National Cup is just one competition too many

An Old Brods U17’s side depleted by injuries and 3 players away on representative duty lost a keenly fought game against North West league leaders Warrington in the quarter finals of the North of England pool of the National U17 cup.

Whilst Brods started strongly it was soon clear that Warrington’s skilful backs were able to exploit the Brods defence and after a few strong tackles from centre Chester Butler and wing Ben Armitage, it seemed that it was only a matter of time before the inevitable happened and the Warrington right wing beat the cover to score after 10 minutes. Despite some furious work from the pack who tried to deny Warrington ball to their speedy backs, with prop Isaac Cracknell, hooker Oliver Firth and lock Adam Roebuck outstanding, Warrington ran in 2 more tries in the half and put over a penalty to make it 0-24 to Warrington at half time. Brods got close on 2 occasions and indeed were denied a try close to the end of the half.

Despite having to play up the hill in the second half Brods came out to take the fight to Warrington, with some great runs from Butler, Jasper Ayrton and wing Joel Tippey. After some great defensive work from Brods, full back Tyler Nicolson intercepted a pass in the Brods half and just managed to outpace the cover to score under the sticks, with stand in fly half Greg Roper adding the extras. Brods forwards were fantastic around the ruck with no.8 Cameron Wroot, flanker James Krishnapillai and prop Steven Scott coming up with the ball time after time stopping Warrington playing their usual game. Roper’s kicking was top draw in ensuring the lines were cleared. Eventually Warrington scored through a great angled run from one of their centres and was converted. Brods came back again and it was Cracknell who drove over from 8 metres out with his signature try, which Roper converted. Warrington ended with an easy penalty kick.

Whilst Brods won the second half 14-10 it was not enough and the final score was 14-34 to a worthy Warrington side. All Brods could do was reflect on the fact it took them 3 tries to the deficit to work out how to stop Warrington.