Crosfields ARLFC

Cobras Finish on a High As Bulldogs Lose Their Bite.

Crosfields travelled the short distance to Burtonwood on Tuesday, instead of their normal training session they were to play their re-arranged final fixture of the season, in
a long anticipated local derby.

Nerves were clear to see In the faces of the players, parents and coaches, but with a neutral referee and a ten game unbeaten run behind them the Cobras should have been full of confidence. The heat of the previous day had subsided and the conditions were almost perfect for rugby league. On the instruction of the referee the Cobras were told to turn their shirts inside out and after a short delay, due to traffic problems forcing some of the home teams’ players to arrive late the game got underway. The nerves were clearly on display as the home team scored immediately, the No.12 forcing his way over from the play the ball. Then from the restart a knock on, in contrast Burtonwood looked full of confidence as they went forward, only an outstanding one on one tackle from Ben prevented another try. This one instance seemed to flick a switch with the whole team. From the handover Sam, Dean and Luke drove forward, with Tom insisting on a quick play the ball he passed to Joe.K.L.,  who outpaced and stepped past the defence to score a great try. This time in defence Crosfields were strong, but on the first tackle of their next set a knock on put the Cobras back under pressure, again though they held firm. Following a penalty for offside, powerful runs by Dean and Sam, Luke took the ball for an almost carbon copy of the try scored by Joe, outpacing and stepping past defenders before crashing over the line. Defensively Cobras seemed to have found their feet, keeping the Bulldogs out. A fine clearing run by Ryan was followed by Dean, Sam and Joe.K.L. and with Tom finding Luke from the play the ball he managed to spin his way over to score. On their next set Burtonwood replied, the No.8 scooting over on the left to score. From the restart Cobras were lucky to retain possession, as the ball seemed to be knocked forward, play
continued as Sam made a great run, taking five defenders to bring him down. Louis and Elliott continued the drive and a run from Joe.K.L., set up great position for Tom to find Dean charging over the line to score, taking the Bulldogs coach with him.

HALF TIME

Bulldogs 2 – 4 Cobras

The second half began as the first had ended, Cobras with the ball and scoring. Kian and Tom made good yards forward along with Alex and Ra^y, Luke was held just short, but this only delayed the inevitable, Tom found Joe.K.L. who powered his way over the line. From the restart Burtonwood drove straight and hard, the No.10 racing in to score. In attack Ryan and Louis were followed by Joe.K.L. taking the team close, Tom found

Ryan with a pass and the “flyer” outpaced the defence before cutting infield to score, much to the delight of the Cobras supporters. In reply the home team scored again, No.8 seeming to dance past the entire Cobras team to score in the corner. Both teams failed to score on their next possessions, although Alex was unlucky not to score as he took five defenders towards the line, and Joe.P., producing two earth shuddering tackles stopped the Bulldogs in their tracks, along with Luke making a try saving tackle close to his own line. Once more in attack Cobras made the game safe. Clearing runs by Louis, Dean and Sam were followed by an amazing run from Luke, as he came on to the pitch from the touchline, surging forward past tackler after tackler eventually being stopped way down field, Tom eager again for a quick play the ball, found Joe.K.L., catching the defence on the back foot allowing Joe.K.L. to step past defenders and score in the corner, again to the delight of the Cobras supporters. The home team came up just short on their next set with Louis, Kian and Sam all making great tackles. In possession the Cobras were now just happy to eat up time. The turnover brought a penalty to the bulldogs, but they were unable to capitalize as Ben Joe.K.L., and Joe.P., all combined to force the No.5 into touch. As Dean took the resulting drive forward the final whistle blew, to huge cheers and rapturous applauds from the Crosfields touchline. What can I say, an outstanding display of junior rugby league, great tries and awesome tackles, well done to everybody involved a fantastic way to end the season. The team has not lost a game since the defeat against Leigh Miners on the 7^th of March, after the victory at Burtonwood, this means the team have won 10 and drawn 1 of their last eleven games, and with the one drawn game very dubious, they are very unlucky not to have an unblemished record. Well done to all the players an amazing record that included some truly memorable moments.

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Panthers Tamed in Hood Lane Sunshine.

