Westhoughton Lions U8s 20

To a man, the Lions U8s and their coach are Wigan Warriors supporters and were desperately disappointed about their heroes' inauspicious exit from the Rugby League Challenge Cup on Saturday. So, like all good young warriors, they were determined to keep 2001 Cup hopes alive by doing the business themselves.

A later kick-off had been arranged for the match as the weather forecasters had predicted on Friday that freezing overnight temperatures would be followed by a morning thaw. However, following the mildest night of the year so far, this pride of Lions arrived at Woolston (Warrington) to find sodden pitches, which, elsewhere, would see matches cancelled. So much for the weather forecast!

The playing area which was marked out was significantly smaller than the Lions were used to, meaning that free running players like Top Tackler, Matthew Crow and Most Improved Player, Matthew Veal were less able to find the try line than usual. Woolston were a well drilled, hard tackling side which meant that the only way through their defensive line was by brute strength, controlled aggression and determination. Man of the Match, Alex Davidson proved that he possessed these qualities in abundance and breached the Rovers line for four tries (though 'controlled' might be a slight overstatement).

Danny Parkinson almost scored with a run from dummy half but was held up close to the Rovers' line. Osian Griffiths was awarded Golden Moment for the way he resolutely tackled opponents who were literally twice his size while both Peter Wright and Thomas Richardson showed more determination in attack. Against less able tackling sides they would almost certainly have scored.

Once again, however, the Lions' kicking was in danger of letting them down as only two of the four tries were converted: one each from Matthew Veal and Chris Taylor.

The Rovers scored two good tries, both of which were converted, but this was insufficient, in the time allowed, to let them progress further. The Lions are now through to the Quarter Finals of the Cup, guaranteeing them end of season medals. On their current form, who knows, they might even go all the way!

Leigh Miners Rangers U11s 28

Westhoughton Lions U11s 6

The Lions U11s met a competent and experienced team from Leigh MR. Although both sides defended well, the Lions only managed to breach the Leigh try line once as Stephen Kenny forced his way over. Man of the Match was Alex Leigh, Top Tackler was Jonathon Evans, Most Improved Player was Keiron Farrell while Stephen Kenny was Golden Moment winner.

Also on Sunday, the Lions U9s were due to meet Wigan St Cuthberts and the U12s had been drawn against Latchford. Both matches were postponed as the Westhoughton pitches were judged to be unplayable. These Cup fixtures will take place at the earliest available opportunity.