Under 14s – Alliance Pitch – 10.30am – Staff Bar 11.30 – 12.45

Under 13s – Conference Pitch – 11.45am – Staff Bar 12.45 – 2pm

Under 11s – Mod Pitch – 10.30am

Under 10s – Mod Pitch – 11.15am

Crosfields entertained Cumbrian side Egremont Rangers in their first game of the National Conference Season.

Egremont began the game brightly with two good attacks on the Crosfields line

Within the first five minutes after defending well a knock on from Crosfields

within thirty metres of their own line gave Egremont possession and the chance

was turned into a try by hooker Leak converted by Ergremont man of the match loose forward Brocklebank

On twenty two minuets Crosfields opened their National Conference account with an

unconverted try from senior player Chris Newall.

Soap quickly started to hit the straps and two trys in quick succession from youngster Matt Thomas and half Richard Hough and a further converted try by the Cumbrians left the half time score finely balanced at     14-12

The first ten minutes of the second half was all Egremont with two quick try before Johnson opened the second half scoring for Soap converted by Matthew Thomas.

Barber scored what looked like the game breaker try after a strong drive down the right hand side again converted by Thomas and a try from Burgess also converted by Thomas left the score with nine minutes on the clock at 32-32.

With the game poised at 32-32 with eight minutes to go a sidestep from Egremont half Corkill opened up the Crosfields defence converted by Brocklebank and a final from Crekin meant the Cumbrians travelled back up the M6 with the spoils.

Crosfields

Pennington, Thomas, Linaker, Burgess, Ian Boden, Hough, Bannon, Lowe, Johnson, Inman, Pitt, Barber, Mahoney, Dave Boden, Newall, Tieboult,Tahraani

11.45am – Under 16s – Conference Pitch – Bar 12.45 – 2pm

Please remember to let terry know your numbers

On Saturday the 18th of September Crosfields ARLFC and the Military community are celebrating the life of a true hero, a soldier, a rugby league player, a son, brother and friend. Tom Sephton was 20 and a soldier in the 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), he came from Great Sankey in Warrington and he lived for his rugby league. On Monday 5 July 2010, Private Thomas Sephton died in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, of wounds sustained during service in Afghanistan.

A Crosfields ARLFC Select team will host a Royal Engineer RL Select team in 80 minutes of Rugby League in memory of Private Tom Sephton. The Tom Sephton Memorial Trophy will be played for in aid of Help for Heroes, and will kick off at 3:00pm at Crosfields ARLFC’s Hood Lane ground in Great Sankey Warrington.

Along with the memorial match the event will also stage military displays, vehicles and stands including a 60 foot long inflatable assault course with 5 different sections to fight through, a paintball shooting range with real military targets, and archery for all the budding Robin Hoods out there, and much more.

An application for a fly past by the RAF’s Red Arrows display team has been made (They are taking part in the Southport Air Show – 20 miles away – on the same day and this is their only commitment ) – as this article is written their fly past is still subject to confirmation, but hopefully more details will follow.

The Hood Lane ground will be open at 12 noon and entrance is completely FREE! The Crosfields ARLFC clubhouse will be open with food and drink available to everyone.

Dignitaries from the Rugby Football League, Members of the House of Lords, The Members of parliament for Warrington, The Mayor of Warrington, Local Councillors and the Military have all given notice of their intention to attend.

The event will also supported in the media and attended and covered by the BBC , Granada Reports, Sky Sports TV and local radio and Newspapers and the Rugby League press.

Toms Parents, Angela Horn and Ian Sephton will present two awards on the day, firstly, the winning team will receive the Tom Sephton Memorial Cup, and secondly the team will be presented with the Tom Sephton Memorial Trophy – A figure of a Soldier and Mortar – Donated by the Mortar Platoon 1 MERCIAN. Which will remain in the Crosfields ARLFC Clubhouse.

It is envisaged that this trophy will be played for annually between an Armed Forces Rugby League Team and a Crosfields ARLFC Select.

Rugby Football League and Military dignitaries will also present medals to both teams and then make a special presentation to the match officials.

