Hensingham Under-16s have secured a historic double after adding the North West Counties Rugby League Division One title to their BARLA Cumbria Cup win earlier in the season, writes Ben Challis.
The North West Counties title was particularly pleasing for head coach Mark Thornton in a tough division that included local rivals Seaton Rangers as well as Newton Storm, Leigh East, Oldham St Annes, Golborne Parkside and Widnes Moorfield Tigers.
Thornton described the 22-16 away victory at Wigan St Judes in the final match as a fantastic win that topped off a brilliant season for our Under-16s.
On the day Tyce Walmsley went over for two tries with Ellis Holliday and Jackson Smith each grabbing one apiece, and Man of the Match Smith kicking three conversions.
Thornton said “It’s been a long hard season for the lads which started almost 12 months ago at the beginning of November 2023 with a busy pre-season in preparation for both competitions.
“I took over as jead coach from Ellis Postlethwaite who had built up the team from when they were Under-13s and did a brilliant job.
“It’s been tough at times in this League, playing some really good teams, but the two games that stand out are Thatto Heath Crusaders away early on in the season when were we were up against the much fancied home side, and won 12-16, and Seaton away where we didn’t play our best but clinched a close win with a last-minute try and a conversion against a competitive Seaton who were very tough to beat on the day, and ended the season in third spot in the table.
“The BARLA Cumbria Final was also memorable with the expected tough battle against Wath Brow Hornets in July, and over the season an excellent squad has stepped up when it matters and secured some important wins and a massive unbeaten run to secure the silverware.
“Of course I would like to thank all of my players, but I would also like to thank our assistant coach Garry Robb who’s been at every game this season, both home and away, and I really appreciated the help from Scott McAvoy whom I asked to get involved to help sort the defensive structure and who did an amazing job before departing to Whitehaven to assist Kyle Amor at the close of the Championship season.
“I also have a big thank you for Kirsty Holliday who came in as our physio, and has been a massive help, it’s a big thank you the club itself for all their support, and to the parents of all our players who have been amazing all year, cheering the lads on, travelling to and from the club and further afield in a competition that involves a lot of miles.”
The trophy ends a fantastic year for Hensingham which amongst other things saw the the club’s Under-18s win the BARLA National Cup in the final at Featherstone Rovers, and saw the club’s first team promoted to Division Two of the National Conference League.
