and self discipline was the order of the day.

The HFH U17’s took to the field with some new pre-season signings who had been waiting for this chance to show their work rate and skill levels to the Head Coach Neil Meadows and the home spectators.

New to the HFH U17’s set-up was recent new signing Craig Glover (‘Shaba to his mates), who was selected to play at the Stand-off position. Joining him was another new signing in Callum Hayes. Normally a Winger, Callum was selected to play at Left Centre. And finally new signing Connor Henry who was selected as one of the three substitutes but he would get his chance to show what he’s made of, as would the other substitutes.

For a friendly game, there were plenty of spectators from both sides who’d turned up to watch what was hoped to be an exciting game. In ideal conditions, the spectators weren’t disappointed in what they witnessed.

For the HFH U17’s, this was their first taste of playing 35 minutes each way, Woolston having had already played another friendly game last weekend. This wasn’t going to be a problem for the Hornets, as they crossed the Woolston line after only three minutes, when David Meadows graced across the line. It was evident that Pricey was wearing new boots for the new season……he missed what’s normally a formality conversion for him.

On reflection, the Hornets performed better in the first half compared with that of the second half. After the initial early doors try, it took until the twenty fourth minute before the HFH U17’s struck again – and it was well worth the wait!

Having feed into the scrum in the centre of the field, Scrum Half Pricey gave a smart pass to Shaba. Holding, looking and with slight of movement, Shaba floated a pass into the gap towards which Mike O’Brien was steaming. Bursting through and clear with the ball, Mike made plenty of yardage but the Woolston players had given chase. Using his noggin, Mike flung the ball to supporting Wing man Jimmy Hilton who outpaced everybody to score in the corner. Pricey was still sorting out his new boots and missed the conversion.

Five minutes later and the Hornets were scrumming down in the Woolston quarter of the pitch. It was Pricey to Shaba who on this occasion coded the Woolston players as he went search for space. With the opposition unsure as to what to expect next, Shaba laid the ball up to Centre Ste Shone, who kindly took it onto the gap. Committing the opposition, Ste was then able to get the ball away to supporting Wingman Sam Slavin, who pounced across the line for another fitting try. Pricey was obviously still worried about the new boots!

With the score line at 12 – 00, the Hornets continued to press home the advantage and Shaba immediately switched on when he saw a gap to the Woolston line. Darting through, he was followed on the inside by Mike O’Brien. Dummying to pass out wide, Shaba twisted and laid the ball inside to Mike O’Brien who made massive ground.

In a similar vein, the same thing happened to Scot McCann. On this occasion Scot was away and ably supported by Callum Hayes. Once Scott had made the ground and committed the Woolston Fullback, he passed the ball out to Callum who did the rest. Running an arc towards the sticks, Callum was pleased to be scoring his first try for the HFH U17’s, and so were all the Hornets players. With Pricey giving up on his new boots (you’d better get on a field somewhere Pricey and break them boots in!), the forever growing Ryan Gardam took up the mantle. With ease he converted and the first ‘two’ additional points were added to the Hornets score line.

With the HFH U17’s substituting for Karl Bradley for Mike Andrews, the Woolston player restarted the game from the half way line. A high floating ball was caught cleanly by Slav, who drove forward. By passing three Woolston players, Slav was caught by the fourth who battled get rid Slav of the Ball. Slav, on the other hand, was having none of it. He battled back again and got away from the defender, before beating another two Woolston players before finally being brought to ground.

With the half time whistle sounding, the battling determination of Slav was the common denominator within the Hornets side and a half time score of 18 – 00 was deservedly akin to the Hornets first half efforts.

Second half and Scot, Ryan and Brett Mikalauskis were rested, while James ‘Parley’ Parle and Conor Henry took to the field.

The first half of the second half was the Woolston fight back, and from a scrum near the Hornets line, the HFH U17’s were penalised for breaking to early (eager!) from the scrum. Woolston tapped the ball and were stopped by good defending right on the Hornets try line. From the play-the-ball, the Woolston player was fastest to react as he scooped the ball and bulldozed his way across the try line. That made it 18 – 04 with the conversion missed.

From the Hornets restart, Pricey and Callum combined to sort out the would be Woolston runners between them. Tackle after tackle, they worked together to pin the Woolston team down. This resulted in Woolston knocking-on on the first set of six.

With Ryan re-entering the field, Pricey was given a chance to recuperate on the side lines. It wasn’t long before Ryan was in the action again. With twenty minutes of the second half gone, Ryan burst through on a diagonal in the Woolston quarter of the field. Heading for the goal posts, Ryan beat man after man to score a fantastic individual try just wide of the up rights. He even converted the try to make the score line read 24 - 04.

With Mike Andrews in the thick of it, both attacking and tackling, he was substituted when Scott was re-introduced on the twenty five minute mark. A few minutes later, Brett was subbed for Parley by Neil Meadows, after Brett had become embroiled in a small kafuffle with a Woolston player. With Pricey replacing ‘I’ve give it everything’ Mike O’Brien (and he had), the scene was set for the final five minutes of the game.

With plenty of hard hits still being dished out, the HFH U17’s were awarded a free kick in the Woolston half for laying-on in the tackle. Parley, who couldn’t be mistaken for anybody else with a hair style as he has (it had to be taped-up to allow him to play!), was a solitary figure with the ball in hand. Intuitionally, Parley decided to tap the ball and run himself. Surprising everybody on the field (except Pricey), Parley made good ground before slinging the ball out wide to Pricey who dreamed over the Woolston try line right in the very corner. Thinking he’d regained his ‘bootiful’ kicking skills, he thought he’d have a bash with the conversion from the touchline.

And so the score line finished at 28 – 04 and Pricey had missed the opportunity to push it into the thirties. Get on that practice field Pricey, or find your old boots!

This was a fine performance by the HFH U17’s, with the ‘new boys’ giving a great account of each other.

Callum showed he’s got the speed, acumen and size to offer the Hornets a new dimension, whether it is in the Centre or Wing positions. His running and tackling abilities were worthily demonstrated today.

Conor Henry, although of a slight frame, has a big heart and is hungry for the rugby league. When he was introduced to the game from the subs bench, Conor surely took the opportunity to show what he’s made of. His tackling around the legs was superb and his side stepping runs a joy to see.

Craig ‘Shaba’ Glover was also a delight to watch (but not if you were a Woolston player/spectator), as he mesmerised the opposition. His organising of the players, deciding which way the ball was going to run, watching, planning and dictating the play, were all evident in his game.

Past seasons established players were also finding things were new as Neil Meadows swapped them into new positions. One of these was Tom Spencer. Normally a Wingman, Tom found himself in the second row – and he didn’t let anybody down. His pace and tackling were now even more prominent and frequent.

David Meadows had a canny game, though he had to spend some time on the side lines (ten minutes to be exact), for a little yellow card the referee showed him (silly).

Karl Bradley was showing that he’s recovered from the injury that was affecting him towards the end of last season. His running and determination was stronger and more effective.

Brett ‘I’ve got a job’ Mikalauskas was a little dynamo and into everything. He’s not lost any of that flare and charisma from last season, and at the end of the game was just ‘boarded out’ having give it everything.

With Jack Williams unavailable because of illness, Jordan Pennington on holiday, as was Jordan Farrell and John Hensby, this could be a good season for the HFH U17’s and for the HFH Club.

You can do it boys.

Tries Scored:
David Meadows, Jimmy Hilton, Sam Slavin, Callum Hayes, Ryan Gardam and Daniel Price – 1 each

Goals:
Ryan Gardam - 2

Awards:
Man of the Match: N/A
Best Tackler: N/A
Most Im0proved: N/A

Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U17’s) 28 verses WOOLSTON ROVERS (U17’s) 04

HFH U17’s Team:
Jimmy Hilton, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, David Meadows, Mike O’Brien, Ste Shone, Thomas Spencer, Brett Mikalauskas, Scott McCann, Sam Slavin, Karl Bradley, Callum Hayes and Craig Glover.

Substitutes:
James Parle, Mike Andrews and Conor Henry (all used)

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06 Sept 09, Crosfields v's Halton F H

Although this was only the first game of the new season, there has already been plenty of speculation on the NWC message board as to who will end up winning the U17’s Premier League. One name keeps cropping up in this game of speculation……..Crosfields.

And so it was to be that the HFH U17’s would be drawn away to Crosfields, for the opening fixture of season 2009/2010.

Based on games played last year between these two sides, this fixture was going to be a tough and tight affair, and nobody was disappointed from that perspective.

The HFH U17’s got the game underway at approximately 11:55am, and wore their brand new kit as sponsored by ‘SUPER THINGIES’. Some good chasing by Callum Hayes resulted in a Crosfield player knocking on. From then on, and for the next five minutes, the Hornets pounded the Crosfields line but couldn’t penetrate their defences.

In contrast, Crosfields mounted their first attack and immediately secured a try by forcing their way over the line from close range. That made it 04- 00.

Ten minutes gone, and Conor Henry made a clean break and managed to keep the ball moving when he passed it to supporting Ste Shone. Ste used quick hands to get the ball out to Winger Sam Slavin, who tore in field and straight for the sticks. He was only stopped short by some good cross cover tackling. Unfortunately the attacking imputes was lost when a grubber kick sent the ball dead for a Crosfields drop-out.

With a hard pitch and warmish day, if was always to be that players would be changed out as circumstances dictated and on twelve minutes Ste Shone and Mike O’Brien were swapped for substitutes Jordan Pennington and Ryan Gardam. Several minutes later, this was followed by David Meadows for Jordan Farrell.

