Solid showing from East’s Youth in cup (From Leigh Journal)

Solid showing from East’s Youth in cup

10:20am Friday 15th February 2013 in Sport

Leigh East u18 40 Newsome Panthers u18 0

LEIGH East’s under 18s progressed in the XAMAX BARLA National Youth Cup with a solid victory against a spirited Newsome Panthers side.

East started the season sloppily, with lots of handling errors.

Far too many times East attempted to spread the ball wide without having done the necessary groundwork first.

The introduction of captain Nicky Ratcliffe and Brad Roden from the bench gave the boost the team needed and they built a 10-0 lead at half time.

The second half seemed to bring more focus from the team and it paid dividends.

Try scorers were Brad Rodan, two, Josh Adudwamaa, Daniel Grainey, Mike Darbyshire, Andy Ball and Nicky Ratcliffe. Goals were kicked by Tom Worthington, three, and Andy Ball, three.

They will meet Thatto Heath B at home in the second round on February 24, when the under 16s - who were awarded a walkover due to Shevington Sharks not being unable to raise a team – will host Upton or East Hull.

Leigh East u14 10 Oldham St Annes u14 38

THE under 14s started off their 2013 campaign with a National Cup home defeat to Premier Division side Oldham St Annes.

East started strongest, building pressure in the first set and scoring in the second with a neat kick finished off in the corner by Josh Grimes.

Oldham regrouped and went on to score five tries before half time.

The second half was much better from East but Oldham capitalised on a couple of basic errors.

James Hall converted his own try to complete East’s scoring.

Leigh East Ladies 18 Whinmoor Ladies 4

LEIGH East ground out a victory in a game full of controversy played on a mud-bath pitch.