PUBLISHED 30 March 2023
AKS U16s continued their unbeaten run this season, with a gritty win over Wade Deacon in the Lancashire Cup Final.
AKS started the game with the wind at their backs and soon put it to their advantage, with Toby C pinning Wade Deacon in their 22. This along with Sam Lo causing problems for the defensive line out, put pressure on Wade Deacon and allowed AKS to gain possession deep in their half. With ball in hand, AKS got through their phases, which saw strong running from Leo and Finn up front, allowing Sam Li and Tommy to hit attacking lines through the centres. The pressure was eventually turned into points as Lucas crashed through the defensive line to be brought down to the left of the post and Ben to scoop the ball up and dart over the line for the first score of the game. Converted by Toby C to make the score 7-0.
AKS continued to pressure Wade Deacon through territory, and as they cleared their lines this gave the back line space to attack with great hands to release William down the left wing for a cantillation finish in the corner, converted by Toby C, bringing the score to 14.0.
In the latter stages of the first half Wade Deacon, found space in the AKS defence and with AKS giving away a string of penalties for offside, Wade Deacon were quick to capitalise scoring in the right-hand corner. This brought the score to 14.5 at halftime.
At the start of the second half, Wade Deacon started the stronger of the two sides, and it was AKS’s turn to battle out of their 22 and into the wind. Five minutes into the half Wade Deacon found space on the left after a number of quick phases to bring the score to 14.10.
From the kick-off, AKS gathered the ball through Finn and released Josh to power down the wing, putting ask in the Wade Deacon 22. This start of a period of pressure on the Wadr Deacon team, as AKS continued to challenge their defence with strong running from Jasper and Jack. Both sides continued to jostle for territory AKS had a lineout on the Wade Deacon 10 meter line, with Sam Lo dominating the air, the pack then drove ten meters down the pitch and won a penalty for their efforts. Toby kicked into the corner and AKS set off again driving the ball over the Wade Deacon try line only to be deemed help up by the referee. From the resulting drop out AKS launched their attack and in a desperate attempt to stop it Wade Deacon gave away a penalty just outside the 22 meter line. Captain Toby stepped up to kick the penalty to put AKS seven points ahead.
In the final stages of the game Wade Deacon continued to attack AKS with strong direct running and despite fierce tackling from Stan and Jasper, Wade Deacon were able to score again to bring the score to 17.15 with all to play for in the final 6 minutes.
From the kick-off AKS found themselves under pressure again, but with a steely determination the defence stood resolute, and with the final play of the game Toby kicked the ball off the pitch to seal the victory.
In a fantastic squad performance, it is always difficult to select a player of the match, but Player of the Match goes to Stan M for his courageous tackling in defence and tireless work rate.
Report by Mr A R Holmes