Leyland Warriors L - W Pilkington Recs

Despite a cold, damp and extremely muddy Sunday morning Pilks had a fantastic turn out for the first match of the season as the U9s.

The last minute change of plans meant an early start and the team were extremely enthusiastic as they all grouped together for the warm up, looking forward to the game.

Captains this weeks were Cameron Cranny and Max Tracey, both who excelled at training in the week, and who's job it was to give encouragement to the team.

The starting line up of Josh T, Max, Cameron, Sam, Charlie, Aaron, Ethan,Dan T and Jack straight away brought the game to the new and less experienced Leyland side, who never gave up and fought hard thoughout the match.

Pilks took the lead almost from the off with a great pass to Joshua Thiselton who with a fantastic side step beat the Leyland players and ran down the wing to open the score for Pilks first match of the season.

Great tackling by Charlie Swift and Ethan Moore helped the defense hold strong and resulted in a quick turn over. Big runs by Cameron Cranny and Sam Caddick and before we knew Daniel Tabern was also speeding down the wing to score Pilks second try on the game.

A lack of concentration from the kick off and Leyland burst through the middle of the pack to make the score 2-1 and it was game on.

Pilks quickly got their concentration back and Max Tracey showed his speed with ball in hand bringing in Pilks third try.

Quick change of the team brought Josh B, Dan S, Luc, Kyle, Kian, Jacob, Rebecca and Reece onto the field with all but Ethan having a well deserved rest.

Reece Boadey and Kyle Prescot straight away made big tackles and held Leyland at bay but again Pilks showed up Leylands weakness at the wing with a great move resulting in Luc Holloways first try of the new season. Reece Boadey finalised the scoring in the first half and Pilks went in 5-1 up.

The original team were back on the field for the start of the second half. Sam Caddick and Aaron Cranny both showed great enthusiasm and made some great tackles throughout the game, Jack Bailey worked hard in both attack and defense and helped Charlie Swift make a great break pushing aside Leyland players to open the scoring in the second half. The team then defended solidly , with the changeover resulting in Rebecca Benthom picking out gaps in Leylands defense and running in 2 fabulous tries.Jacob Wilding and Kian Hurst powered forward to give Pilks meters as well as assisting in some solid defense.
Joshua Burton finished the scoring for Pilks with a well deserved try at the end of the game.

Played in fabulous spirit the team worked well and all enjoyed the match despite the cold miserable weather.

Well done to all the team today, you did us all proud!

MAN OF THE MATCH: SAM CADDICK
TOP TACKLER: REECE BOADEY
MOST IMPROVED: REBECCA BENTHOM
STEVE MATAI AWARD: CHARLIE SWIFT