Lancashire U14 Cup Final

SEDGLEY PARK 7 PRESTON GH 15

SEDGLEY were just three minutes away from winning the Lancashire Cup against a multi-talented Grasshoppers side. Park were leading 7-5 when Preston took a scrum against the head and scored wide out on the right.

Sedgley began nervously, kicking away possession, and kicking poorly into the wind, too.

The tackling was first class, however, and for all their possession Hoppers failed to score.

Gradually Sedgley settled, though Preston continued to have the better of play.

Full-back Jonty Poward saved a certain try with a great tackle, then a penalty attempt fell just short and, somehow, Sedgley scrambled the ball away into touch.

Just as it seemed that Sedgley might reach the safety of half-time, a kick and chase caught them outnumbered inside their own 22, and accurate handling resulted in a try in the left corner.

Sedgley were pressing at the end of a thrilling and skilful first half, but turned round 0-5 down.

The second half opened with Hoppers on the attack again.

It seemed inevitable they would score, but Sedgley's tackling inspired by Chris Newman, Stefan Pritchard and Ross Watson bordered on the fanatical; great team-spirit from these young players!

The game swung dramatically when a would-be attacking kick by Preston fell into the hands of Jonathan Sheppard.

The Sedgley centre took the ball on his own 22, broke the initial tackle and powered his way for a 70 metre try which Sam Lillie converted.

With a two point lead Sedgley defended even more desperately, but problems in the scrum led to a couple of free kicks and the strike against the head that resulted in the winning try. Hoppers then scored again as Sedgley tried to run the ball from deep.