Semi Final Wirral Junior Floodlit Trophy

Team Sheet: 1. Aaron Jones, 2. Mike Smith, 3. Steve Patten, 4. Tom Kay, 5. Simon Simcox, 6. Niall Moroney, 7. Andy Wall, 8. Louis Williams, 9. Elliot Cox, 10. Daz Parker, 11. JUamie Barlow, 12. Joe Cardus, 13. Adam Pitt, 14. Aaron Griffiths, 12. Richard Dean.

There was a good attendance at this semi final of the Junior Wirral Floodlit Trophy giving an enthusiastic support for both teams and they were well rewarded with an entertaining free flowing game. Here was a classic case of a side with the stronger forwards against a side with the stronger backs. New Brighton, with Joe Cardus, Adam Pitt and Daz Parker prominent, had power and pace in the backs, and wings Jamie Barlow and Aaron Griffiths grabbed their chances in collecting four of the total of five tries between them. Fly half Daz Parker claiming the other. The 16 year old referee, Euean Tully, displayed impressive authority and maturity as well as technical expertise and must be congratulated on his handling of the game.

The Ellesmere Port forwards asserted themselves as the game progressed and with a supply of quick ball severely restricted New Brighton did not did not overwhelm their visitors as expected in the second half, despite having the advantage of a stiff breeze at their backs.

Joe Cardus caught the ball from the kick off and immediately set the tone with a powerful burst which took play deep into the Ellesmere Port half. A tap penalty for the home side a minute later saw Cardus again with the ball making ground to offload in the tackle to Jamie Barlow who put the home side ahead by 5 points on 2 minutes with a try wide out on the right.

Ellesmere Port responded and with a forward drive put the pressure on but could not set up for a decisive finish. It was New Brighton who increased their lead to 12 points with a well taken try Aaron Griffiths at the end of the first quarter which Joe Cardus converted. From the restart New Brighton struck again. Adam Pitt stormed up the left hand touch line to put Daz Parker in for his try which he also converted and New Brighton had extended the lead to 19 points to nil.

The Ellesmere Port forwards again put the home side under pressure and were unlucky not be credited with a score having crossed the line but brought back as the ball had been knocked forward. With New Brighton moving the ball well the Ellesmere Port defence was again struggling and Jamie Barlow was again in at the corner for the final score of the half.

Half Time Score: New Brighton U15   24 - 0   Ellesmere Port U15

Ellesmere Port rallied well in the second half and though New Brighton made good use of the wind to kick for position the visitors defence held steady. New Brighton hardly threatened to add to their score until the final quarter when Joe Cardus held a difficult pass, cross kicked the ball to his right for Jamie Barlow to collect and New Brighton were now leading 29 points to nil.

Ellesmere Port had not given up and appeared on the scoresheet on the final whistle with No7 Steve Finn crossing the line and Kirk Ellery adding the extras.

Full Time Score: New Brighton U15   29 - 7   Ellesmere Port U15

New Brighton go through to the final against Oldershaw to be played on Friday 28th April 2006. K.O. 6.00 pm.