The HFH U17’s were now beginning to motor and Jack Williams was unlucky to be brought down just short of the line. On the next play-the-ball, Ryan Gardam cross the try line but was held up over the line on the last tackle.

With twenty six minutes gone, the Hornets were pressurising the Crosfields try line but was brought to an end by a silly knock on and turnover of possession in an attacking position.

With half an hour of play gone, the HFH U17’s maintained the swing of things by flinging the ball out wide again to Winger Sam Slaving. Making plenty of inroads into Crosfields territory, the ball was played quickly and laid onto steam rolling Ryan Gardam who took several big Crosfield players with him to score just wide of the posts.

With David Meadows converting, the score read 04 – 06 in favour of the Hornets.

Towards the end of the first half, Ste Shone returned to the field for Sam Slavin and Mike O’Brien replaced Jack Williams. With the half time whistle blown the score line had not moved from 04 – 06.

It was only one minute into the second half when Ryan was replaced by Jack Williams, following Ryan’s injury to his nose.

Five minutes gone and the Hornets found themselves defending but managed to hold out each attack. When eventually the Hornets got possession of the ball, they attacked Crosfield from their own try line. Some good ball handling found Centre Ste Shone, who made ground and drew the opposition. Ste laid a neat pass to supporting Winger Callum Hayes. After that it was history, as Callum left everybody with a clean pair of heels to score a tremendous individual try. David Meadows sliced the conversion and so the score line was now 04 – 10.

Five minutes later, the robust Crosfields forwards were pounding against the Hornets defensive line. On the sixth tackle they managed to barge over and make the scores 10 -10.

Jordan Pennington, who wasn’t up to match fitness, still had plenty to say with his feet. A great break was stopped from its just rewards when he was brought down only millimetres short of the line.

Time for a substitution and Karl Bradley replaced the never ending work horse Scott McCann, while John Hensby got his first touch when he replaced the nippy and able Conor Henry.

It took fifteen minutes of the second half for Crosfields to approach the HFH U17’s try line. Fortunately for the Hornets, the Crosfield big forward dropped the ball over the line as he stretched out his arm across the try line.

More change-outs and Ryan Gardam replaced Jordan ‘I’ve give it all and I’m shattered’ Pennington, and Jack Williams gave strong Winger Sam Slavin a well disserved rest.

It was strange that much of the handing errors by both sides, occurred near the half way line, and it was here that the next Hornets error occurred. Not that it should have been because the Hornets had the scrum put-in. Yes, the put-in of the ball gave the Hornets possession but the ball was dropped as it was going across the line. Crosfields were first to react and with support, went untouched to score under the HFH U17’s posts. A successful conversion made the score line 16 – 10.

With Crosfields now fighting back to retain the lead, the Hornets had to reply to ensure they kept a fighting chance to the end of the game, and so up pops Scott McCann!

Everybody thought Callum’s sprint of a try was a gem, and so was the next try scored by the Hornets. Bursting through onto a lovely lay-off ball from Craig Glover, Scott gave it some gas from the half way line as he ran through what appeared to be most of the Crosfield side. He ran forward, sideways, bounced off Crosfield players and near the line did a little twist round to score a fantastic try in the corner.

This made the score line 16 – 14 and up stepped Pricey to take the touchline conversion. And what a super conversion it was, as the ball flew sweetly between the uprights to give the Hornets a fighting chance to win the game, making it 16 – 16.

Biting into the last quarter of the game, the Hornets were fighting to get out of their twenty when Centre Ste Shone once again made good ground. In a repeat of the first half, Ste drew the opposition to then lay the ball out to Winger Callum Hayes. And he was off up the wing.

This time though, the cover was there to stop him, so instead of scoring, he laid the ball inside to the well supporting Pricey who gleamed across the line for another classy try. Pricey converted his own try to make the score 16 – 22.

But Crosfields were not finished. From a scrum in the Hornets twenty, quick hands by the Crosfield backs, saw the ball reach the left Winger who was just able to cross the line in the corner. The score line now read 20 -22 and it was any bodies game to have.

Having the last push of the game, the HFH U17’s went left from the half way line. Pricey made ground and held the ball up for the bursting through Mike O’Brien. With ball neatly collected in the bread basket, Mike bee lined it for the corner for a well deserved try. Magic boots Pricey did the honours by tagging on the extra two points from the touch line once again.

With the referee adding on every element of stopped time, this score occurred after thirty seven minutes. On forty minutes, the Hornets found themselves in front of the Crosfield posts on the last. Pricey positioned himself and had a go at a drop gaol that flew wide but the clock was still ticking down and the HFH U17’s were in the right section of the park. On forty two minutes and Crosfield up to the half way line, the referee blew for full time and the Hornets players threw their arms into the air with satisfaction that they’d done a great job.

Every single HFH U17’s player gave it everything they had. Craig ‘Shaba’ Glover was voted the overall Gillette Man-of-the-Match winner. His command of the centre field and lay-offs were damaging.

There were plenty of HFH contenders for this ward. Tom Spencer, playing in the pack, had a tremendous game for his frame. He ran straight, always breaking the first tacklers, and his defensive work was equally confident.

Conor Henry was a little dynamo and hit-it-off with Shaba. He’s a great asset to the team and will only get better as the team plays more together through the season.

Scott McCann, Mike O’Brien, Ryan ‘I’ve been stung by a wasp’ Gardam, Ste Shone, Jack Williams, Jordan Farrell, in fact every single player, turned in what all the Hornets following spectators hope will be the start of things to come.

Let’s hope so and well done fellas on a fantastic opening performance.

Tries Scored:
Ryan Gardam, Callum Hayes, Scott McCann, Daniel price and Mike O’Brien – All 1 each

Goals:
David Meadows - 1
Daniel Price - 3

Awards:
Man of the Match: Craig Glover
Best Tackler: TBC
Most Improved: TBC

Final Score:
CROSFIELDS (U17’s) 20 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U17’s) 28

HFH U16’s Team:
Jordan Farrell, Jimmy Hilton, Daniel Price, Mike O’Brien, Jack Williams, Ste Shone, Thomas Spencer, Scott McCann, Sam Slavin, Karl Bradley, Conor Henry, Callum Hayes, Craig Glover

Substitutes:
Jordan Pennington, Ryan Gardam, Dave Meadows and John Hensby

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13 Sept 09, Halton F H v's Orrell

On a fabulously warm and sunny day, the HFH U17’s played their first home game of the season when they entertained visitors Orrell St James.

Almost at full strength, the HFH U17’s took to the field in buoyant mood having disposed of Crosfields a week earlier. This mentality was to have a bearing on most of the first half, as the HFH U17’s hatched error after error as the game wore on.

Scoring wise, it only took the HFH U17’s two sets of six before rampant Jack Williams crossed the line and Pricey converted to make it 06 – 00. A few minutes later and the Hornets cross the OSJ try line again only for the referee to have judged the ball had been passed forward.

After ten minutes of play, OSJ had fought back and were allowed to score a deep try into the corner of the pitch. It was some slack tackling which permitted the OSJ player to squeeze across the try line.
This made the score 06 – 04.

With Craig ‘Shaba’ Glover commanding the King Pin role, particularly in the second half, he whistled a pass out to Winger Jimmy Hilton, who then put his head back and legged it along the touchline. With the OSJ cover starting to close down his pathway, Jimmy was able to throw a high inside pass. Following up in support was Craig Glover, who plucked the ball into his arms and headed for the post to score a superb try. Pricey converted to make it 12 – 04.

Having the luxury of five substitutes, HFH U17’s Head Coach Neil Meadows, made the most of this unusual factor. With 22 minutes gone, OSJ were literally camped out on the Hornets try line for about ten minutes (the HFH U17’s having possession on several occasions only to knock-on time after time), Neil Meadows made several interchanges.

But the Hornets held the OSJ players out and the pressure was eventually relieved when the HFH U17’s were awarded a couple of free kick. One of these got the Hornets to the OSJ twenty metre line. Conor Henry, who had an inspiring game particularly in the second half, made a quick tap of the ball since he’d seen Mike O’Brien steaming in like a raging bull from fifteen yards. With Conor laying the ball into his arms, Mike just ‘parted the OSJ players’, as he went uncontested to score a try. Pricey was again successful with the conversion to make the score line 18 – 04.

With the Hornets state of play having improved somewhat from the start of the game, a beautiful ‘team try’ was to seal the first half. With the HFH U17’s near too the OSJ line, the rugby ball went through many hands to reach Winger Jimmy Hilton. With his roadway blocked, Jimmy turned it inside and the ball traversed back across the field through many sets of hands. It eventually found its way to the right wing of Callum Hayes, who scored in the corner. Pricey was just wide with the touchline conversion and the referee whistled an end to the first half with the score board reading 22 – 04.

Four minutes into the second half, and after a half time drubbing down talk from Neil Meadows, Shaba entertained the voluptuous volume of spectators to a classic chip over the opponents’ defensive line. Giving chase, Shaba timed it just right to collect the bouncing ball to score under the sticks. Up steps Pricey to collect a further two point and stretch the lead to 28 – 04.

With the OSJ players starting to look jaded, the HFH U17’s players started to find the cracks appearing. Jordan Pennington went on such a journey when he started to weave his way towards the OSJ try line. It was only the multitude of OSJ players in the way that stopped him.

With pressure on the OSJ line, Shaba picked out Jack Williams who had obviously seen a gap develop and made a bee line for it. An inch perfect pass saw Jack cross the line as straight as a die and untouched. But all was in vain as the referee had once again judged the ball to go forward.