The early morning sun was high in the sky as Chorley Panthers arrived at Hood Lane for the final home game of an eventful season. The pitch looked in fantastic condition and the scene was set for an enthralling game between two teams that in the past had been very evenly matched. The Cobras were proudly unveiling their new scoreboard for the game, hoping to christen it with a victory. Chorley began the game with possession of the ball and a tough test was sure to be on the cards, especially in the heat. Great tackling by Dean, Joe.K.L, Tom and Luke kept the Panthers out on their first attack. With ball in hand Dean and Sam took drives to take the ball away from their own line, and after Tom had taken the team over half way, Luke passed the ball to Joe.K.L, receiving the ball just inside the oppositions half, he stepped his way through the defence past five would be tacklers to put the ball down to the left of the posts for a great try. 1-0 Cobras. In defence Dean, Sam, Tom, Luke and Kian all held solid as the Panthers failed to break through. In attack Joe.P, Kian, Ben and Marshall all took the team forward before Dean’s strong drive was halted just short by good defence from the Panthers. The Cobras forced an error on the next set, after tackles by Marshall, Sam and Tom giving good field position to the home team. This was built on as Sam and Joe.K.L, drove forward and after Joe.P. was stopped just short of the line , a short pass from Luke found the charging Dean, who proved too much for the Panthers tacklers to handle, as he pushed three tacklers out of his way before spinning over the line to score. 2-0 Cobras. As the heat began to take its toll, changes were made through substitutions, but there was no change in the team spirit as defensively the Cobras would not be broken. Dean(3), Elliott, Luke, Joe.K.L, Joe.P, Tom and Kian all puffing their bodies on the line for the team , and greatly appreciated it was too as the applauds echoed from the touchline at their efforts. Kian was forced into touch by four defenders after a great run, this brought more defensive work for the Cobras, however they showed the watching crowd that they can not only score tries but prevent them too. Kian making amends for going into touch, having a hand in three of the next six tackles along with Luke, Tom,Joe.K.L, Ben and Sam, as the Panthers were once more kept scoreless. Another error on the second tackle of the next set brought more defensive work, as the home team seemed determined to give the Panthers every opportunity to score. Dean, Luke, Tom and Alex all made tackles to prevent a try being scored before Kian, twice in a matter of seconds made try saving tackles to keep the home teams line intact. With the ball in hand Cobras went forward through Sam and Luke before Louis was tackled into touch. Once more the Cobras had to tackle, Ben and Alex combining to tackle the No.1 leaving him writhing in pain on the grass. After further tackles the ball was handed over, with the referee calling last set of the half Crosfields scored, Sam powering his way over the line. 3-0 Cobras. This action being missed (again) by the cameraman, due to technical difficulties.

HALFTIME

Cobras 3-0 Panthers

With a well deserved rest the team enjoyed their half time drinks and with a few words spoken the team was ready to go again. The second half began with both teams making an error in their first set. But when Crosfields kept hold of the ball they scored, Louis, Kian with a great run and Elliott with a sidestepping surge forward, set up position Luke who was held up just short, from the resulting play the ball Sam charged forward handing off two tacklers to dive over in the corner. 4-0 Cobras. Cobras continued to tackle like demons, none more typified than Elliott who made two try stopping tackles beneath his own posts. From the handover Cobras hand a rush of blood in the heat, first Alex then Kian throwing wayward passes, seemingly trying to help Chorley to score, only for Joe.K.L, to rescue the ball on his own line. The game continued end to end, both defences on top, as the heat of the day increased and both teams tired. Neither team managing to trouble the scoreboard operator. The game finished with the sun higher in the sky and the temperature rising, as all the players took thoroughly deserved
applauds from both sets of supporters.

Well done to all the Cobras players, a magnificent all round performance from everyone, to prevent the opposition from scoring a try took a huge effort and must have surely been one of the best performances of the season. You provided another great advert for junior rugby league.

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“The day that God invented Rugby League he didn’t do anything else but sit around and feel good.” – Jack Gibson.

