Panthers' late clincher

Huddersfield Daily Examiner (Huddersfield, England), July 4, 2009

Under 8 Keighley Albion 24 Newsome Panthers 28 NEWSOME travelled to Keighley for a curtain-raiser match and they began well, with a try in their first set of six.

They kept up their early dominance and strong defence pushed Keighley into touch. When they regained possession, Newsome increased their advantage.

Keighley fought back after this and matched Newsome try for try.

Poor Newsome defence was exploited and at the break, Newsome had just a one-try advantage at 20-16.

Tries were scored by Billy Denton, David Lee (2), Kian Brook and Joe Hughes.

The second half continued in the same vein with the teams battling for supremacy.

Great teamwork and passing led to some great scoring opportunities for Newsome with Joe Hughes running a great ball out wide after the team had channelled it across the pitch.

Unfortunately Newsome's defence was found lacking and Keighley managed to run the ball through for a try.

Newsome then had a try disallowed when Henry Barton battled over the line, but was deemed to have dropped the ball rather than place it.

But, Newsome showed great determination to bounce back.

Strong tackling won back possession and a series of clever offloads led to another try by Joe Hughes.

Man of the Match went to Kian Brook for some strong drives and good all round performance.

Grafter was given to Billy Denton who took control on the pitch and led the team to some strong attacking sets.

Biggest hit award went to Henry Barton, who yet again got stuck into the opposition, bringing down some of the larger players on the team. Under 9 Wyke 10 Newsome Panthers 54 Panthers were asked to help Wyke entertain at their Festival Day and played on a lovely, sunny Saturday morning.

The Newsome boys scored three tries - through Kyle Bradley, William Rogers and Jasper McGuire - and added two conversions before the hosts got on the scoresheet.

McGuire added his second on 12 minutes to make it 20-6 at the break.

The second period started in identical pattern to the first with Bradley going over for his second try.

Wyke replied almost immediately for their last points of the day but all credit to the Bradford boys who never stopped trying.

Connor Boylan went over for the first of his brace, quickly followed by McGuire's third following good play by Jack Grundy.

McGuire's fourth try came after a super break from Connor Boylan and a lovely pass which fooled the defence.

Jack Grundy and Connor Boylan still had time to add two more converted tries before the final whistle.Thomas Nuttall and Thomas Spiliotis had good debuts and slotted in well in what was an excellent defensive game from the Newsome team with every player doing their share of tackling.

Connor Boylan was top tackler with 14, one of which managed to turn a Wyke player on his back over the try line.

Try scorers were Jasper McGuire 4, Kyle Bradley 2, Connor Boylan 2, William Rogers and Jack Grundy. Goals were added by Thomas Nuttall, Callum Moorhouse, William Rogers, Jack Grundy, Jasper McGuire, Seth Mellor and Conor Boylan.

Man of the Match was awarded to McGuire and Grafter went to Boylan.

CAPTION(S):

YOUNG STARS: Newsome Under 8 at Keighley with coaches Dominic Newton ( left) and Jo Davies