Forcing a drop out from under the posts, Hornets maintained and sustained the pressure on the OSJ players. And it paid off. Ryan Gardam was next on the score sheet when he burst onto a ball to score under the sticks unhindered. Pricey added his fifth goal to make it 34 – 04.

Another player who was taking advantage of the cracks in the OSJ line was linking Fullback Dave Meadows. Taking the ball on the halfway line, he sold a slight of hand dummy which left the OSJ centres totally twisted to the spot. Sprinting through the gap, David made good yards and it looked as though he’d give the ball to Winger Callum Hayes. Another dummy saw David turn to ball inside to supporting Conor Henry, who showed a clean pair of heals to score under the posts. For his efforts, David Meadows added the two points to make it 40 – 04.

With twenty minutes of the second half gone, the Hornets spread the ball wide once again and Jimmy Hilton strode in at the corner. Shaba was unlucky with the touchline conversion but the score had increased to 44 – 04.

Great breaks through the middle of the field were made by Conor Henry who was ably supported by Scott McCann. Big Mike O’Brien wasn’t going to be left out and developed his own attacking flare as he rail roaded his way through the pedestrianised OSJ players. A smothering cover tackle just about stopped him,

On the thirtieth minute, OSJ players gave their final onslaught and pounded away at the Hornets defensive line. But the line was good and even when OSJ went wide, the sliding covering defence was there to snub out the attack.

Nearing the end of the game and after a Shaba cross field kick, some good interchange of play between Ste Shone and Mike O’Brien nearly yielded a try for Mike who was stopped millimetres from the OSJ line.

But things weren’t over just yet. With the ball in hand under the OSJ sticks, that man ‘Shaba’ had already seen Jack Williams starting a run. Laying the ball neatly into his bread basket, Jack stormed through the defensive line and dove across the try line under the sticks. Fittingly, Craig Glover took the conversion to claim the two points and end the game 50 – 04.

Callum Hayes had a sparkler of a game today, with his direct, powerful and determined running having its devastating effects. This was consistent throughout both halves of the game.

Fittingly for a team game of this nature, every single player played their part in the demolition of OSJ outfit today. Tom Spencer seems to be relishing his position in the pack. Inspired interchanges gave Slav, John Hensby and Parley the opportunity to show Neil what they are made of, and they didn’t disappoint. With Brett Mikalauskas (holidays) and Mike Andrews (injured) yet to return, things are starting to hot up competitively in the Hornets camp.

On a final note, the HFH U17’s welcomed Peter Fletcher and his son, Peter, to Wilmere Lane Sports Ground. As this year’s sponsors of the HFH U17’s kit, both Peter’s were photographed with the team prior to kick-off. The HFH U17’s are indebted to Processed Snack Products Limited (PSPL) for their kind and generous sponsorship. ‘Super Thingies’ is just one of the many products marketed by PSPL and the one selected by son Peter for sponsoring on the HFH U17’s jerseys. It’s certainly got the Hornets off to a ‘Super’ start to the season!

Scored:
Jack Williams and Craig Glover – 2 each
Mike O’Brien, Callum Hayes, Ryan Gardam, Conor Henry and Jimmy Hilton– All 1 each

Goals:
Daniel Price - 5
David Meadows and Craig Glover – 1 each

Awards:
Man of the Match: Callum Hayes
Best Tackler: TBC
Most Improved: TBC

Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U17’s) 50 verses ORRELL ST JAMES (U17’s) 04

HFH U16’s Team:
Jordan Farrell, Jimmy Hilton, Jordan Pennington, Daniel Price, David Meadows, Jack Williams, Ste Shone, Thomas Spencer, Scott McCann, Karl Bradley, Conor Henry, Callum Hayes, Craig Glover

Substitutes:
Ryan Gardam, Mike O’Brien, James Parle, John Hensby and Sam Slavin

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20 Sept 09, Hindley v's Halton F H

This was another league victory for the HFH U17’s but it was a really poor performance all round. Lacking direction, cohesion and a sense of purpose, the HFH U17’s accomplished a victorious result, but a result which is best forgotten about.

Hindley on the other hand, were able to muster the determination and drive to take the game to the Hornets. Possibly this was due to the fact that Hindley literally only had twelve available players to start the game. It was fifteen minutes into the game before they were able to add the thirteenth player. But still they had no substitute players to select from throughout the whole of the game.

Credit where it’s due, the Hindley players never surrendered one inch of the playing field and by the end of the game they were out on their feet.

Technically a better team, the Hornets should have piled the points on but the mental attitude of the players was never on the game. Instead they played as individuals, with the basics of the game left behind in the changing room.

Ironically the HFH U17’s scored first after nine minutes when Craig ‘Shaba’ Glover fed Ryan Gardam who was able to get the ball out to Winger Jimmy Hilton. Diving in at the corner, for what he thought was a perfectly good try; Jimmy was disappointed when the referee gave a forward pass.

The HFH U17’s were constantly under pressure and on ten minutes were judged to be off side at the play the ball. Two tackles into the new set, and the referee gave off-side against the Hornets once again and for the first time in the game, Hindley well into the Hornets territory. Fortunately, Hindley lost possession and turned the ball over.

On seventeen minutes, the Hornets welcomed back Brett Mikalauskas to the fold, when he substituted the forever running Conor Henry,

On twenty five minutes and from the Hornets own half, Craig Glover received the ball from the scrum. Taking a few positional steps, Craig then put in a lovely chip over the heads of the defending line. Giving chase on the bouncing ball, Shaba just managed to touch the ball but this was given as a knock on.

With Mike O’Brien replacing Jordan Farrell on the twenty six minute mark, Hindley managed to squeeze in to the right hand side of the posts. Three minutes later, and Hindley were back at it and again on the HFH U17’s line and they came away with more points. A scoop from the last play of the ball allowed Hindley to take a 10 – 00 lead.

With Sam Slavin replacing exhausted Jordan Pennington, Mike O’Brien made one of the best breaks of the game, when he charged through the whole field to find acres of open space in front of him. Caught from behind, the ball was played quickly to Shaba who in turn released Callum Hayes. With the Hindley Winger giving chase, Callum was confronted by the Hindley Fullback. A good neat tackle took Callum to the ground inches away from the try line. Another quick play the ball and Brett Mikalauskas dove underneath the Hindley players to score near the sticks. Pricey got the conversion and with the whistle sounding, the half time score was 10 – 06.

Four minutes into the second half, Winger Jimmy Hilton crossed the Hindley try line near the corner post but Pricey was unfortunate with the conversion, but the Hornets were now on level par.

With the ball in hand, Ryan Gardam decided to set off in a straight line from his own half. Cutting through the Hindley defenders, Ryan passed player after player until he reached the Hindley try line. With the try line begging, Ryan was tackled just short of the line by a determined cross cover tackle. But this fantastic run gave a bit of inspiration to the Hornets players.

On twelve minutes Hindley commanded another attacking venture towards the Hornets try line. On the last tackle of the set, the Hindley player broke two would be Hornets tackles to stretch for the line. Fortunately for the HFH U17’s, the referee was right on the spot to disallow the try because the ball had been dropped.

With Karl Bradley replacing Jack ‘I’ve give it all’ Williams, and Jordan Farrell replacing Ste ‘quiet but strong man’ Shone, Hornets found themselves near to the Hindley try line. Quick hands threw the ball across the field and Winger Jimmy Hilton dove over in the corner. David Meadows kicked the touchline conversion to enable the Hornets to take the lead 10 – 16.

From the restart, Hindley kicked a short grubber and found touch. Hindley had secured possession of the ball. But an error by Hindley allowed the Hornets to retrieve the ball back and it was down the field that the Hornets team sped. Hindley were clearly outpaced and the line was there to be crossed but a slight lack of concentration resulted in the ball getting dropped in the passing move.

With twenty minutes now gone, Shaba (injured neck) was replaced by Conor Henry. In another attacking mode, the ball found Winger Callum Hayes. Committing the opposition winger, Callum chipped over his opposite numbers head. Giving chase, Callum managed to ground the ball over the Hindley try line, just short of the dead ball line. David Meadows was just wide with the conversion but the score line had produced a larger margin of 10 – 20.

More substitutions were made with Jack Williams retaking to the field for Ryan Gardam, and Mike Andrews replacing Karl ‘I’m getting the flu’ Bradley.

Twenty five minutes gone and Conor (injured elbow) was replaced by John Hensby, and Shaba got back onto the pitch to replace Pricey (another fluey customer).

With time nearly up, the Hornets found themselves running the ball out from near their own line. Mike O’Brien stepped up to do the work and unfortunately the referee missed a ‘two on one’ tackle when the Hindley players managed to extract the rugby ball from Mike’s hands. With possession to their advantage near the HFH U17’s line, Hindley passed the ball across the line and the Centre lopped the ball over Jimmy Hilton’s head, for the Hindley Winger to score in the corner.

The score was now 14 – 20 with only minutes to play. A nervous band of HFH U17’s spectators counted the minutes down. A Shaba drop goal attempt, that went wide, helped to contribute to the countdown.

Yet another victory and the HFH U17’s will claim it, but they will have to play leagues above this standard for next week’s home fixture to Blackbrook.

