Halton Hornets U8s 40 West Houghton Lions U8s 40

IN a pulsating match both teams ran in 10 tries.

Early exchanges saw good yardage from Andrew Mason, Rhys Fletcher and Tom Johnson.

The Hornets took an early lead through Nathan Lyon, only to be pinned back by an immediate West Houghton reply.

The start of the second quarter saw Sam Horabin put the Hornets back in the lead but despite good defence by Patrick Worsley, Aiden Hyland and Jack White, West Houghton once again levelled the scores.

A strong squad of players allowed rotational interchanges from the Hornets. This saw the introduction of Jack Mason, Michael Whitfield, Robert Jacks, Adam Rhys Jones and Stephen Fenny before tries from Jacks and White, matched by West Houghton replies.

In the second half a try from West Houghton looked to have swung the advantage their way but an effort from Michael Parsons levelled the score, only for West Houghton to regain the lead.

Further Hornets' interchanges, introducing Jack Pickles and James Higginson, could not stop two tries from West Houghton, but two solo tries from Adam Kirby following some excellent team support narrowed their advantage.

West Houghton once again sealed a two-try lead before Zac Riley went over in the corner for the Hornets.

Pressure from a great Hornets' defence saw West Houghton spill the ball; Jamie Steadman picked up and finished brilliantly to level.

West Houghton seemed to have snatched victory with only seconds on the clock, only for Kirby to score the try of the match to level.

Adam Kirby was awarded top tackler; Michael Parsons, man of the match and the coach's award went to Jack Pickles.