Pilkington Recs U9s 5 - Thatto Heath Swords 7

From the start Thatto put pressure on the Pilks line, their strength pushing them over for the opening try.

Pilks however met the challenge, Cameron Cranny powering forward and making great meters for the team. Jacob Wilding also used his strength to get Pilks near the Thatto line, and some excellent passing between Joshua Burton and Max Tracey saw Max go over for Pilks first try.

Great defense from Aaron Cranny and Jack Bailey followed, but Thatto were next to score.

Joshua Thiselton and Tom Kilgannon (on his debut for Pilks) made some fantastic runs and Daniel Tabern used his speed to level the score once more.

Big tackles followed from Rebecca Benthom, Reece Boadey and Ethan Moore and Pilks were unlucky to concede a try on the stroke of half time.
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The second half saw Thatto starting strongly with a try on the opening set.

However Charlie Swift and Sam Caddick put some powerful runs to the move Pilks up the park, and Luc Holloway used his space in the field to get the ball free and Max Tracey crossed for his second of the match for Pilks.

Again Thattos strong forward crossed the line.

Cameron Cranny however was unwilling to let the game get away and he also used his strength to break the Thatto line, keeping Pilks in the game.

Another Thatto try followed.

Kyle Prescott ran hard and strong, Reece Boadey , Joshua Thiselton, Tom Kilgannon and Ethan Moore all kept the ball alive, and Daniel Tabern crossed for his second try of the match and pulled Pilks back to a point behind.

Unfortunately Thatto proved too strong overall and with one last try the game finished, with Pilks 7-5 down, but the team should be immensely proud of their efforts today , Well done to everyone for a great game.

A special mention as well goes to Tom Kilgannon for a fabulous first game in the red, amber and black.

MAN OF THE MATCH: DANIEL TABERN

TOP TACKLER: JACK BAILEY

MOST IMPROVED: CAMERON CRANNY

THE STEVE MATAI AWARD: CHARLIE SWIFT