Tries Scored:
Jimmy Hilton – 2
Bret Mikalauskas and Callum Hayes – 1 each

Goals:
Daniel Price – 1
David Meadows - 1

Awards:
Man of the Match: TBC
Best Tackler: TBC
Most Improved: TBC

Final Score:
HINDLEY (U17’s) 14 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U17’s) 20

HFH U16’s Team:
Jordan Farrell, Jimmy Hilton, Jordan Pennington, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, David Meadows, Jack Williams, Ste Shone, Thomas Spencer, Scott McCann, Conor Henry, Callum Hayes, Craig Glover

Substitutes:
Mike O’Brien, John Hensby, Brett Mikalauskas, Sam Slavin, Mike Andrews and Karl Bradley

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27 Sept 09, Halton F H v''s Blackbrook

After last week’s poor showing it was refreshing to see the HFH U17’s perform to a standard more in line with expectations. Missing Ryan Gardam (flu) and Jack Williams (operation recovery), the lads knew they would have to dig deep against a tough Blackbrook side.

In the first ten to fifteen minutes, the Hornets were shell shocked as the Blackbrook players hammered every tackle. The HFH U17’s players realised they were in for a tough encounter and were definitely up to the mark in every department. The standard of rugby from Blackbrook was exactly what the Hornets players needed and they lifted their game accordingly.

It was Blackbrook who drew first blood after six minutes. A HFH U17’s kick on the last tackle was field comfortably by the Brooks Fullback. Setting out from his teams own half, he set the compass north and ran. In fact he ran straight through the Hornets team without a finger been laid on him, to score under the sticks and that was Blackbrook 00 – 06 in the lead.

Ten minutes into the game and Neil Meadows made the first of his tactical interchanges, when Mike ‘Grounded’ Andrews replaced Mike O’Brien, who had injured his knee.

With the Hornets on the attack and nearing the Brook try line, Pricey kept the ball alive and it was passed across the line. Finding Ste ‘Curry’ Shone, who had a brilliant game, Ste committed three Blackbrook players before he performed his one handed under arm pass out to Winger Callum Hayes who scorched the touch line to cross the Brook try line and then continue to run to get under the sticks. Pricey goaled and it was 06 – 06 with the Hornets back in the game.

On sixteen minutes the Hornets were attacking and once again through the ball across the line. Finding Jordan Pennington, he latched onto a narrow gap and decided to go for it. The try was never in doubt as Jordan sped through and across the try line for a fine score. David Meadows conversion attempt was just wide but the Hornets had taken the lead 10 – 06.

It was David Meadows, linking from the Fullback position, who made a great break. Drawing the Brook two defenders, he flicked the ball to Callum Hayes but the ball was spilled when a clear run-in was on the cards.

Twenty eight minutes into the game and it was that man David Meadows who was the creator of another Hornets attack but this time it was from the HFH U17’s own try line. From a scrum, the ball was passed to David Meadows who took on the Brook three quarters. David accelerated between the two Brook centres and then fed supporting Ste Shone. The previous evenings curry meal must have worked wonders on Ste as he ran, side stepped, swerved and kidded the Blackbrook players. Now into the Brooks half of the field, he passed the ball out to supporting Pricey who’s legs were working overtime. Nearing the try line Pricey passed the ball out to Callum Hayes, who had ran in support from the right wing, across to the left. Callum concluded a fantastic move by scoring in the corner, and Pricey added the cream when his touchline conversion went straight between the sticks to put the Hornets further ahead at 16 – 06.

Mike O’Brien was reintroduced to the game when he interchanged with Jordan Pennington who left the field with a bang to his knee. John Hensby was also introduced to the Blackbrook players, when he replaced Callum Hayes, who had dislocated his finger when scoring the try.

Moving towards half time, Karl Bradley scored a real Prop Forwards try near the sticks. With thirty one minutes gone, Karl ran the ball at the Brook try line. With three Blackbrook players tackling him he was stopped short but had the head to think and stretch out to put the ball down to score a fabulous try.
Pricey was good with the conversion and the score board clocked 22 – 06.

Thirty four minutes gone and the Hornets didn’t relent and struck gold when that man, yes once again David Meadows, made another great break. David must have realised who would be backing him up when he drew the defenders and neatly laid the ball to……..yes, Ste Shone. Running clear, Ste approached the Brook Fullback. Drawing the player he gave supporting David Meadows the ball back and he was off towards the sticks with not a player in front of him. A slight mishap occurred when David ‘Who Fell Over’ Meadows took a tumble to ground. Looking desperately behind him while on the floor, he soon jumped up and finished the job off by scoring under the sticks. Pricey kicked the conversion to make it 28 – 06.

With time to be added on for injury stoppages, Neil Meadows changed Brett Mikalauskas for Conor Henry and Karl Bradley for Mike Andrews. After only one minute, Mike Andrews had to be withdrawn when he injured his knee and Karl Bradley had to go back on the pitch, having had the shortest of breathers.

With time nearly up, Craig Glover put a long range kick in which Pricey chased. Facing the Brook Fullback, Pricey pinned him on the try line and the half time whistle was sounded.

Into the second half and Sam ‘Chin’ Slavin was subbed for Jordan Pennington when Slav was forced to leave the pitch having taken a bad cut to his chin. With Craig Glover making a neat break, he laid the ball to supporting Scott McCann on the half way line. Scott put his head down and galloped towards the Blackbrook try line to score a great try. David Meadows tried his hand at the touchline conversion but sliced the ball wide. That left the score board reading 32 - 06.

Ten minutes of the second half gone, Mike O’Brien had taken the Hornets to the Brook try line. The ball was tossed from Meadows to Shaba, who found Scott McCann on the bounce and under the sticks he flew. Pricey kicked his fifth conversion to increase the score line to 38 – 06.

After fifteen minutes, the Blackbrook team got some reward for their attacking play when they walked through a self made hole in the Hornets defensive wall. That put Brook into double figure at 38 – 10.

From the Hornets restart, Brook fumbled the ball into touch. From the scrum, Conor Henry fed a long pass to Winger John Hensby but the ball ended up going into touch and another opportunity had been missed.

The play then sprung back to the Hornets line when on the last tackle, Blackbrook put a high kick in to the corner. Winger Jimmy Hilton pulled the ball out of the sky but got tackled over the line. Shaba dropped out from under the sticks and found touch when the ball bounces over the side line.

With Blackbrook tiring, there were many chances for the Hornets to increase the lead. On twenty five minutes, Callum Hayes replaced Jordan Pennington; Bret Mikalauskas replaced Pricey and Mike O’Brien changed with Karl Bradley. Five minutes later and Mike Andrews swopped with Scott McCann.

Right near to full time industrious Conor Henry made a sharp break from the half way line. Motoring towards the Brook try line, Conor drew the full back and neatly fed Brett Mikalauskas who fell between the sticks for another great Hornets team try. Shaba wanted to get on the score board and took the kick from under the sticks. His eagerness wasn’t rewarded as he sliced the ball wide but the referee immediately blew up for full time.

This was a true team performance and all players pulled their weight today. In driving the ball forward and in defence, pack man Tom Spencer never relented. Mike Andrews has certainly improved. He was eager and keen when driving the ball forward. He took the knocks and give equal back.

With an even tougher game next week at Bold, this victory and performance can only do the Hornets U17’s players some good. It proves what they are capable of and that they mean business.

NWC Gillette ‘Player-of-the-Match’, selected by the two team coaches, was Craig Glover.

Tries Scored:
Callum Hayes and Scott McCann – 2 each
Jordan Pennington, Karl Bradley, David Meadows, Brett Mikalauskas – All 1 each

Conversions:
Daniel Price - 5

Awards:
Man of the Match: TBC
Best Tackler: TBC
Most Improved: TBC

Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U17’s) 42 verses BLACKBROOK ROYALS (U17’s) 10

HFH U17’s Team:
Jordan Farrell, Jimmy Hilton, Jordan Pennington, Daniel Price, David Meadows, Mike O’Brien, Ste Shone, Thomas Spencer, Brett Mikalauskas, Scott McCann, Karl Bradley, Callum Hayes, Craig Glover

Substitutes:
John Hensby, Sam Slavin, Mike Andrew, Conor Henry

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04 Oct 09, Bold v's Halton F H

Today’s HFH U17’s away fixture to Bold Miners Welfare U17’s was a battle of the titans with both sides trying to maintain their one hundred percent unbeaten record.

Plugged as favourites because of the home advantage, the Hornets took the game to Bold and were soon in the Bold twenty. With each side facing up to one another, a knock on by Bold resulted in a scrum down advantage to the HFH U17’s. A passage of play near the Bold line saw Karl Bradley drive the ball in and put the Hornets within a whispers breath of the try line. A quick play-the-ball resulted in Brett Mikalauskas going blind with a swift searching pass that found Callum Hayes. Like a true Winger, Callum latched onto the ball and scored in the corner with nine minutes gone.

This was first blood to the Hornets but Pricey was unlucky with a difficult conversion kick from the touch line in windy conditions. This left the score line at 00 – 04.

Into the first set of six from the restart, Craig Glover showed his strength as he burst through the Bold line from the Hornets twenty. Running with the touch line, Craig was looking for support which was there from Jimmy Hilton. Unfortunately the covering Bold players obstructed any line of site and Craig had to retain the ball and ended up getting tackled into touch. Nonetheless, this was a great break and took the Hornets from their own twenty, to that of Bold’s.

On fifteen minutes Jordan Pennington repeated the performance and on the same side of the pitch. With the ball in two hands, Jordan dazzled his way through the Bold line and was only stopped when he’d reach the Bold twenty.

Several tackles after this break, Jordan Pennington was substituted for Sam Slavin, and Jack Williams for Karl Bradley.

