Under 9’s - Gold’s

Sunday 15^th April 2018

Leigh East Lions 12 – 12 St Jude’s Gold’s

Captain for the day Jack Elwick

Q1

Lions won the toss and chose to start with the ball.  Gold’s were up for it and some big tackles from Dee and Oscar stopped them crossing the line in their first six.  From the turn over, big driving runs by Jack Elwick and Chiz gave the Gold’s some great field position and a great pass by Oscar saw Jack Myers go over giving Gold’s the first try.  Lions hit back quickly and despite some strong tackling from Aston and Harrison they broke our defence to score.  As the quarter came to an end, Jude’s made some great passes and Chiz went over for Gold’s second.  Quarter ended 2-1.

Q2

Jude’s started with the ball and showed good hands moving it down the line, but this quarter was all about defence from both teams and some powerful runs from Tadgh and Jack Hill were halted by strong tackling from Lions.  As Lions attacked, crunching tackle after tackle from Harrison and Dee along with the strong tackle combination of Tadgh and Aston meant that again no score from the set.  Jude’s hit back and Chiz made ground driving at the Lions. Run after run, from Dee then Harrison, Jack Hill and Jack Myers but still Gold’s couldn’t break the Lions defence.  From the turn over a great team effort forced the Lions into touch.  What a quarter, but no further score, wow! Still 2-1

Q3 

Leigh were quick from the start and three driving runs saw them finally penetrate Jude’s defence and they crossed the line to level the score.  Archie made good yards with a strong run, Lions defensive line was strong and forced the turnover.  Leigh’s possession was short and a great tackle from Aston dislodged the ball and Gold’s were back on the attack.  A strong run from Harrison and a powerful run by Jack Myers saw Jack score his second of the game and gave Gold’s the lead at 3-2.  From the restart Jude’s made some good yards but they couldn’t break the strong defence of Leigh and as Leigh came back at Jude’s Jack Hill met their man with a crunch to halt his progress.  As Lions approached the try line Jude’s made some excellent defensive tackles with Leighton teaming up with Oscar; Isaac read the game like a pro and met the man head on, but on the last play the Leigh player used his own man to try and power his way over the line - the ball ending up in the safe hands of Jack Myers.  Ref said it was held up and gave No Try on the pitch. It went to the video (Aine) and the ref confirmed it was No Try, Gold’s held on to their slim lead.  What a way to end the quarter 3-2.

Q4

Jude’s were passing the ball from the start but lost the ball to an interception.  Determination saw the team working together to force Leigh into touch to make up for it.  Ground was made with some good weaving runs from Kian and Jack Elwick using his strength took Gold’s close to the try line but on the turn over.  Lions spotted a gap on the wing and went for it, only to be chased down by Tadgh, Harrison and Jack Myers showing a solid defensive line and forcing the player into touch.  This had been an awesome defensive display from both teams!  The last set of six Jude’s were determined to keep their lead with crunching tackles from Jack Elwick and Dee, who were definitely not letting them through.  Isaac, again working hard off the line was meeting the man every time.  Leigh showed great strength and pushed through to score with the last play of the game to level it at 3-3

Fantastic game from two great defensive teams

Top Tacklers – Harrison Oakes and Deacon Charnock

Parents Man of the Match – Jack Hill

Opposition Man of the Match – Jack Hill

Man of the Match – Jude’s Gold’s Team

Under 8’s

Sunday 15^th April 2018

Wigan St Judes vs Thatto Heath Crusaders

The visitors started with the ball and scored quickly. We bounced back with a strong run from Lenny and Joshua taking the ball over the line. Despite good tackling from everyone, Thatto Heath played the ball quickly and found gaps. Jack and Carter both had strong runs to set up Lenny and Joshua for two more tries.

In the second, the lads opened the field. Keen passes put pressure on the visitors. Both sides were tackling well and gaps were hard to find. Harvey and Layton put in tackle after tackle, and picked up a try each. Judes successfully defended from their try line several times.

After switching ends, the battling continued. Quick hands from Max and Lenny made space for Jack to score. Judes all tackled with energy and precision, with Joshua and Jack both making great individual tackles. Both teams created gaps and scored from them. To end the set, a great run from Joshua put another try on the scoreboard.

Starting the last 10 off, Layton went flying down the wing for a quick try. Great positioning and passing by Harvey, Layton and Joel made the next try. The visitors kept on going, finding gaps and scoring. Judes kept going too, putting in tackle after tackle. Harvey and Layton scored three more, before the end of a very balanced and exciting match to watch.

Carter was our captain for the match. The parent’s award went to Layton. Magic moment and coaches trophies, both awarded for great tackling, were split between Layton, Joshua and Max.