Lancashire Cup Final Day 2008

Pool D:                                          Pool C:          

Widnes                                                                                 Vale of Lune

Blackburn                                                                            Rochdale

Leigh                                                                                     Tarleton

Waterloo                                                                                Liverpool Collegiate

Group D

Widnes sailed through their group stages with victories against all pool opposition.  

Waterloo put up a brave fight in the early minutes but couldn’t match the Wids as they eventually gave in to the superior skill of the Widnes boys. Three uncontested tries saw the Wids begin their day with an abundance of confidence. 

Once again, Leigh provided a stern test as there was early panic when the opposition pressed hard to gain an advantage. As soon as the Wids scored, Leigh crumbled and the boys from Widnes marched on to another well deserved victory. 

The host, Blackburn didn’t provide much of a test as the Wids won comfortably and confirmed their place in the Lancashire Cup Semi Final.

Semi Final 

Widnes met an excellent Vale of Lune in the Semi Final. Although the boys had cruised into the semis with some magnificent displays, they had to prove themselves against a real, top class side.

VOL provided this with a determined display that brought out the beast in the Wids. The score was level at Half Time but the Wids were in no mood for a close finish as they totally dominated the second half by scoring 3 tries without reply…Magnificent!

Final 

Widnes met Collegiate in the Final. After beating them 28-0 in the group qualifying stages the statistics would give the victory to Widnes. Not so! Collegiate played their normal spoiling game and the Wids couldn’t readjust quickly enough within the 14 minute (12.5!!) time. Collegiate scored a  try on the stroke of half time, but the Wids never looked like putting them under pressure after that and the game ended with the boys in 2^nd place. More aggression coupled with belief in themselves will result in the Wids overcoming this final hurdle. They are the greatest!  

Well Done to Jon and Chris for preparing a team that took not just themselves and their team, but the teams parents and friends on a long journey that almost ended in glory. Next year will see us take that extra step forward as we take on Stoke, Macclesfield, Lymm and Caldy

Widnes RFU U11’s  45     Rochdale RFU U11’s   0

9.3.08 

Once again, the Wids produced rugby that defied their early years. They fought hard from the outset but always maintained a high level of skill that had their opposition bamboozled!  

The Wids found themselves under pressure for the first 10 minutes, and may have conceded if it wasn’t for some excellent defensive play on their own line. As with many of their challenges, the boys held strong and then slowly, but deliberately changed the game. Rochdale couldn’t cope with the direct power of the Wids, and coupled with great handling and instinctive play, they dominated proceedings and produced a well earned victory. 

Tries from R.Jacks, R.Ince, A.Cooke, A.Donohue, P.Cunningham, G.Galligan and new squad member, Liam saw the Wids win this game comfortably.  

Well Done to all the Under 11’s – Once again, Magnificent!

Sedgley Park RFU U11’s 7          Widnes RFU U11’s 42

2^nd March 2008 

After the disappointment of last week, the Wids showed their ‘bouncebackability’, as they gave magnificent displays against their hosts, Sedgley Park and co visitors, Leigh. 

Sedgley were initially on top as the Wids were asked to defend deep on their own line for the first part of this pulsating game. The boys turned the tide and started to take charge, whilst keeping a disciplined defensive line.

Bradley Cassidy opened the scoring with quick decisive pick up, followed by a powerful drive over the try line. This was just reward for a display of technique, coupled with raw power from this excellent forward. The Wids never looked back after this, and produced some excellent rugby that left their opposition deflated and downhearted. In his own inimitable style, Ryan Ince galloped from deep positions and scored 2 tries whilst being clawed at by opposition defenders. His long strides appear to have the tacklers flummoxed as to how is the best method to bring down this powerful kid! The excellent Alex Cooke was back to his best form. He scored 2 tries whilst playing in the thick of the action, whilst delivering a leadership performance of strong direct running that gave his teammates the confidence to shine and apply the skills that they are all blessed with. The impressive Marcus Rowley added another, and also provided his teammates with a valuable example on how to focus aggression in a positive manner to win back possession.

Wingers, David Langford and Liam  were often brought into the game and could have bagged a couple of tries each if their luck had been in. Liam appeared to be in at the corner to finish off a free flowing move through the backs, only to see an opponent deny him this as he charged over in the corner. Callum Jones provided much of the necessary strength in the forwards. He kept plugging away with neat drills at the lineout that are now showing fruit and are leading to much valued possession for the Wids.

Leigh RFU U11’s 0    Widnes RFU U11’s 40

As with the first game, Leigh put Widnes under early pressure but were met by a defiant defence who always fight hard to maintain a clean sheet. Leigh have improved in many areas and must be commended, but Widnes were a class above, as they weathered the storm and once again slowly showed their dominance.

Alex Cooke(2), Ryan Ince(2) and Marcus Rowley scored the tries whilst the opposition failed to reply. Alex Nolan once again showed great maturity as his understanding of the game was once again apparent throughout. His application was flawless, whilst his anticipation of the next development was something that he has a natural instinct for.

Callum Parkinson and Andrew Prestons contribution to the team was invaluable. They both read the game very well and applied the correct skills to the every changing situations that arose during attacking and defensive play. Leigh have some very capable players for the forwards to deal with but these two strong, intelligent players were forever keeping their discipline whilst maintaining a high level of well channelled power.

All eleven tries were converted by the magnificent Adam Donohue. Along with good hands, he has developed an instinct for the quick penalty, darting support play and an accurate punt up field to either relieve pressure, or to release the pace of the Wingers and turn the pressure back onto the opposition.