With the advantage of the slope but playing into the sun, Pricey tried his hand at putting in a grubber kick, down the centre of the pitch. This came up trumps for the Hornets when the Bold player knocked on and allowed the Hornets to maintain the pressure. Unfortunately the HFH U17’s came away without any further points. With twenty minutes gone, Conor Henry replaced Brett Mikalauskas and Karl Bradley returned to the pitch for Ryan Gardam.

With Bold taking play up the centre of the pitch with their powerful and hard running forwards, on the sixth they put a high kick in. Swaying in the wind, Winger Jimmy Hilton took the ball cleanly and set about getting back into the oppositions territory. Jimmy provided the Hornets with their third break of the game on the left touch line. Jimmy was tackled in the Bold twenty but provided a quick play-the-ball. With the ball moving across the line, it was knocked-on and the advantage had been lost.

It took Bold twenty one minutes to get points on the score board, when their player swallowed his way through the Hornets defensive line to cross the try line in the corner. He even had time and the opportunity to carry on running towards the sticks. With the conversion, the score line became 06 – 04.

In a tough tackling game, Jordan Pennington replaced Sam Slavin (twenty two minutes) and Mike O’Brien replaced David Meadows. Jordan Farrell reverted to Fullback.

With nine minutes to half time, the Hornets were again pressing hard on the Bold try line and from under the sticks, Shaba put a neat high cross field kick into the corner. With the Bold Winger away from his touch line, the ball bounced over his head and started to run towards the dead ball line. Giving chase was Jimmy Hilton who eventually caught up with the rolling ball and grounded it for a try. To the displeasure of the travelling fans, the referee disallowed the try, sighting that the try scorer had been in front of the kicker.

In the end, these missed ‘break’ opportunities and the disallowed try were to have a big bearing on the end score.

In virtually the last minutes of the first half, the Hornets spilled the ball under their own sticks. Bold immediately took advantage and slung the ball out wide to the Winger who scored in the corner. David Meadows returned to the field as Fullback to replace Jordan Farrell.

Half time and the score board read 10 – 04.

For the second half, Ryan Gardam replaced Jack Williams. With Bold kicking to the Hornets, Mike O’Brien went on a storming run through the Bold defensive line. This resulted in a free kick to the Hornets when the referee penalised the Bold tacklers for laying on at the tackle. Penetrating even closer to the Bold try line, Pricey tried a grubber kick towards the sticks but the ball beat everybody and ran dead.

In an end to end encounter, the Bold team were now camped on the Hornets try line and on five minutes of the second half, an out stretched arm in a tackle, appeared to give Bold a try under the sticks. But it wasn’t to be, as the referee had observed a double movement after the tackle had been made.

Ten minutes gone, and Jordan Farrell gave Ste Shone a breather while new signing Ryan Mercer was introduced to Bold as a replacement for hard working Karl Bradley. It didn’t take long for Ryan Mercer to make his presence felt, as he drove the ball in hard and straight. Ryan gave a good account of himself and when fit, should do the Hornets side a power of good.

With the second half much like the first, the passages of play was constantly going from one half of the field to the other. It was down the middle of the field where Bold started to do some damage, the slope of the pitch no doubt aiding the Bold forwards. They took the game to the Hornets but in reply, the Hornets players never relented.

Corner Henry was put in some good ‘around the legs’ tackles which immediately stopped the advancing Bold army. Unfortunately this orthodox tackling regime wasn’t always reciprocated by the rest of the Hornets players, who tended to do a ‘Swan Lake’ with the opposition players, instead of pounding them to the ground.

On the contrary, Bold were masters of the niggling trade and ensured the Hornets pace was slowed down in the tackles. In one altercation, Mike O’Brien caught a blind swinging arm, one which Henry Cooper would have been proud off, and he hit the deck. During the stoppage of play, to allow Mike to get attention, the culprit was immediately substituted. Unfortunately, Mike’s substitution was more akin to him not knowing where he was.

Pricey returned to the fold when Conor Henry got his deserved rest period. With Bold upping the ante, a high kick by Bold was taken cleanly by Fullback David Meadows. Seeing a slight gap, David darted through the Bold line to make a clean break. Outside him was Winger Callum Hayes who received a nice pass off David. Callum set off running along the wing with nobody directly in front of him. It was only the stretching out of a Bold tacklers arm that flicked Callum’s boots, and made him tumble to ground, with the referee saying his boot made contact with the touchline.

With twenty five minutes of the second half gone and the score line still 10 – 04, Bold forced the first try of the second half when they barged their way over the Hornets try line right under the sticks. This made the score 16 – 04.

On twenty seven minutes, Bold struck again with another forwards try and the score went to 22 – 04. With the Hornets restarting the game and kicking straight into touch, it appeared the writing was on the wall for the Hornets.

The presence of the rain did little to enhance the last few minutes of the game before the referee blew for full time.

This wasn’t the result that the Hornets wanted and their display wasn’t to its fulfilment. Nevertheless, the Hornets have stepped up a calibre this season into the Premier Division. They shouldn’t be totally disappointed with this result since they faced a toughie side and matched them throughout the game. It was only with ten minutes to go that the Hornets lost the imputes to take the lead and so Bold did it instead. The chances and opportunities were there for the Hornets. They found the gaps and made the breaks; maybe a slight lack of inexperience at this level was the beating of them!

Tries Scored:
Callum Hayes - 1

Conversions:
None

Awards:
Man of the Match: TBC
Best Tackler: TBC
Most Improved: TBC

Final Score:
BOLD MINERS WELFARE (U17’s) 22 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U17’s) 04

HFH U17’s Team:
Jordan Farrell, Jimmy Hilton, Jordan Pennington, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, David Meadows, Ste Shone, Thomas Spencer, Brett Mikalauskas, Scott McCann, Karl Bradley, Callum Hayes, Craig Glover

Substitutes:
Mike O’Brien, Jack Williams, Sam Slavin, Conor Henry, Ryan Mercer

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11 Oct 09, Halton F H v's Hindley [C A N C E L L E D]

Original fixture was HFH v's Leigh Miners Rangers.

CANCELLED - Hindley have conceeded the game. The HFH U17's are awarded the two points.

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18 Oct 09, Halton F H v's Wigan St Patricks

After last weekend’s two conceded points from Hindley (unable to field a team), it was great for the HFH U17’s to get back to the field. What better way than a home fixture against a Wigan side in the form of St Patrick’s!

After the first five minutes it looked as though the Hornets were going to romp away with this one, and this became evident at half time with the score line reading 22 – 04. But in the second half, the Hornets didn’t expect such a fight back from WSP.

Five minutes into the game and Craig Glover put in a high cross field kick when in the WSP half. Giving chase was Jack Williams who pinched the ball from the WSP Fullback in a one-to-one tussle. Immediately Jack slung the ball out to supporting Karl Bradley who stormed across the line. Pricey converted and made it 06 – 00.

From the restart, Brett Mikalauskas made a great break, when he wandered his way through the WSP defensive line, to make good groundage into the WSP half. Good hands saw Craig Glover feed strong and straight running Scott McCann. Committing the WSP tacklers close to their line, Scott passed the ball around the back of his tacklers, and latching onto the pass was David Meadows who scored a fine team try. Pricey was unfortunate with the conversion but it was now 10 - 00.

After only twelve minutes, the Hornets went further ahead when some good cross field passing found key man Ste Shone. He held the ball (and took the hits), before laying a lovely ball to Callum Hayes. Everything else after this was just history, as Callum beat every would be WSP covering defender to cross the WSP try line and run round to behind the sticks. Pricey converted to make it 16 – 00.

On fifteen minutes, the WSP big strong Prop Forward forced his way over from close range for the WSP first points at 16 – 04.

Injured (knee) Karl Bradley was substituted for Conor Henry, and Coach Neil Meadows immediately put Conor to Scrum Half, Pricey to Standoff and Craig Glover to Loose Forward.

Hard working Jack Williams (twisted ankle) was substituted for the returning to the field Karl Bradley. Three minutes later, Ste Shone was replaced by Jordan Pennington, after Ste received a bang to the head. With Jack William’s ankle problem sorting itself out on the side lines, he returned to the pitch for Karl Bradley who was entitled to a well deserved rest break.

On twenty two minutes, Craig ‘Shaba’ Glover put a delicate grubber kick in and immediately gave chase. With the ball on the ground, Shaba beat the WSP Full Back with a neat bit of Premiership style football skills. He then kicked the ball further on towards the WSP try line. A break in the bounce of the ball saw Shaba scoop the ball up to score under the sticks. Pricey’s conversion made it 22 – 04.

Just before half time, Jack Williams, who was playing out of his skin, provided the spectators with a magnificent break which cut through the heart of the WSP defences. A try would have complimented the break but when the Hornets knocked on, the passage of play had broken down but half time had arrived.

In the second half, the Hornets added an additional two pint to their score line, this been for an infringement right at the end of full time. A little more about this further on in the Match Report.

Mike O’Brien replaced Sam Slavin for the restart of the game and after six minutes, John Hensby was introduced to WSP, when he replaced Conor Henry.

A passage of play saw the Hornets under extreme try line pressure and it was uplifting when Jack Williams carried out a perfect around the legs tackle on the WSP big Prop Forward. It was the WSP Prop Forward who appeared to be their lethal weapon close to the opposition’s line. Although running straight, strong and confidently, the big Prop Forward must have thought he’d scored his second try, but on this occasion Jack Williams laid him to ground.

On twenty minutes, Conor Henry replaced Pricey who hadn’t had any sleep the previous evening, with a raging tooth ache keeping him awake. The pain hadn’t relented for the game and Pricey needed to take a rest on the side lines.

