Gallant Westhoughton bow to powerful Leigh

1:40pm Wednesday 8th October 2008

Westhoughton Lions U12s 8 Leigh Miners Rangers U12s 16

THE Lions produced a stirring second half performance but it was not enough against a strong Leigh side.

It looked grim as Leigh ran in two converted tries as the Lions struggled defensively. However, good work by the forwards started to put the visitors under pressure and it paid off when quick-thinking Scott Broderick went over from a tap penalty to pull it back to 12-4 at the break.

The second half was tight, and the crowd saw some uncompromising rugby league as the Lions unsettled Leigh with some crunching tackles.

The visitors capitalised on a lapse of concentration to cross for a third try but the Lions hit back and Aidan Mann powered over from close range with the last play of the game.

Milnrow Cobras 20 Westhoughton Lions U11s 10

THE Under-11s were beaten four tries to two in a fast and equally-matched, good-natured game.

Both the Lions’ tries came in the second half, the first from captain Bryn Jones, which was converted by Declan Burke, and then from Callum Moores.

Jones won the spectators’ award and Dillon Chesney was the well deserved recipient of the coaches’ award.

Westhoughton Lions U9s 28 Wigan St Cuthberts 44

The Under-9s continue to improve on a weekly basis and, although they only had six players compared to the visitors’ large squad, they managed to take a well-drilled St Cuthberts to the wire.

Good defensive work kept Saints in check while man-of-the-match Jaeish Lilley ran in seven tries. Hard running prop Ethan Hill was unlucky to have a try ruled out while good support work from captain Brian Dawson and Kieren Cuddy made the visitors work hard for their win.

Westhoughton Lions U8s 16 Leigh East U8s 32

THE Lions had only five players, but they showed good spirit in taking on a big Leigh side.

Simone Hart was the real workhorse as she drove the ball repeatedly at the Leigh defence. That created tries for Nat Price, Callum Mewes, Krish Lilley and Tobias Bailey, who crossed for his first score for the team.

Westhoughton Lions, who are running indoor coaching sessions at Bolton School during the school term, are looking to recruit new players. Boys or girls wishing to play rugby league should contact development officer John Brownlow on 07790 825156.