RUGBY-mad youngsters who come of age are stopped in their prime when friends get snapped up by professional clubs.

Three boys from Leyland Warriors were signed up by Swinton Rugby League Club at the end of the season, leaving a lack of teens in Leyland for league games.

Now the Warriors are fighting to keep local talent on home ground and are appealing for teens to come forward.

Grant Jackson's game was cut short when he turned 16 after four faithful years with the Warriors. He won many player of the month honours and scooped Clubman of the Year, but had nowhere to play when the 1996 season ended.

Leyland lad Grant, who studies sport at Runshaw College, said: "We had a good team atmosphere. We got stuck into the game and if we lost, we didn't feel defeated but found ways to improve. We'd learn a lot from the other teams we played against."

He added: "I'm quite proud of my trophies and I'd love to continue playing in league games. I train at Bamber Bridge but I miss the excitement of competing."

Doreen Baron, press officer for the Warriors, said: "We've got a lot of talent here. We shouldn't leave them high and dry or let them drift elsewhere but help them compete close to home."

There are half a dozen older lads desperate for other teens to join them. For details contact Ian Baron on 496178.

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