Pilkington Recs ARLFC 10 - Leigh East 8

Pilks U8s turned up this morning full of enthusiasm after their performance last week, hoping to carry on the winning run.

Captain for the game today, Joshua Thiselton, led the side and Pilks started the match defending, and a great effort they put in too, with Patrick Buckley and Charlie Swift putting in big hits from the start.

A quick turnover and before we knew if quick footwork from Joshua Thiselton put him in for the first of his 3 tries. The defense again held out with Rebecca Bentham and Daniel Tabern putting in big tackles, and Patrick Buckley coming up with his 1st of 2 tries and Pilks were ahead 2 - 0.

Despite Pilks strong defence (and big hits from Cameron Cranny and Max Tracey) Leigh managed to break the line and score, but with Daniel Tabern scoring a well worked try, Joshua Thiselton running the full length of the pitch (and side to side as well) to get his second and a great try from Max Tracey and Pilks went in at half time 5-4 ahead.

The second half went the same way, Pilks would pull ahead and Leigh pull back to within 1 or 2 making it a fabulous match for the parents and spectators!

Aaron Cranny , after his holiday, came back and played as if he'd never been away putting in some great tackles. Jacob Wilding is gaining in confidence match by match and put in some powerful runs today to get the team forward, Daniel Sutton playing only his second game for Pilks ran hard and strong and backed his team mates going forward.

The first try in the second half came from a great take of the ball by Charlie Swift who was backing up all through the game and it paid off to see him over the line for a great try. Ethan Moore scored next, breaking down the Leigh defence to get over the line and earn a series of high fives all round!

Jack Bailey was unlucky not to get his first try as he ducked and dived under the Leigh defence, Joshua Burton proved fast and made some great yards forward with Luc Holloway as well showing confident running, and all three tackled strongly to work together with their teammates to keep the Pilks team always that score ahead.

Joshua Thiselton again out paced the Leigh defence to score his hat trick, and after some great attack Rebecca Benthom scored a well deserved try.

Patrick Buckley finally put the game out of Leighs reach with Pilks last try of the match and after another top tackling performance was well placed for his Man of the Match award!

It was good to see Graham back after his holiday, and hopefully he's seen how well the team have come on since he last watched them play.

Everyone of the team today should rightly be proud of themselves as individuals and teammates.

MAN OF THE MATCH: PATRICK BUCKLEY
TOP TACKLER: CHARLIE SWIFT
MOST IMPROVED: CAMERON CRANNY