 The Wids should be proud of these results as they were missing key players who couldn’t make the trip, but still played excellent team rugby to run out easy winners in both games. Well Done!

 Squad: A.Cooke, A,Nolan, D.Langford, R.Ince, B.Cassidy, A.Donohue, C.Parkinson, C.Jones, A.Preston, M.Rowley, Liam  

Tries:

• A.Cooke           (4)       
• R.Ince               (4)
• M.Rowley          (2)

Conversions:

• A.Donohue       (11)                                                                  

Manchester Juniors RUFC Festival 

14.10.07

After Englands success the night before, the youngsters wanted to show that they too can be a Jonny Wilkinson, Josh Lewsey or Phil Vickery. The Wids U’11s were magnificent, beating Sheffield, Macclesfield and Blackburn but they came up against a well organised team from Stoke in the semi final and lost the game on the last play. Well done to coaches Jon, Chris and Tim…but special congratulations go to the battling Wids Under 11’s kids. They gave it all today and were unlucky not to take that extra step into the final.

Squad: A.Cooke, B.Cassidy, L.Jennett, A.Nolan, R. Jacks, A.Donohue, A.Preston, D.Langford, M.Whittaker, G.Gallighan, C.Jones, C, Parkinson, P.Cunningham, M.Rowley, R.Ince,

Littleborough Juniors RUFC Festival 

7.10.07

Widnes Under 11’s returned to Littleborough and won the tournament once again. The Wids won all their group matches without conceding a try and then beat Leigh in the final to complete a very successful day for all involved. The boys had to play a lot of rugby throughout the day and fully deserve all the credit that comes their way. Well done!

Group games:

Widnes          25        Rochdale       0

Widnes          10        Ormskirk        0

Widnes          20        Littleborough            0

Widnes          10        Leigh              0

Widnes          15        Huddersfield 0

Final:

Widnes          20        Leigh              5

Leigh RFU U11s 7     Widnes RFU U11’s 45        16.9.07

The U11’s overall performance was first class. Teamwork was complemented by individual skills to overcome Leigh on their home ground. Although the Wids scored 7 tries and 5 conversions to dominate the game, Leigh kept pressurising the Wids, but the players battled hard to regain possession of the ball and defended superbly too. A good team effort from all. 

Squad: R.Jacks, A,Nolan, D.Langford(3), R.Ince(2), B.Cassidy(1), P.Cunningham(1), A.Donohue, C.Parkinson, C.Jones, A.Preston, G.Gallighan, L.Jennett, M.Whitfield

Lancashire Cup – Qualifying Stage 2 – Under 11’s

Southport                0          Widnes          30

L’pool St. Helens    0          Widnes          30

Once again the Under 11’s showed their class as they dominated both games from start to finish. Both opponents put up a brave fight but couldn’t cope with the sharp passing, free running sensational youngsters from Widnes who delighted all on this freezing morning in Southport. 

Widnes met the hosts for the day and quickly had points on the board after controlling the play and then striking when the opportunity arose. The opposition didn’t have an answer to the ferocious, controlled forwards, who retained possession intelligently throughout. Busy play and quick hands kept the cold at bay as Widnes sailed home to victory. 

Liverpool St.Helens produced some impressive defensive abilities early on, but were soon overrun by the marauding, relentless Widnes boys. Once the first try was scored LSH heads dropped and Widnes won comfortably. 

The Under 11’s have now qualified for the Lancashire Cup Festival were they will meet quality opposition who will test their abilities to the limit. There is no doubt in my mind that these warriors from Widnes will face the challenge head on, whilst playing with intelligence, grit and a smile to boot!

Sefton RFU Under 11’s     0          Widnes RFU U’11s                         15

The first competitive game of 2008 was played in very heavy conditions. The boys had to adapt to a narrow pitch, which made this a battle of the forwards and reduced the chances for the backs to make their mark on the game, but when they did, they did it in style. 

Sefton were very strong early on. They drove the Wids back onto their own 5yd line for long periods, but this pressure was matched by the phenomenal forwards Bradley Cassidy, George Galligan and Callum Jones. They absorbed everything Sefton could throw at them until the skilful backs turned the game around. 

Alex Nolan won a lineout against the head, collected the ball and forced his way over for the opening try. Paul Cunningham charged down a desperate goal line punt, held onto the ball and dived over to make the scoreline 10 – 0. Late on, Andrew Preston relieved a desperate Sefton onslaught by clearing from his 5 yd line with a long kick. David Langford out sprinted the Sefton backs and fed Alex Cooke, he gained further ground before offloading to the supporting Adam Donohue who raced over in the corner to finish the scoring. Robert Jacks was once again in commanding form at fly half, whilst Marcus Rowley continues to impress at centre. 

The under 11’s have had experience many victories during their short Rugby Union careers, and this was another well earned victory for the experienced, but evolving squad. They can surely go on to greater things in the future if they could only attract more players to share in the fun and sense of achievement that this game provides. There are plenty of opportunities for anybody wishing to come down and join in

If you would like to join the team (yr 6),  and become part of the excellent set up which is provided at Widnes RFU, and by coaches, Jon Cooke, Chris Cassidy and Tim Jennett then please ring Jon on 07974 678389.

Squad: Bradley Cassidy, Callum Jones, Andrew Preston, Alex Nolan, George Galligan, Adam Donohue, Robert Jacks, Marcus Rowley, Paul Cunningham, Alex Cooke, David Langford.