Walton Warriors U14s 12 v Stanley Wildcats U14s 20
YJARL Continuation Cup Final, Under 14s
01.05.11

In this local derby there would be no quarter given by either team which showed in the early part of the game but it was Walton who were the first to score with some solid play Walton found themselves near the Stanley line on 8 minutes and Callum Scott, Walton's hooker, saw his chance and dived over for the first score this was converted by Tom Hatfield to bring the score to 6-0.

Both sides were fighting it out for supremacy in the middle of the park and Stanley forced their way into a good position going one way and then sent the ball down the line for Connor Morgan to score at the side of the posts which was converted by Liam Gaunt levelling the scores 6-6.

Walton piled on the pressure but the dogged defence from Stanley would not let them cross their line. Stanley then took over at the Walton end but the same happened and Walton's defence would not be broken. With the half time whistle imminent Stanley moved the ball and Liam Gaunt put a clever little grubber kick into the corner for Jack Pemberton to pounce on and score, this brought the half time score to Walton 6 - Stanley 10.

The second half began as the first with both teams looking for a chink in each other's armour and from a kick through by Walton's Danny Redfern showed some dribbling skills to go over to score and the conversion by Tom Hatfield took Walton into a two point lead at 12-10.   

The enthusiastic crowd were kept on edge throughout the game and with Walton fumbling the ball over the line, Stanley were able to draw a sigh of relief and work their way down to the Walton half. Over the next 15 minutes the forwards smashed into each other trying to get through the defensive lines but both held firm. Play continued at a furious pace and with 5 minutes to go Stanley put pressure on the Walton defence and with room out wide they exposed their line and Connor Morgan strolled in to score and Liam Gaunt converted to give a lead of four points to Stanley. Stanley then finally sealed victory minutes later with another try from Connor Morgan to win this pulsating game 20 - 12.

(This report from YJARL website)