HAYDOCK’s Year 9s were crowned North West Champions following a 28-20 win over St Peters from Orrell.
The game started cagily with very little to separate the two teams but as the first half continued Haydock gained the upper hand and converted pressure into well-earned points.
They lead 22-0 but undeterred, St Peters fought back to leave Haydock with a lead of 18 points.
After oranges, St Peters began the brighter and started to pile on the pressure.
With little possession Haydock found themselves defending for large periods of time and eventually concede a few quick tries to leave the game at 22-20.
But with time dwindling away Haydock found a new release of energy and began to complete full sets and progress into St Peters’ 20.
Their opposition defended well but gave away a penalty to the left of the posts which Haydock duly converted.
With a four point cushion Haydock seemed to relax and play some attractive rugby – rewarded with a four pointer in the corner to leave 28-20 to the good with only two minutes to play.
And they duly defended those minutes to be crowned North West Champions!
The North West Champion Schools Finals were held on Saturday January 24 when the best two teams from across Widnes, Warrington, Wigan and St Helens fought it out to be crowned as champions.