The Cobras were on the road this week, with a trip into the unknown at Westhoughton. After the initial get together to handout directions, the cars departed. With no roadwork’s enroute everybody arrived safe at their destination, although the home team appeared to have gotten lost as Crosfields waited patiently for their arrival. With kick off time approaching and passing, and with mutterings amongst the supporters of delaying tactics it was hoped that Crosfields would not be put off their game. With the playing surface not in the best condition, apparently the resident goat had been sent out to pastures new, and the ground hard after the days of baking sunshine, the team quickly got through their warm-up and after a last minute intake of water, were ready to go.

“I WAS NEVER A BIG FAN OF THE PRE-MATCH WARM UP” Jonathan Davies

Captain for the day Dean won the toss and the Cobras looked to continue on from last week and start strong. And how they did.

Strong drives by Alex and Rav, both of who were to go on later to win awards for their efforts, followed by Joe set up great field position, as the Lions were on the back foot, Tom spotted his chance for a quick play the ball and passed to Ben who rounded the defence to touch down near the corner. The home team’s first possession saw big tackles from Louis and Tom before a knock on saw the ball turnover, although the Cobras handed the ball back immediately through an error. With the team under pressure Joe and Kian combined to bring down the attack from the play the ball, then the No.13 weaved through the defence before Joe, again made a covering tackle to bring him down, another tackle from Tom before Louis showed his strength tackling the ball carrier into touch. From the turnover Kian drove forward taking Crosfields away from their line, from the play the ball Josh saw the opportunity to hand the ball on to Ben who took the opposition by surprise and dashed down the touchline in front of the cheering Cobras supporters, as he cut inside it seemed a certain try, but huge credit must go to the No.11 who never gave up and brought Ben down just yards short of the line. Louis found his efforts resisted and Joe was also thwarted just short, Ben took the situation by the scruff of the neck, spotting the home team being short of numbers on the left, he picked up stepped right and in the blink of an eye he was over again. From the restart tackles by Tom, Rav, Ryan, Alex and Louis kept the home team at bay. Instead of taking a break Alex took the next drive forward stepping past the first would be tackler before five defenders eventually brought him to halt. Rav was to be the next drive taking on defender after defender on a huge charge forward, much to the delight of the Cobras followers. A weaving run by Joe followed by Ryan and a charge forward by Elliott paved the way for Kian to take the ball at speed and round the defence, before diving salmon like to score at the corner.

The break in play saw the introduction of substitutes, with one having an immediate effect. Luke’s first action saw him bring down the No.1 as he raced towards the line, followed by a tackle in the opposite corner on the next play as the No.13 was bungled into touch. With Alex and Rav taking a well deserved rest after great work in attack and defence, Dean and Sam carried on from where they had left off, driving the team forward with strong runs. From a quick play the ball Joe looked to have rounded the defence to score only to be tackled just short, next was Marshall who had the door closed on him just as it seemed he was about to touch down, and when Josh charged  in he was stopped millimeters short. A panicked play the ball saw the Cobras come away with nothing. After a forward pass from the Lions, Luke passed to Tom from the ruck and he glided over on the right hand side. This try was met with particular delight as Marshall planted a big kiss on Tom!!!!!!!

The ball was claimed straight back, as the knocked on and from the resulting play the ball Tom found Luke who outpaced the defence to score. In defence themselves tackles by Luke, Joe and Sam kept the Lions out, but as the Cobras backs were turned a quick scoot by the No.8 and he was in for his team’s first try. With the Cobras keen to make amends, drives by Josh and Marshall saw Kian slice through the Lions, just as he crossed the whitewash he appeared to lose control of the ball, but the referee was happy to award the try, Kians second.

“I think you enjoy the game more if you don’t know the rules. Anyway, you’re on the same wavelength as the referees.”Jonathan Davies

With the home team in high spirits after their try, they attacked strongly with Luke, Sam, Ryan, Joe, Josh and Kian all being involved in tackles and in some cases on more than one occasion. From the turnover Dean drove forward, from the play the ball Ben fed Sam who only had one thing on his mind, running wide before straightening up he ran the length of the field, once again showing off his newly practiced dive to score. With the Cobras now pressed hard on their own line keeping possession was important, although Joe had other ideas up his sleeve, collecting the ball behind his own line once again he showed his talents, shrugging off tackles weaving and stepping, to hot foot it the entire length of the field to score.