I first met Tom when he was a 13 year old lad trying to make his way on the rugby pitch. Tom was never going to be the biggest lad, so he made his game revolve around his natural pace. A county level sprinter, he could be seen burning down the wing with the ball tucked safely under his arm.

He was a key and influential part of the 2006 U 16’s squad that swept all before them winning the league championship and making the national cup semi-final, losing only 3 games that year. He was never one to shy away from a situation, and put his body on the line for the team. He tackled well above his weight, and had an ability that cannot be coached, in that he had “situational awareness”, usually making the right choice when the game got tough.

Tom would do anything asked of him by and for coaches and teammates, indeed was ready to do extras at any time.It was a privilege to be involved with such a man. Tom was a pleasure to be with on and off the pitch, a young man of honor with a rye sense of humor and a sharp wit, a man with a courage that belied his stature and loyalty beyond measure.  

Tom gave his life to save his friend in battle. No greater sacrifice can be given by any man. No words will soften the blow to his family and friends or indeed his extended family at Crosfields ARLFC, he will be missed by all who knew him.

 The following are tributes paid to Tom from members of his unit.

Pte Charles Emina, 1 MERCIAN, said:

“Sefo was my closest friend in the world; we were like brothers. He was always the life and soul wherever he went. He loved his friends and family more than anything. He was always first out of the gate on patrol and had pride doing his job for his Country. He saved the lives of his section on two occasions and on that tragic day he saved my life and gave his own.
“He is a true hero to his friends, family and his country and as a Nation we owe him a debt of gratitude. I love him with all my heart and I will be lost without him. All my love goes to him and his family while he rests in Peace.”

 Warrant Officer Class 2 Paul Morley, Mortar Platoon Second in Command, on behalf of the Mortar Platoon, 1 MERCIAN, said:

“Tom Sephton joined the Mortar Platoon in January 2009. He immediately became part of the team and was very popular with everyone. He rose to the challenge of being a mortarman with glowing enthusiasm and a permanent smile. He was a true professional and dedicated to both his work and his friends.
“A keen sportsman, he represented his Company at rugby, subsequently playing a key role within Support Company’s trophy winning effort. At times he left a few Battalion rugby players a little red faced and more than surprised with his pace and skill.
“With his sparkling character he made socialising look easy and loved spending time with his friends ensuring a few ‘quiet’ drinks were never dull with Tom around.
“He was an excellent soldier and an even finer friend who met every challenge with vigour and a smile. He will be sadly missed but affectionately remembered by all that knew him. Rest in Peace.”

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.

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.

Crosfield faced their last challenge as under 11′s and they looked up for the battle as the sun shone down.  With a slightly late kick off the game got underway with both teams running the ball in hard.

First on the charge was Josh Little and Callum Southern both looking in good form to make plenty of yards for the team.  With the ball changing pocession Danny Robb was to be denied twice in the left corner with last ditch tackles after great centre play from the unselfish Ben Dixon.  The teams were deadlocked after ten minutes and looked in for a tough battle.

On the next set good running from Sam Martin and players player James Kenny pushed the team forward.  Quick play the ball allowed Callum Talbot to release Alex Tinsley out wide to scorch in for the first score.  With the ball Mayfield ran hard but Kyle brown and Thomas Davis were standing strong.

On the next good running from the impressive Lloyd Halpin and Daniel James couldn’t find the gap and even with Joe Hands pulling the strings at  dummy half the visitors were able to score and level the game.

HT6-6

The second half began with Ben Dixon and Alex Tinsley driving forward and causing problems.  On the next quick hands from Joe Hands released Thomas Davis to cross and score a well worked try.  The game now began to stretch with the heat.  More good defence from top tackler Josh Little and Sam Martin kept Mayfield at bay.

The game was tight and Callum Southern backed by Kyle Brown made yards and then James Kenny bustled onto a bay to score a fantastic barge try with three defenders on his back.  More great cover defence from Daniel James and Llloyd Haplin one on one kept the scores the same.

With the game still in the balance the next try would be vital.  George brailey and Danny Robb ran in hard and then man of the match Callum Talbot spotted a gap and placed a wonderful grubber to the right corner for Lloyd Halpin to score and seal the win.

Today was a great game against two good teams which will teach the TEAM how to handle the hot weather and play for the whole game time.

FT22-10