It took twenty two minutes for the first score of the second half, when WSP crossed the HFH line near to the posts. With the conversion the score line went to 22 – 10.

In their own half, the Hornets were unlucky not to extend their lead. From a scrum the ball was passed to Dave Meadows who had noticed that the WSP Full Back had come up into their line. Immediately David kicked the ball down field and Callum Hayes belted after it. The first bounce of the ball looked good for Callum who had no opposition players in front of him. The second bounce also looked good as Callum neared the loose ball. The third bounce was unpredictable, as it severely bounced back towards Callum but went high and right over his head as he tried in vain to jump and catch the ball. Normally, these situations would have produced a try but not this time!

With half an hour of the second half gone, Coach Neil Meadows had made several interchanges. On thirty one minutes, WSP pulled back further points when they scored and kicked the conversion. This made it 22 – 16.

From the restart, the referee judged that some HFH players were in front of the kicker and awarded a penalty to WSP. With WSP in their ascendency, this was just the inspiration that WSP needed for their final push as full time approached.

But respect goes to all the Hornets players who ‘dug in’ and fought gallantly to the end by defending their line. In fact, it was the Hornets who finished the game in an attacking mode and in the WSP quarter of the pitch, with Tom Spencer taking the ball up in what became the last tackle of the game.

With Tom tackled, lying on his stomach with ball and arms trapped underneath him, a WSP player decided to take matters into his own hands – literally. He dropped to his knees near Toms head and decided to give him a right hook.

Not a wise thing to do for your comrade WSP players, who were trying to win the game!

The referee had no hesitation to awarding the Hornets a free kick and gave the WSP player a stern talking to. This was an ideal situation to take the heat out of matters and go for a free kick. From the WSP thirty metre mark, Pricey sailed the ball over the cross bar to make the score 24 – 16 and for the referee to blow for full time.

This was another win for the Hornets in a really hard tough battle of rugby league. This was a true test of the Hornets credentials as WSP were no mugs. They showed bags of class, plenty of flowing rugby and severe tackling routines. Yet the Hornets matched them all the way and more besides.

Yes – All the Hornets players passed the test and can only continue to go from strength to strength. Well done lads.

Tries Scored:
Karl Bradley, David Meadows, Callum Hayes and Craig Glover – All 1 each

Goal Kicks:
Daniel Price - 4

Awards:
Man of the Match: Ste Shone
Best Tackler: Jordan Farrell
Most Improved: Not used

Gillette Man- of- the- Match: Ste Shone

Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U17’s) 24 verses WIGAN ST PATRICK’S (U17’s) 16

HFH U17’s Team:
Jordan Farrell, Jimmy Hilton, Daniel Price, David Meadows, Mike O’Brien, Jack Williams, Ste Shone, Thomas Spencer, Brett Mikalauskas, Scott McCann, Karl Bradley, Callum Hayes, Craig Glover

Substitutes:
Jordan Pennington, John Hensby, Sam Slavin, Conor Henry

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25 Oct 09, Halton F H v's Woolston Rovers [LANCASHIRE CUP - Preliminary Round]

Original fixture was FREE.

LANCASHIRE CUP - Preliminary Round.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a 12:15pm kick off.

The HFH U17’s welcomed Woolston Rovers to Wilmere Lane Sports Ground to play out the Lancashire Cup Preliminary Round, and for the Hornets it was a bitter sweet ending.

With Woolston winning the toss and choosing to switch ends, the Hornets got the game under way and a bone crunching tackle by Jimmy Hilton and Scott McCann plummeted the Woolston player to the ground. But the Hornets were penalised for lying on and as the match panned out, this giving away of penalties would come home to haunt the HFH U17’s.

Another penalty for off side immediately afterwards brought Woolston right into the Hornets twenty, and only a knock on prevented any further damage. Working their way to the half way line, the HFH U17’s were awarded a free kick after a high tackle on Prop Forward Karl Bradley. No advantage was seized from the free kick as the ball didn’t find touch and was collected by the Woolston player.

These were early jitters for the Hornets but when they had a scrum in the Woolston quarter of the field, a score was made. With the ball going to David Meadows, he went blind with Jimmy Hilton unmarked on the wing. Seeing a gap between the two Woolston defenders, David made a line for the break but was smothered up by the two defenders. Somehow, he managed to feed the ball out to Jimmy Hilton. Running towards the corner flag, Jimmy still had plenty of work to do as the Woolston cover started to block him out. Like a true speed merchant he is, Jimmy popped the ball down one handed in the corner before getting pounded into touch.
Pricey was unlucky with the touch line conversion but with seven minutes gone, the score line was 04 – 00.

This lead inspired the Hornets for further points and hard working Ryan Gardam bulldozed his way towards the Woolston try line on many an occasion, with Woolston players vainly trying to put him to ground each time. With positional advantage gained, Craig Glover held the ball and took the Woolston defence on. His endeavours almost resulted in a try but Craig was stopped just short of the try line. A quick play the ball and Scott McCann scooted over but the referee judge him to be held up.

This Hornets attack frizzled to nothing when the game was stopped for an injury to Craig Glover. In the act of attacking the line, Craig had injured his right knee and had to be carried from the field. A trip to the hospital was going to be his next port of call.

With play eventually resumed, Ryan Gardam was rewarded for his hard work when he crossed the Woolston white wash. Pricey goaled and by half time the score line read 10 – 12 in favour of the Woolston team.

In the second half, Mike O’Brien burst his way through the Woolston defences to score under the posts. Pricey kicked the conversion and the score now was 16 – 12.

With the Hornets still persisting to give free kicks away, they were back peddling more than they were going forward. On the occasions that the Hornets were in the attacking mode, the selection of a kick to the corner was sublime since it handed possession to the Woolston team each time.

Possession been nine tenths of the game, running the ball at the Woolston try line would had favoured the Hornets better. As it was, Woolston were putting themselves in the Hornets half of the field and relieving the pressure on their try line.

The Hornets were leading and it was Woolston who were chasing the game. Pinned on their own try line, Woolston would have needed a lot more effort to find the extra points they needed to win the game.

There were only five minutes remaining and the Hornets had managed to stage another attack. A try was there to be had but each time the ball went the wrong way. With David Meadows holding the ball under the sticks, he took a drop goal and the ball whistled across the bar to make it 17 – 12.

From the restart, the HFH U17’s knocked on and Woolston had got the ball back. Pressurizing the Hornets try line, Woolston were stopped inches short each time. On the last, a scoot and a barge, and the Woolston player had scored to the left of the sticks. A successful conversion brought the score to 17 – 18 for Woolston.

From the restart, David Meadows put in a great kick which the Woolston players couldn’t handle and it bounced into touch. This immediately put the Hornets back on the attack. Without the imputes for quick across the field hands, the ball never got to the wings, where Woolston were more vulnerable.

Time had run out for the Hornets and Woolston celebrated when they heard the final whistle.

From a HFH U17’s point of view, the players worked hard but lacked focus, concentration and tackling discipline. To many times the Woolston attackers were allowed to wander through the defensive line at ease, which is a complete contrast from last week when the Hornets tackling was blob on.

Next week, the HFH U17’s are once again at home to Woolston, this time in a league match encounter. Let’s hope the Hornets have learnt their lesson and correct all the wrong doings from today’s game. Losing a cup match is one thing, but the dropping of any league points is a no brainer.

Tries Scored:
Jimmy Hilton, Ryan Gardam and Mike O’Brien – 1 each

Goal Kicks:
Daniel Price - 2
David Meadows – 1 drop goal

Awards:
Man of the Match: TBC
Best Tackler: TBC
Most Improved: TBC

Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U17’s) 17 verses WOOLSTON (U17’s) 18

HFH U17’s Team:
Jordan Farrell, Jimmy Hilton, Daniel Price, Ryan Gardam, David Meadows, Jack Williams, Ste Shone, Thomas Spencer, Brett Mikalauskas, Scott McCann, Karl Bradley, Callum Hayes, Craig Glover

Substitutes:
Mike O’Brien, John Hensby, Sam Slavin, Mike Andrews, Conor Henry

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01 Nov 09, Halton F H v's Woolston

Having got beaten by one point at home last week to Woolston Rovers in the Preliminary Round of the Lancashire Cup Competition, the Hornets were adamant that a reversal would be put in place. A toughie physical tackling session on the Monday evening after last Sunday’s game made sure of that.

For Neil Meadows, the plan worked, and the HFH U17’s put in a dazzling performance in atrocious windy conditions on a wet pitch.

With Woolston starting the game, Karl Bradley took the ball near the Hornets try line and had a great bursting straight line opening run. With the strong winds blowing across the pitch, they offered little advantage to either team, at least not for the opening minutes of the game. But then there was a change in direction with Woolston getting the wind behind their backs. This played havoc with the Hornets kicking game.

Woolston used the advantage well, and on one occasion, while camped on the Hornets line, they hoisted a high cross field kick to the corner. Below the swirling ball was Winger Jimmy Hilton, who never took his eyes off the ball. With confidence jimmy leapt into the air and plucked the ball out of the sky, above everybody else, and defused a potential try scoring opportunity for Woolston.

With Tom Spencer giving a good account of himself in the tackling section, Bret Mikalauskas did likewise in keeping the ball ‘working’ and on many occassions this got the Hornets close to the Woolston line. From such an occasion, Pricey put a lovely grubber kick in and Woolston were forced to drop out from under their sticks. With the strength of the following wind, Woolston managed to find touch in the Hornets half of the field.

It took seventeen minutes for Woolston to find the first points, when their Scrum Half dummied his way under the Hornets sticks from a scrum. With the conversion, Woolston were 00 – 06 up.