Half time

LIONS 1 – 8 COBRAS

Straight from the restart the Cobras were caught out with the No.8 racing around Louis and Ryan to score in the corner. The Cobras were keen to hit back quickly, Tom made yards forward gliding across the surface, Rav Alex Ryan and Josh all continued the drive forward before Joe passed to Ben who weaved his way over to complete his     hat-trick. The Lions substitute was next on the ball running strong, but Joe had the measure of him, tackling him into touch. Louis took the next drive before Tom fed Joe, showing his pace to race in from half way untouched. In defence Louis showed his strength tackling , with Luke and Alex aided by Kian they forced the error from their opponents, Luke picked up the loose ball and made good yards forward, which Kian continued, at the play the ball Luke went into standoff, passing out to Tom who seemed to effortlessly eat up the turf to score in the corner. Once more in defence the Cobras were strong Alex and Rav again along with Ben, Sam, and Marshall the Cobras kept their line intact. On the next play Louis was unlucky to lose the ball, the replay clearly showing that the No.11 had ripped the ball away. This time it was the Lions turn to look strong in attack and after good tackles by Alex, Kian, Tom and Ravthe No.7 scooted over for a well deserved try. With the Cobras now playing with a standoff at every playthe ball moved about with speed. Louis, Rav and Sam all making yards before Kian, Alex and Louis again were all held up short. Louis was involved again in defence this time linking up with Sam and Kian to force a mistake. Then came the move that showed how confident the team were, Luke passing to Joe on a run around, with Joe dummying to Luke before finding the gap to go over to complete his hat-trick, putting the ball down one handed with a little glance to the side line to check dad was watching. With time ticking down Alex, three times in the set, and Joe made tackles before Sam fell on the loose ball. With Luke, Joe and Ben all alternating the standoff position a long run by Luke followed by a drive from Rav saw Joe pass out to Louis running cross field shrugging off tacklers before forcing his way over right on the corner flag, the referee happy the try had been scored. More strong defence from Louis who now had his tail up along with Ben, Alex again, Marshall, Tom and Rav once more kept the Lions at Bay.  The referee informed both teams of the last set each, as Marshall made great yards forward along with Tom before Joe passed out to Luke, allowing him to show his pace to score taking a defender over the line with him, completing what was to be his and the teams third hat-trick of the day. In the Lions last possession Dean and Sam and Joe and Luke made tackles as a dropped ball saw the end of the game.

Final score

LIONS 3 – 14 COBRAS

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Crosfields Cobras v Saddleworth Rangers

21/03/2010

Match Report

The warm spring Sun welcomed both sets of teams and supporters, as saddle worth made the long journey to Hood lane. The Cobras were in high spirits following their fine performance against Oldham, and the touchline was abuzz with anticipation. The team welcomed back Dean after his week off fund raising to keep the Crosfields club alive.

The match began with both teams getting to grips with one another, Alex, Rav and Sam giving Crosfields a great platform to build on and with Luke controlling the play the ball at dummy half; it wasn’t long before the Cobras broke the deadlock. Drives from Elliott, Louis, Ryan and Josh, allowed Ben to charge forward and as Saddleworth were slow to react on their own try line Luke spotted the opportunity to scoot over, 1-0 Cobras.

From the restart the Cobras defence held strong with Marshall, marshalling his troops, Alex and Rav tackling anything in a black and white shirt, in attack Crosfields showed how strong they were, with Captain for the day Tom Burns a constant thorn in the opposition side, never knowing when to stop. Rav took a well deserved rest after his countless drives, with Dean stepping into the arena, with immediate effect taking the Cobras forward. With Josh and Elliott taking further drives, Elliott going on to take the most improved player trophy, quick hands from the play the ball by Ben allowed Luke to sprint down the touchline to the cheers of delight from the Crosfields Parents, 2-0 Cobras With half time approaching Saddleworth came on strong, only last ditch tackling down the flanks by Louis and then by Josh prevented the visitors getting on the score sheet. A huge sigh met the half time whistle, as the heat of the day had taken its toll on the first half efforts of all the players, and half time refreshments were met with great relief.

