SILSDEN Storm Juniors began pre-season action ahead of the club’s second full campaign in the Yorkshire Junior & Youth League.

The club are running two teams this year at under-11 and under-12 level.

Coach Rob Weir said: “After two years we now have over 30 kids playing for Silsden. We are really happy with how the club is growing and our dream is to keep adding another age group every season.

“The support from Silsden’s community and businesses has been fantastic.

“We are always looking for new players – boys or girls – and it doesn’t matter if they are new to the game.”

Silsden Storm under-11s lost their opening friendly 36-24 to Illingworth.

The visitors’ squad had twice as many players but you wouldn’t have known it as the game started in thrilling fashion. Silsden’s first try came from Cody Leach after a great kick from Jake Bartlam.

Illingworth hit back to lead 16-6 at half-time and, just as it looked as if numbers were beginning to tell, Silsden came storming back with a try from Bartlam.

Illingworth then scored again before Storm replied through a great scoot from Charlie Sayer after some strong running from Hayden Selwood and Oscar Rodwell.

Silsden closed the gap even further after two excellent passes from Alfie Perry and Callum McKay set up Bartlam, whose crossfield kick found Rodwell. He side-stepped a would-be defender before driving over the line, earning him the magic moment.

Illingworth scored two late tries but Silsden earned plenty of encouragement.

Silsden under-12s also gained good experience at home to top outfit Siddal, despite losing 40-0.

Again, the opposition had a lot more players to choose from but Storm battled well.

A typical 30-metre drive by Jack Stephenson and strong running by Demi Lea Grieg were among the highlights for Silsden.

Shakeal Templeton tackled superbly and Joe Beck showed what a fantastic engine, while Joe Priestley did well in his first game as a winger.

Their award winners were: Demi Lea Grieg (coaches and supporters’ player of the match; Joe Beck (top tackler), Josh Colman (player of the week), Oliver Moran (magic moment).

* For more information on joining the club, visit silsdenstorm.com.