With Brett taking a well deserved rest, Conor Henry was introduced and immediately got into the game.

With almost twenty minutes of the game now gone, the HFH U17’s were pressing hard at the Woolston line when an inside pass from Pricey to Scott McCann, saw Scott tackled on the line. Several minutes later from a scrum, and after good work by Jack Williams, Mike O’Brien and Tom Spencer, the Hornets got on the score sheet when Winger Callum Hayes came in field, latched onto a pass and sailed in between the posts. The wind had its own game plan when it blew the ball wide, leaving the score line 04 – 06.

On twenty five minutes, Scott McCann was rewarded for his gallant efforts when an inside pass from Dave Meadows, saw Scott collect and score. Dave Meadows now tried his kicking skills and winged the ball over the cross bars to make it 10 – 06.

From the restart, Hornets were unable to cope with the speed of the ball as it passed across the dead ball line and forced the Hornets to drop out from under their sticks.

Nearing half time, the Hornets forced their way into the galling wind and towards the Woolston line. Conor Henry switched the play and gave the ball to Pricey. A couple of steps later, Pricey then switched the ball back to find Scott McCann who latched onto the ball to score. This time, the wind made David Meadows conversion attempt go wide.

Yet again from the restart, the Hornets were having to drop out from under their own posts after Woolston had found the HFH U17’s dead ball line but with five minutes of injury time played, the half time whistle was soon blown.

Second half the Hornets got things underway but with a much lesser wind advantage. The opening encounter saw Connor put in a single smashing hit on the Woolston Prop forward who quickly saw terra firma coming his way. Not content with the opener, Conor managed to add a few more bangers to his repertoire.

Hornets soon gained possession and were inside the Woolston twenty. With good hands moving the ball across the line, it stopped with David Meadows, who was virtually in line with the Woolston sticks. Holding the ball for what seemed to be an eternity, David passed the ball inside and that man Scott McCann was once again straight line running and collected to score another try for his hat-trick. David Meadows floated the conversion over and it was now 20 – 06.

With Mike O’Brien taking a breather, Sam Slavin took his place and was soon in the thick of it. Likewise for Mike Andrew, who replaced the tirelessly working Jack Williams.

With Pricey instigating a long range kick, the Hornets defensive line was as good as the kick. Woolston were pinned on their line and the pressure told when a sloppy pass went to ground behind their line and Scott McCann, yew that man again, pounced to claim his fourth try. Right under the sticks David Meadows obliged to make it 26 – 06.

Brett Mikalauskas returned to the field when Jordan Farrell had to leave with an injury. This as a result of his hard endeavours both tackling and taking the ball up.

From the kick-off, Woolston ensured they got the ball back when a short kick fooled the Hornets. But it wasn’t to last long. Fifteen minutes gone, the Hornets were attacking near the Woolston line again and this time the ball was switched by Scott McCann. It went to Mike Andrews, who had some good runs and rough and tumble tackles, who moved it to Jordan Pennington who in turn managed to find Pricey. Holding then just passing at the right time, Pricey found Winger James Hilton, who still had some work to do and scored in the corner for his brace. From bang on the touch line, David Meadows flighted the ball majestically into the sky with full compensation for the wind. The Ball drifted from wide out, towards the sticks and bang down the middle to make it 32 – 06.

The Hornets players were truly making amends for last week’s cup defeat and emphasising their superiority over Woolston. Once again, even when playing into the wide, Woolston were able to restart the game, find touch and immediately regain possession back. Twenty four minutes gone, Jordan Farrell returned for injured Conor Henry.

The HFH U17’s players tackled like demons and were always strong in their defensive qualities. From their own line, Callum Hayes kicked a loose ball down field and gave chase. Favourite to get the ball, it appeared as though Callum had been tripped from behind but play-on was the ruling, otherwise Callum was looking at his second try of the game.

To counter act this disappointment, on the twenty fifth minute, the Hornets mounted another attack from within their half of the pitch. Pricey lead the way and punctured a hole in the Woolston defensive line. Running out wide, Pricey was through with only the Fullback to beat. Smart thinking by Jimmy Hilton saw him switch to Pricey’s inside position. This allowed Pricey to draw the Fullback before laying the ball to Jimmy to score under the sticks. David Meadows kicked his fifth conversion and the score board now read 38 – 06. The game was virtually over, but that didn’t stop Woolston from unbelievably finding touch AGAIN from the half way restart.

John Hensby was also brought into the game when he replaced Pricey and straight away, commanded the ball for several good runs. With Sam Slavin having already been doing likewise, the content of the HFH U17’s all round performance was showing leagues above last week’s outing.

Out of the Lancashire Cup but the Hornets are still picking the two points up from the league fixture wins.

Well done lads – every single one of you.

Tries Scored:
Scott McCann - 4

Jimmy Hilton - 2

Callum Hayes - 1

Goal Kicks:
David Meadows - 5

Awards:
Man of the Match: TBC
Best Tackler: TBC
Most Improved: TBC

Gillette Man- of- the- Match: Brett Mikalaukas.

Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U17’s) 38 verses WOOLSTON (U17’s) 06

HFH U17’s Team:
Jordan Farrell, Jimmy Hilton, Jordan Pennington, Daniel Price, David Meadows, Mike O'Brien,Jack Williams, Ste Shone, Thomas Spencer, Brett Mikalauskas, Scott McCann, Karl Bradley, Callum Hayes

Substitutes:
John Hensby, Sam Slavin, Mike Andrews, Conor Henry

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08 Nov 09, Halton F H v's Crosfields

NO FIXTURE - Crosfields in the Lancashire Cup Competition.

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15 Nov 09, Orrell St James v's Halton F H

In a one sided affair, the HFH U17’s ran out victories to gain another valuable two league points.

With good flowing rugby being played throughout, the Hornets demonstrated their qualities in abundance.

That man, Scott McCann, was at it again but this week he could only muster up three tries as compared to last week’s four. Nonetheless, it shows that Scott is in the right place at the right time, and that his co-players are aware of his positioning.

Pricey took over the goal kicking this week from David Meadows, and slotted seven conversions over to pile on the misery for OSJ. David on the other hand concentrated on his tackling this week and didn't let the side down.

Mike O'Brien turned in a good performance in today's game and picked up the 'Most Improved' player award. This is something which he should be proud as it shows that players can, and are, always improving.

Mr Consistency, Tom Spencer, was awarded ‘Man-of-the-Match’ with another all round performance; something which he demonstrates week in week out.

It was good to see that the HFH U17’s team went through their rugby league repertoire synchronously with a performance that advertised their capabilities on the field. Keep up this good work lads.

Tries Scored:
Scott McCann - 3
David Meadows, Daniel Price, Callum Hayes, James Hilton and Thomas Spencer – All 1 each

Goal Kicks:
Daniel Price - 7

Awards:
Man of the Match: Thomas Spencer
Best Tackler: David Meadows
Most Improved: Mike O’Brien

Final Score:
ORRELL ST JAMES (U17’s) 00 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U17’s) 46

HFH U17’s Team:
TBC

Substitutes:
TBC

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22 Nov 09, Blackbrook v's Halton F H

Original fixture was HFH v's Hindley.

Taking the short trip to St Helens to face Blackbrook Royals, the HFH U17’s were travelling light.
With only a bare thirteen players, the injured Jordan Farrell went along to watch the game and ended up on the subs bench instead of resting his knee. Ironically, Jordan was soon on the pitch, when Jordan Pennington had to leave the playing area with…….yes, an injured knee!

For Blackbrook, this was a league game which they were determined to win, having tasted defeat at Wilmere Lane Sports Ground. With the Hornets down to skeleton numbers, today was Blackbrook’s chance. This was especially so when the Hornets were reduced to twelve players was Conor Henry had to leave the pitch, having taken two separate knocks to the head, and erasing his memory of recent events.

Playing on the large, expansive main rugby pitch right outside the club house, there was a lot of playing area to cover, from end to end, and from side to side. The HFH U17’s players certainly did this, and can stand high and proud for their determination, sweat and sheer guts. Without the luxury of interchanging players and resting legs, all the Hornets players plugged away. Blackbrook on the other hand, were able to call up on any of their six subs who were protected from the elements in the dugout.

With twenty five minutes of the first half play completed, the score line was stuck at 00 – 00. It was at this stage in the proceedings that Conor Henry suffered the second bang to the head and had to leave the playing area. That put the Hornets down to twelve players.

This seemed to inspire the Hornets players left on the pitch, and they were soon pressing the Blackbrook line. A sharply directed pass from Winger Jimmy Hilton, found Scott McCann, who was running a direct and intimidating straight line. Even before Scott received the ball, he must have been celebrating the first try of the game because score a try he did.

David Meadows was good with the conversion and the Hornets found themselves in the lead at 00 – 06.

Blackbrook didn’t relent, and were soon counteracting and looking for points of their own. The Hornets tackling was good, and the bigger Blackbrook players were finding terra firma every time. It was a piece of magic from the Blackbrook Scrum Halve that gave Blackbrook some relief. Side stepping both ways and leaving three Hornets players set in concrete, the Scrum Half laid the ball between the sticks. With the conversion successful, the score moved to 06 – 06.

A fair score line but Blackbrook were having none of it. Working their way quickly down field, Blackbrook were pressing the HFH U17’s try line once more. It was difficult for the Hornets players to stop the big Blackbrook forwards when so close to their own try line, and inevitably it was a forward who fell across the Hornets try line for another four points. The conversion made it 12 – 06 and immediately the half time whistle was sounded.

