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Wath Brow Hornets’ excellent run in the Challenge cup
came to an end on Sunday when they clashed with Swinton Lions at
Whitehaven’s Recreation Ground. Fielding five players under 21
Speaking at the post match reception, club secretary Martin Brough told us "every game is a challenge, and playing against a professional outfit was always going to be a steep learning curve for such a young side. It was a game of two halves, but we can look back with pride." Currently riding high in Division One of the National Conference the Hornets have a proud history in cup competitions, holding the record for scoring the maximum number of points against a professional side four years ago when they took on premier league outfit, London Broncos. There were plenty of contenders for man of the match which was claimed by Hornets’ only ex-pro, Dave Pettitt, who in a magnificent team performance was outstanding. And that performance could give the Hornets the confidence to go all the way as they take on Wigan’s Ince Road Bridge in the semi-final of the National Amateur Cup. After dispatching strong Halifax team Thornhill Trojans in the last round the club now have the belief that they can go on and win it. Diversity is also proving to be key to much of the clubs popularity and continued success, that can boast youth teams from U8s up to U18s, a football team, a ladies rugby team (the wild cats), teams for junior girls and a thriving netball team. "The women play a vital role and make sure that we get the jobs done" Martin declared. Mike McKenzie's photo captures the determination of Man of the Match, Dave Pettitt. Wath Brow Hornets March On to Finals by Martin Brough Wath Brow Hornets are through to the final of the BARLA
National Cup, having held off a stern challenge from Ince Rose Bridge in the
semi-final. With the heavy rain the game was never going to be played at a
hundred miles a hour but from the kick ok the Brow took the game to Ince and
put them under instant pressure with Gary Elliott Mickey McAllister and Mark
Troughton bursting their way in to the visitors' defence only to be denied a
score. From the turn the Brow put the visitors under pressure in
their own 40 for much of the time, Pettitt gave a wide ball out to King who
slipped the ball to Lopez who somehow squeezed his way over the white wash
to restore the home sides lead on 11 minutes. On the 23 minute a Francis
King break down the wing resulted in a great try when he unloaded the ball
from a back pass to the supporting Johnstone who touched down in the corner
to extend the Brow's lead to 14 - 6. Ince fought back fiercely as tired
bodies littered the field, and their Man of the Match, Tom Baker, made a
great break
Mike Mckenzie's great action shots show Gavin's first half try and Mickey McAllister making a ferocious charge at the Ince defence.
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and eight under the age
of 25 it was the Brows young guns who took the game to their more
illustrious opponents. In a ferocious first half assault, they shocked their
professionals by building up 14 - 4 lead. Unfortunately they had left too
little in the tank to match Swinton’s much bigger and more experienced pack
in the second half and the visitors eventually ran out victors, 40points to
14.
Then on 24 minutes
Gavin Curwen came into the line and burst through the would be defenders to
give the Brow a well deserved lead with a try for Johnstone to covert. On 39
minutes the visitors broke the Brow defence with that man Tony Baker inching
his way throw several tacklers to touch down under the posts, Danny Rigby
converted to level the scores on half time.
before
releasing Wayne Leyland who touched down for a try which Danny Rigby
converted, but time had ran out for the visitors as 14 - 12 was to be the
final score of the afternoon for a game that would have been a fantastic
final for all to see.