The second half began in much the same vein, with Crosfields being driven forward by Alex, Dean and Rav, with Marshall in total control of his troops, drives by Josh and Tom allowed Ben, (who was to collect the top attacker award), to find Sam 10yards out, and the big man showed some silky footwork to sidestep and dance his way over in the corner, as cheers of “Well Done Sam” and “Great try” reverberated around Hood Lane, 3-0 Cobras. Luke was to score his hat trick in the next set, when he used his fantastic sidestep to wrong foot the opposition  for one of his trade mark diving try’s 4-0.

Immediately from the restart the Saddleworth team gave their number three the ball, and with great skill he managed to outflank the Cobras and score a fine try, which was applauded by both sets of fans, 4-1.

This seemed to spur the home team on as first Ryan, Louis and then Alex surged up field and with Rav making a dummy run to draw the defence away Ben spotted the chance to dart over from dummy half, 5-1. Saddleworth did not give up trying and following some hard runs their number 5 managed to burst through for a great try, 5-2.

With the clock ticking down more great play from Josh Louis and Ben gave Dean the chance to power forward (showing his importance to the team by later collecting his man of the Match Trophy) and with Marshall jumping into dummy half, his awareness of the game bellowed his young years as he fired a pass to Luke for his fourth try, 6-2.

The final set was hard fought, with some real hard tackles going in, Saddleworth’s number three once again breaking free to skirt the touch line and show a clean pair of heels to the Cobras, even a desperate lunge from Luke failing to prevent a great try, which was welcomed by his team and fans. 6-3.

This brought up full time. Where thirty odd under 8’s, with grins all over their faces, were cheered by both sets of parents.

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Match Report to follow:

Team:

Luke Little, Dean Beddall, Joshua Hobden, Louis Griffthes, Elliott Hampson, Marshall Jones, Ben Lomax, Joe Kohe-Love (1), Ryan Farrell, Tom Burns, Alex Burns, Sam Belton.

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The Team of 2020 managed to gain a hard fought win against Ince Rose Bridge thanks to a try on the last tackle of the game.

 The young Cobras travelled the short distance to Wigan to take on Ince Rose Bridge in what turned out to be a hard game. The Cobras started with the ball and made good progress down the pitch and Dean Beddall ran strong on to the ball to crash through and defence to go over for a try. The cobras defence was not its usual self with the home team scoring on their first set too. 1-1

 The Cobras pick themselves up and charged down the other end with good runs by Alex Burns, Elliott Hampson and Marshall Jones. Ben Lomax then came close on the next run just falling short of the try line and then Dean Beddall picking up his 2^nd try with a replica of his first.1-2.

 Now to defend – the defence held out this time with some good tackling by Luke Little and Tom Burns. The Cobras now had the ball deep in their own half. First runner was Tyler Roberts who ran onto the ball and swerved right then straightened up and swerved right again to round the Ince defence and then ran the length of the field to score a great try for the cobras who now had breathing space.1-3. But all credit to the Ince team as they found gaps in the unusually sleepy Cobras defence to reply twice to bring the score line level. 3-3.

With a word from the Coach the Cobras responded quickly through Tom Burns who stepped through the Ince defence to go over untouched.3-4. But yet again the Cobras defence could not hold tight with Ince replying.4-4. Capping off a fine first half with his Hat-Trick try for the cobras was Dean Beddall scoring.4-5. But the Ince players responded with a try again just before half time to Level the scores again.

HT – 5-5

With the introduction of Joe Kohe-Love, Ryan Farrell, Ravir Shidu and Joshua Hobden the Cobras where asked to step up the defensive effort. With the second half going exactly as the first but with a fewer tries the game was anyone’s to win with the Cobras having some strong runs by Ravir Shidu, Luke Little and Ryan Farrell but more noticeable was the excellent running of Joe Kohe – Love who as usual was a handful in attack and was unlucky not to score on a few occasions with the Ince defence covering well. But with the good field position set up by Joe the Cobras benefited twice from his excellent runs with Luke Litte and Ryan Farrell going over only for the Ince team to once again reply through some slack defending by the Cobras.7-7

With Dean Beddall coming on to replace Marshall Jones for the closing sets of the game it was Dean who went over on the last tackle of the game to seal a hard fought win for the Cobras in an entertaining match.