The start of the second half, and Blackbrook continued from where they’d left off. Once again, it was the forwards who did the damage, and another ‘fall across the try line’ score was recorded. The conversion went over and now the Hornets were really up against it, with an uphill struggle at 18 – 06.

As happens in instances of this nature, when players are starting to feel shot at and less motivated, the Hornets kicked the ball out on the full straight from the restart.

From their next set of six, Blackbrook passed the ball across their attacking line, and the Winger scored in the corner. With the conversion missed, things were now looking really ominous for the Hornets team, with the score now 22 – 06. Even the travelling spectators acknowledged Hornets heads were dropping and that the score line margin was going to be clocking-up in favour of Blackbrook.

But how wrong they were! It was exactly the opposite which unfolded and the Hornets showed what the true character composition is of each and every HFH U17’s player. Every one of them dug-in, continued to battle away and never gave-up. It was a tremendous and inspiring game of rugby league that saw the remainder of the second half out.

In attack and defence, the Hornets players gave nothing but one hundred percent and they should be proud of themselves. The daft try bang on half time and the two immediately on the second half restart were the Hornets down fall.

On twenty five minutes, the Hornets were awarded a scrum in the Blackbrook quarter of the pitch. It was Mike O’Brien who took the ball towards the sticks and committed the Blackbrook centres. In the same motion, Mike flicked the ball to supporting Fullback, Callum Hayes, who crossed the line for a great try. David Meadows got a great conversion from wide out to make it 22 – 12.

Conor Henry made it back onto the pitch with a few minutes of the game remaining, and joined a crew of injured walking players. David Meadows had an injured shoulder, Jordan Farrell an injured arm and Pricey a pulled leg muscle. And when the final whistle was sounded, Jordan Pennington had to be helped from the dug out to the changing rooms, been unable to walk unaided with his injured knee.

Yes it was a league win for Blackbrook and they get the two points, but the Hornets players got a lot out of this game with pride and honour being just two of them. It would be inappropriate to say anybody stood above any other player in a game of this nature. Everyone gave it their all.

Team Head Coach, Neil Meadows, appraised all the players after the game for their guts and determination. He knew that each and every one of them had given him everything they had in their tanks. No one could ask for more.

Tries Scored:
Scott McCann and Callum Hayes – 1 each

Goal Kicks:
David Meadows - 2

Awards:
Man of the Match: David Meadows
Best Tackler: Daniel Price
Most Improved: TBC

Final Score:
BLACKBROOK ROYALS (U17’s) 22 verses HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U17’s) 12

HFH U17’s Team:
Jimmy Hilton, Jordan Pennington, Daniel Price, Mike O’Brien, David Meadows, Jack Williams, Ste Shone, Thomas Spencer, Brett Mikalauskas, Scott McCann, Sam Slavin, Henry Conor, Callum Hayes

Substitutes:
Jordan Farrell

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29 Nov 09, [N O F I X T U R E]

No fixture - free weekend.

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06 Dec 09, Halton F H v's Blackbrook Royals [EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY NWC CUP - Third Round] CANCELLED

THE EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY NORTH WEST COUNTIES CUP COMPETITION - Third Round

C A N C E L L E D - Water logged pitch.

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13 Dec 09, Halton F H v's Blackbrook Royals [EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY NWC CUP - Third Round]

Original fixture was HFH v's Bold Miners.

THE EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY NORTH WEST COUNTIES CUP COMPETITION - Third Round

Once again, the HFH U17’s were facing tough opponents Blackbrook Royals but this time in the First Round of the Edge Hill University North West Counties Cup Competition.

Having played home and away in league encounters, the score was one a piece, with Blackbrook inflicting a defeat on the Hornets two weeks ago in St Helens. On that occasion, a brave twelve Hornets players put up a spirited performance against a rampant squad of Blackbrook players.

Such is the spirit within the Blackbrook camp, their U17’s are also in the Semi Final of the Lancashire Cup, so the HFH U17’s shouldn't pose to much a problem for Blackbrook to also progress within the Edge Hill University sponsored NWC Cup Competition. But the Hornets players had different ideas!

Just about able to scrape a thirteen together, the Hornets had the consolation of having one substitute to play with, a luxury they didn’t have two weeks ago. So with Mike O’Brien starting on the side lines, the game got under way at Wilmere Lane Sports Ground but only after both clubs had held a minutes silence and paid their respects to a Blackbrook volunteer who had died recently, and for the young Thatto Heath player who had died of cancer.

With only five minutes of the game gone, the Blackbrook number nine weaved his way through the Hornets defensive line, after the Hornets two markers had gone the wrong way – together. Some neat passing and pace of foot resulted in a very good try to Blackbrook, and just to the right of the sticks. With the conversion good, the Hornets were immediately six points down.

Ten minutes on and some good driving by Jack Williams, Karl Bradley and Tom Spencer, got the Hornets in a great attacking position near the Blackbrook line and right in front of the sticks. It was the last tackle and the ball went to Pricey. He put a high cross field kick in to the corner flag and there too gleefully pull the ball out of the sky was six foot plus Jimmy Hilton. He wasn’t going to waste the occasion and so he slapped the ball to terra firma. From right out on the touch line, Pricey kicked a spectacular conversion to level the scores at 06 – 06 apiece.

Both teams were testing each other out in the discipline of taking a hit, and giving a hit. Disproportionately for the Hornets, there were too many tackles which more or less resembled Ball Room dancing techniques. This only aided the Blackbrook form of play, which was to always keep the ball alive. This showed on twenty minutes when, on the last tackle, the Blackbrook players kept the ball air bound all the time, and only stopped after they’d scored out wide. The Hornets team had more than enough opportunities to make the sixth tackle and collect the ball.

Nearing half time with the score line reading 06 – 10, the Hornets started to press hard towards the Blackbrook quarter of the field. Pricey hoisted a high kick, which the substitute Fullback fumbled. With three Hornets players giving chase, it was Tom Spencer who laid his hand to the ball, as it rolled across the try line. Pricey converted to put the Hornets in the lead at half time, 12 – 10, and all still to play for.

The Hornets restarted the second half and a brilliant low flying ball found the Blackbrook Winger misjudging the balls flight path, which immediately put Blackbrook pinned on their own line. And the Hornets wouldn’t relent, as they kept Blackbrook in there own half.

It was from such enforced pressure that Pricey made a darting flash run through a chink in the Blackbrook defensive line. He now only had the Blackbrook Fullback between him and the try line. Drawing the Fullback, Pricey laid a neat pass to Fullback Callum Hayes, who had masterfully read the situation and was there to back up. But the try wasn’t scored yet, and Callum had to muster-up his quickness of pace to score tight in the corner. The conversion wasn’t successful, as it was on the wrong side of the pitch for Pricey.
Nevertheless, the Hornets had now stretched their lead to 16 – 10.

The score was further increased by the Hornets when Brett Mikalauskas scooped from a play the ball, and went on the narrow blind side to score next to the corner flag. Once again, Pricey was spot on with his touch line kicking and another two points complimented the four off Brett to make the scores 22 - 10 to the Hornets with some fifteen minutes of the game remaining.

Blackbrook never gave up, as they knew they were still good enough to win the game. That’s when the Hornets tackling got stronger. Conor Henry, who had already performed a big hit in the first half and forced a substitution, was still continuing his angry tackling regime. He was ably supported by the Sam Slavin, Ste Shone, Brett Mikalauskas, David Meadows and Jordan Farrell.

Callum Hayes never put a foot wrong playing in the Fullback role, and was always on hand to take the ball up and lead the charge. The whole pack also played admirably which, when considering that the Hornets only had the one substitution position, says a lot about the character of all the forwards. Jack (Father Christmas – but don’t tell the HFH toddler players!) Williams was a work horse both attacking and defending. Scott McCann never stopped running and seems to like hitting brick walls, because most of the time they fall down.

Since joining the Hornets, Karl Bradley has come on leaps and bounds and is now entrenched into the Hornets pack as a key and essential player. Mike O’Brien took the ball in hard with no backward steps and was always looking for that slight gap which he could burst through. Ex Winger Tom Spencer, though slight of frame, has a big heart and is relishing his forwards role with his never say die attitude.

So all in all, the whole team performance against Blackbrook was a real treat for the Hornets supporters. Coach Neil Meadows couldn’t have asked for more from the players, though there are still areas of concern such as the tackling, which needs some work.

Well done boys – all of you. Whenever the eventual return of Penno and Shabba takes place, the squad will be almost up to full strength. Things can only get better!

Tries Scored:
Jimmy Hilton, Thomas Spencer, Callum Hayes and Brett Mikalauskas– All 1 each

Goal Kicks:
Daniel Price - 3

Awards:
Man of the Match and the Gillette MoM: Daniel Price
Best Tackler: David Meadows
Most Improved: TBC

Final Score:
HALTON FARNWORTH HORNETS (U17’s) 22 verses BLACKBROOK ROYALS (U17’s) 10

HFH U17’s Team:

Jimmy Hilton, Jordan Farrell, Daniel Price, David Meadows, Jack Williams, Ste Shone, Thomas Spencer, Brett Mikalauskas, Scott McCann, Sam Slavin, Karl Bradley, Henry Conor, Callum Hayes

Substitutes:
Mike O’Brien

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20 Dec 09, Wigan St Patricks v's Halton F H [CANCELLED]

Original fixture was Leigh Miners Rangers v's HFH.

12:15pm KICK-OFF.

C A N C E L L E D - Frozen pitch.

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