06/09/2026
Broughton Red Rose U15s 40–12 Hindpool Tigers U15s
Broughton Red Rose returned from the summer break with an impressive 40–12 home victory over Hindpool Tigers in Under-15s Division Two.
Before kick-off, both teams came together for a minute’s applause to celebrate the life and contribution of Hindpool coach Graham Shaw, who sadly passed away recently. This was Hindpool’s first fixture without Graham, and it was fitting that everyone present marked his tremendous commitment to rugby league. Graham’s personality, presence and contribution to the game will be sadly missed.
The opening exchanges were extremely competitive, with both teams carrying strongly and defending with real determination. Freddie and Harry C were particularly impressive in Broughton’s early defensive efforts.
Broughton almost opened the scoring after three minutes when Alfie produced a spectacular 40-metre break. Hindpool’s number 13, Connor, made an excellent covering tackle near the corner before the visitors’ defence forced a Broughton knock-on at the play-the-ball.
Hindpool struck first after six minutes. Connor produced a superb kick over the Broughton defence from 20 metres out, allowing number 23 to gather the ball and race over. Number 23 converted his own try to give Hindpool a 6–0 lead.
Broughton responded with an excellent attacking move. On the second tackle, a lovely tip-on pass from Robson released Max into space, and he raced clear to score in the corner.
Hindpool then returned a completed set and kicked high on the fifth tackle. Oscar produced an excellent take under pressure, relieving the pressure on Broughton. On the third play of the following set, Robson made a 30-metre break and won a penalty when he was brought down, putting Broughton back on the front foot with a full set of six just 20 metres from the Hindpool line.
A second successive penalty allowed Robson to react quickly, taking a tap from close range and powering over for Broughton’s second try. He converted his own score to move Broughton 10–6 ahead.
Hindpool were soon given another attacking opportunity following a Broughton offside, but Callum and Freddie were instrumental in a huge defensive set that pressured the visitors into a poor kick. Oscar gathered brilliantly and returned the ball 20 metres to put Broughton back on the front foot.
Two tackles later, Bailey received the ball at first receiver, danced outside his defender and raced 30 metres towards the corner. Connor almost completed another excellent covering tackle, but Bailey was too strong and reached out to score. Robson’s difficult conversion attempt drifted narrowly wide, leaving Broughton 14–6 ahead.
Hindpool reduced the deficit after 26 minutes. Following a strong set, their fifth-tackle kick was fumbled by the Broughton winger and gathered by Hindpool’s number nine, who ran in at the corner. Number 23 then struck an outstanding touchline conversion straight through the middle of the posts.
That left Broughton holding a narrow 14–12 lead at half-time after a closely contested opening period.
Broughton began the second half strongly, with another determined defensive effort creating good attacking position. On the right edge, Alfie opted to run rather than kick and managed to force his way over in the corner. Robson’s conversion attempt went across the face of goal, but Broughton had extended their lead to 18–12.
Five minutes into the half, Broughton produced one of the moves of the match. On the third tackle, the ball was swept across the pitch to release Harry C. He showed tremendous pace during a 50-metre run up the touchline, beating Hindpool’s desperate cover defence before cutting in from the corner to score underneath the posts. Robson converted comfortably to make it 24–12.
From the restart, Connor sent a long kick deep into Broughton territory, but George produced a superb return from near his own line to put Broughton immediately back on the front foot.
Broughton continued to build pressure and soon added another converted try, with Robson’s successful kick stretching the advantage to 30–12.
After a brief scrappy period containing several knock-ons, Oscar again provided the platform with an excellent first carry from the kick return. Two strong runs later, Robson took the ball at first receiver and played a perfectly timed inside pass to Alfie. He pierced the defensive line, raced away from the covering fullback and finished in the left corner. Robson’s conversion struck the upright, leaving the score at 34–12.
Charlie later threatened with a sharp scoot from dummy half that released Robson on the inside. Robson broke into space but ran out of support and, while searching for a pass, found a Hindpool player instead. Broughton then conceded a penalty, allowing the visitors to move further upfield.
Tempers briefly flared following a heavy challenge from a Hindpool player. It was only a minor coming-together in what had otherwise been a well-contested game played in an excellent spirit. Broughton were awarded the penalty and quickly regained their composure.
Charlie completed another strong Broughton set by scooting from dummy half on the final tackle, forcing Hindpool to begin their next possession from inside their own ten-metre line.
Broughton completed the scoring late in the game. Robson took the ball at first receiver and sent Harry C clear. Harry raced away from the defence and cut in to score underneath the posts. Robson added the conversion to seal an excellent 40–12 victory.
Oscar produced a standout performance on the wing, with several superb takes and powerful kick returns. Harry C was outstanding on the right edge, defending phenomenally during the first half before showing his pace and silky running after the break.
Bailey contributed some cracking carries and strong defence, while Freddie was immense defensively in the first half. Alfie impressed at fullback with a series of dangerous returns and two tries. George made a significant impact from the bench, carrying hard from deep and making some excellent tackles.
Robson, Noah and James all played well in the half-back positions, while Charlie ensured the standard didn’t slip when he entered the action. Harry Johnson also produced a solid performance in his first game back following a lengthy injury layoff.
Max, Zaidyn and Ben all delivered solid performances in the forwards, while Sam also performed well on the opposite wing to Oscar.
Overall, it was an excellent team performance, with every player coming off the bench making a positive contribution. It was a strong first game back after the summer break and a good test ahead of next week’s difficult trip to Crossfields.
Full-time: Broughton Red Rose U15s 40–12 Hindpool Tigers U15s
Player of the Match Awards
* Broughton coaches’ Hindpool Player of the Match: Hindpool number 23, who was creative throughout and kicked two outstanding conversions.
* Hindpool coaches’ Broughton Player of the Match: Harry J.
* Referee’s Player of the Match: George.
