Warriors pull off a smart Tiger feat

Last season, Widnes Tigers did the double over Leyland, and having scored late in the game to snatch an away draw earlier this season, Warriors claimed a well-earned 26-12 win in the North West Men's League Division Two.
Warriors Under-11s (red and black) on the front footWarriors Under-11s (red and black) on the front foot
Warriors Under-11s (red and black) on the front foot

They got off to a flying start when Tommy Gallagher smashed through the Tigers defence on his own 30-metre line, drew the full-back and passed to the supporting Leon Fifield, who crossed before converting his own try.

Widnes tightened up their defence and it took around 20 minutes for Leyland to gain control of the middle of the pitch, with some superb tackling from Sam Biggs and Rob Lonsdale.

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Gaining good field position, a good shift to the right saw the ball hit Callum Brown on a short lead run, and his inside line saw him spin out of the tackle to score. Fifield made it 12-0.

A soft penalty from Warriors presented Widnes with a good opportunity and, against the run of play, the visitors were on the board as their full-back squeezed over.

Dan Horridge’s runs from dummy-half were causing the Tigers to scramble in defence. This created space on the flanks, and smart hands made an overlap on the left, and Fifield went in for his second try, which he again converted.

When a deep clearing kick from Widnes was fumbled by Warriors, the visitors’ winger was rewarded for his kick chase with a try.

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A great kick return from Andy Robinson got Leyland on the front foot in transition, and several offloads and quick play-the-balls later, another great shift involving both half-backs, Dan and Stewart McLean, saw Fifield finish an excellent 95-metre set to claim his hat-trick, to make it 22-12.

In the second half, Warriors backed up a strong attacking set by forcing an error in the Widnes half.

From the resultant scrum, a well-worked spread play saw the ball go through five pairs of hands as Robinson fed Adam Bee, who flew in at the corner for the only score in a physical second half .

Leyland are next in action at Manchester Rangers, while the Division Five team host Liverpool Lions.

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Warriors Under-13s continued their dominant form, remaining unbeaten in the league as they ran out 52-4 winners over Wigan St Judes.

The tries were scored by Nicky Murphy (2), Will Hague (2), Matthew Parkinson (2), George Glover, Cameron Harris, Harrison Smith and Matthew Farrell.

Leyland Under-12s made the trip to Chorley Panthers’ summer festival, playing Orrell St James, Blackbrook Blues and the hosts in a round-robin format. Similarly, the Under-11s travelled to St Helens to a summer festival at Portico Panthers, playing against the hosts, Woolston Rovers and Shevington Sharks.

Warriors Under-8s lost 40-24 at home to Thatto Heath Crusaders, with tries from Edward Hailwood (2), Pius Whatton, Callum Swinhoe, Tom Cooper and Harry Ridding.

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