Halton Farnworth Hornets u18 10 Woolston Rovers u18

IN what was their first competitive game of the new campaign, Rovers’ under 18s resisted a comeback to record a BARLA National Cup victory on Sunday.

They proved too strong for hosts Halton Farnworth Hornets in the first half and turned around with an impressive 18-0 lead.

Halton came back in the second half to build the tension, but Rovers were able to seal the victory.

“That was a great way for us to start the season,” said Rovers under 18s coach John Morris.

“We looked very sharp, especially in the first half, and I was delighted with each and every one of the lads.

“It is always nice to get off to a positive start and we can now look forward to the next round with confidence.”

Jake Bray, Will Ridge, Ben Moore and Ross McGlone all crossed in a superb first-half display for Woolston, with Jake Eccles kicking one conversion.

The hosts scored twice after the break to reduce the lead to eight points, but Tom Gaskell’s try calmed any Woolston nerves.

Woolston Rovers: Jake Bray; Kieran Jones, Ross McGlone, Tom Gaskell, Will Ridge; Dec Leonard, Jake Eccles; Owen Hazlehurst, Kieran Moore, Jacob Proudlove, Todd Preston, Callum Harnett-Smy, Sean Millington. Subs: Ben Moore, Henry Davidson, Joel Irvine.

Latchford Giants u16 34 Orrell St James u16 10

DESPITE only fielding 13 players, Latchford Giants’ under 16s were able to secure National Cup progress.

Matt Gelder scored twice, while Charlie McCurrie, Taih Green, Hayden Young and Matty Nash all grabbed a try and David Evans kicked five goals.

Latchford Giants u15 38 Westhoughton Lions u15 0

BILLY Cannon and Josh Beddall crossed twice each for Latchford in this pre-season shut-out, with Josh Kirkby, Connor Marshall, Ben Ditchfield and Ciaran Moody also getting in on the act.

Latchford Giants u15 6 Heworth u15 8

A FURTHER pre-season game produced a tighter affair, with Billy Cannon getting Latchford’s only try and Ciaran Moody adding the extras.