Dearne Valley u-11s 18 Silsden Storm u-11s 14

SILSDEN produced their best performance of the season in a physical encounter which saw them denied victory late on.

The first half was an epic defensive effort as Dearne Valley had 70 per cent posession but the team tackled brilliantly.

They defended set after set and only conceded one try which the home team converted to lead 6-0 at the break.

The forwards ran well in the first half, particularly Jack Stephenson and Joe Beck, who proved a real handful. Good breaks came from Shakeal Templeton, Joe Beck and Oliver Moran, the latter just losing the ball over the line.

The second half started with a bang as Beck scored a good try on the right-hand side, beating a number of players.

This was followed up by another Beck try following a 30-metre burst to the line to put Storm in front.

Valley hit back with a try from close range but Silsden still looked the stronger side, with Robson Weir and Jacob Haigh controlling play.

One of the highlights of the game saw Stephenson break the line to score a fantastic try to regain the lead for Silsden.

However, Valley hit back again to go in front with only a couple of minutes to go.

Silsden refused to let their heads drop and excellent link-up play from Jack Beck, Robson Weir and Jacob Haigh put Templeton away to cross the line but the try was disallowed.

It was harsh on Storm but should not diminish a great display.

Award winners – Shakeal Templeton (magic moment); Demi-Lea Greig (tackling); Robson Weir (opposition); Joe Beck (supporters and coaches).