 FT – 7-8 Cobras

Team: 

Luke Little,Tom Burns,Louis Griffthes,Elliott Hampson,Joe Kohe-Love,Tyler Roberts,Dean Beddall,Marshall Jones,Ravir Shidu,Ryan Farrell,Alex Burns,Joshua Hobden,Ben Lomax.

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The Cobras Team of 2020 produced an excellent defensive display against a tough Atherton Dragons side who tried their best to put the team off their game, but all credit to the players who muscled up in defense and came out worthy winners.

With a few players felling under the weather substitutes of these players was going to be vital against the Big Dragons forwards.

Cobras raced into an early lead through Player of the Match Tom Burns who had an awesome game, by far his best this season and with Ryan Farrell using his pace and listening to his Coach’s instructions, attacked the blind side to go round a Dragons player untouched in the corner. The Dragons replied through a well executed dummy that opened up the strong Cobra’s defense. With last set being called the Cobras made their way down the pitch with fine runs from Joe Kohe-Love who shrugged off the biggest Atherton forward as if it was a small fly and with another great run by Most Improved Player Marshall Jones the Dragons defense was stretched, with a couple of drives setting up a great position for a quick play of the ball and with the Dragons defense being sucked in it was Tyler Roberts who used his pace and handed off an Atherton player and go over to score. The Cobras then held the Dragons out till half time.

HT: 3-1 Cobras

With the introduction of Ben Lomax who started off the bench as he wasn’t too good it was the first run of the game that produced a try and it went to the ‘Not Well’ Ben Lomax who ran round and through the Dragons defense that were still sleeping. With the Cobras defense holding strong it was a try by Luke Little who ignored the Coach’s advise to go the opposite way to score and with Ben Lomax scoring another try before going off after a fine cameo appearance which left the Cobras in the lead 6-1.

The Dragons then got frustrated and with some tackling that was straight out of a Adrian Morley’s handbook on ‘How to Upset Your Opponents’ the game got a bit scrappy but the call went out to be stronger and harder in defense and that’s exactly what a few of the Cobras did most noticeable was when Luke Little lined up a massive hit on a Dragons player this was followed with two solid tackles from Dean Beddall and Tyler Roberts, but now an over enthusiastic defense moved in to quickly leaving a gap for the Dragons to go over.

With the Cobras determined to score more tries it was hard work by Joshua Hobden and Top Tackler Alex Burns who set up a good field position for Luke Little to run one way and then the other sucking in the Dragons defense only to off load to the ever supporting Tyler Roberts to reap the rewards by going round one player with a great side step to go over for the try of the match. With the game coming to a close the Cobras found themselves 10 meters from the try line and with a runner lined up the Dragons where determined to keep him out but Tyler Roberts had other ideas and scooted down the line to complete his hat-trick and the scoring for the day.

FT: 8-2 Cobras

Team:

Luke (1), Joshua, Tom (1), Alex, Ben (2), Dean, Marshall, Tyler (3), Joe, Ryan (1).

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With the restart to the fixtures we travelled the short distance to Culcheth Eagles with only 10 players and then lost another before KO.

The Cobras took a few minutes to settle in to the usual routine by which time one of our own players Ryan Farrell who was on the eagles’ side for the first half used his pace and went over in the corner. The Cobras then woke up and sprung into life with Dean Beddall leading the team with strong runs all day and was rewarded for his efforts with a length of the pitch try. A couple of well worked moves lead to Luke x 2 and Joe going over. Before Tyler went racing over before the break for a try.

 HT 2-5 Cobras. 

With Ryan back on the Cobras side it was Joshua Hobden’s turn to play on the Eagles side and made some great strong runs against his team mates, but the Cobras who was now playing with a player down some how managed to keep the Eagles at bay with some excellent tackling from Dean, Tyler and Luke. The boys then ran in several tries and the ball was passed around and was a great sight to see with Ben Lomax and Tyler Roberts finishing of some good moves and a couple of individual efforts by Joe Kohe-Love, Ben Lomax and Luke Little who completed his hat-trick for the day with Ryan scoring again but this time for the Cobras. 

The spirit of the game was great and just so the Eagles got on the score sheet in the second half and finished the game on a high they were allowed a quick scoot 5 yards out and that was the final action of the game.

