The Lancashire Blacksticks Blue Cup and Bowl Finals at Fylde RUFC had as usual been eagerly awaited and prepared for , and for the third finals weekend on the run the weather was on our side and everything was set fair for a great days Rugby.
Lancashire Committee members Ken Andrews, Carol Baker and Brian Stott were in attendance as well as President Tim Stirk, and from the Juniors Kate Bennetta, Gary Ackerley and Ian Spivey, to watch 13 different clubs play in the 7 matches, and all were impressed with the skill levels, dedication and sportsmanship on display.
11 AM
U13s Cup
Aldwinians 15-12 Preston Grasshoppers
U13s Bowl
Ormskirk 5-32 Fleetwood
12.15PM
U14s Cup
Waterloo 8-5 Warrington
U14s Bowl
West Park 5-30 Littleborough
1.30 PM
U15s Cup
Southport 12-13 Liverpool Collegiate
14.45 PM
U16s Cup
Liverpool Collegiate 7-18 Warrington
U16s Bowl
Heaton Moor 50-17 Trafford MV
The Cup Finals were as expected nail biting affairs, with the first three going right down to the wire. Holders Waterloo U14s retained their Cup this time v Warrington, but Congratulations must go to all teams in playing their part in some fantastic Rugby games and developing their skills for the future.
The Bowl Finals were played in three age groups this year, one up from last year, showing the growing numbers of teams participating in the Blacksticks Blue Competition. More open games are normally the order of the day in the Bowl and this year did not disappoint, with Fleetwood, Littleborough and Heaton Moor winning through despite the determined and good Rugby from Ormskirk, West Park and Trafford MV respectively.
Mrs Hughes represented the Hughes family in awarding the Vinny Hughes Player of the Match trophies to U16s Cameron Roberts from Warrington and Oliver Reynolds from Heaton Moor U16s, congratulations boys.
The Junior Committee are most grateful to Butlers Blacksticks Blue Cheeses for their support and to our Hosts Fylde who ran the day very smoothly, as ever we are indebted to the Referees for their excellent adjudication. We would further extend our thanks to all involved from all of the 109 teams that entered the competition for all the hard work you put in, and we hope the competition can continue to expand next year with your help.