By Andy Lawton
Southport Rugby Club Senior Colts travelled to Gordon Street the home of Eccles RFC to play Davenport RFC in the Halbro North West Plate Under 18 Final.
This was the first meeting between the two clubs and was eagerly anticipated; with the rain pouring down, defences were on top in the early stages of the game and some great tackling by Sam Cockwill, Joe McAdam and Zak Day-Johnson in the middle kept the game scoreless.
Southport thought they had broken the deadlock when Jake Lawton’s pass put Ed Sinclair through a gap, only for the referee to rule a forward pass.
However, Sinclair was to not be denied as minutes later, yet another flowing backs move allowed a pass for Sinclair to break the defensive line and just beat the covering tackle to open the scoring.
Half time: Davenport 0 – 5 Southport
Attacking and direct start to the second half that saw Southport camped out on line of their opponents that resulted in Lewis Fusco going over from close range. Ollie Benford converted, extending the lead for Southport to 0 – 12.
The conditions continue to worsen, and not for the first time this season, the resilient defence of Southport was called into action; with Jamie Brown and Ollie Benford covering a significant number of high balls in the tough conditions and returning kicks superbly to push Davenport back into their own half.
A high amount of penalties going against Southport allowed Davenport to gain a high amount of possession in the Southport that resulted in Davenport scoring a well deserved try. Davenport 5 – 12 Southport.
Nerves were getting to Southport, however they managed to hang on to see victory and lift the Halbro North West U18 Plate.
Full Time: Davenport 5 – 12 Southport
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