FT 3-11

Team:

Luke (3), Tom, Ben(2), Dean(1), Marshall, Tyler(2), Joe(2), Ryan(1), Joshua

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Today we entertained an unbeaten Halton side that have never lost in 18 months and they showed why that is the case.

This game had it all strong running, great tackling, well deserved tries and very good skill level all played at a tremendous pace and not forgetting the most pleasing sight, the players smiling faces at the end.

The first half was end to end and was played with very few errors which is credit to both teams and their coaching staff. With tries being exchanged and the score 2-2 Halton stepped up their efforts in defence and held out the Cobras on numerous occasions before grabbing a couple of well deserved tries before the break with some strong direct running to go in at half time 2-4 in front.

The second half was another bruising encounter for both sides but the kids just took it on the chin and were all smiling throughout the game. Tries were again exchanged before Halton took advantage of the now tiring Cobras defence to stretch their lead even further. The Cobras started to passed the ball and off loading in the tackle which was brilliant to see at this age group to try and get back in the game but all credit must go to Halton who stood firm with a solid defence.                                                                                                                                                                        

The Cobras never gave in all game and gave as good as they got in what was a excellent match to finish off the first half of the fixtures. Even though the score line went in favour of Halton, everyone can be proud of the display BOTH teams put on and both sets of coaches should be proud of their players effort and skill level that was on display. The Cobras can take a lot out of the game especially the passing and off loading which made the Halton defence work overtime.

Both sets of players were deservedly applauded for a fine display of Under 8’s rugby league by both sets of supporters.

Tries: Luke Little (3), Tyler Roberts (1)

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Captain for the day was Sam Belton who won the toss and decided to attack first.

The Cobras were once again on the field by themselves with Luke Little calling the runners for the first half. With some big hit ups by Dean Beddall and Sam Belton and some excellent running by Marshall Jones and Ben Lomax the Cobras were soon on top with tries from Dean Beddall (2) and Joe Kohe-Love and Ben Lomax but Langworthy hit back and it was through a Crosfields Player Tyler Roberts who was playing for the opposition and broke the tackle on halfway and then out paced the covering defence to dive over in the corner.

Crosfields came close on several occasions but was stopped by the Langworthy defence due to the help of Tyler Roberts who gave his all against his own Team Mates.

Langworthey scored a further try before the break by scooting on the last and managing to put the ball down over the line.

 HT: 16-8 Cobras

With Tyler back on with his team mates and the Coach on to direct the team the Cobras looked determined in the cold rain and wind to maintain their winning run.

Joshua Hobden impressed again and had some good runs and put some good tackles in along with Tom Burns and the ever reliable Luke Little. The Cobras stepped up their efforts with some good tries by Ben Lomax completing his hat-trick with a second half brace and with Joel Lynch showing a great turn of speed to go over, But it was the try by Joe Kohe-Love that was the eye catcher with Dean Beddall being instructed to pass the ball to the supporting player if he broke the line and that is what he did showing great team work as he could have had his hat-trick but passed the ball to the supporting Ben Lomax who at this point was on for his hat-trick try as well, but he turned and passed to the supporting Joe Kohe-Love to score. Great team work and support play.

With the defence holding tight due to fine efforts by Tyler Roberts and Luke Little the Cobras managed to maintain their winning run

TRIES: Ben(3),Dean (2) and Joe K-L(2) ,Tyler (1), Joel (1)

With Tyler back on with his team mates and the Coach on to direct the team the Cobras looked determined in the cold rain and wind to maintain their winning run.

 Joshua Hobden impressed again and had some good runs and put some good tackles in along with Tom Burns and the ever reliable Luke Little. The Cobras stepped up their efforts with some good tries by Ben Lomax completing his hat-trick with a second half brace and with Joel Lynch showing a great turn of speed to go over, But it was the try by Joe Kohe-Love that was the eye catcher with Dean Beddall being instructed to pass the ball to the supporting player if he broke the line and that is what he did showing great team work as he could have had his hat-trick but passed the ball to the supporting Ben Lomax who at this point was on for his hat-trick try as well, but he turned and passed to the supporting Joe Kohe-Love to score. Great team work and support play.

With the defence holding tight due to fine efforts by Tyler Roberts and Luke Little the Cobras managed to maintain their winning run

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