Thatto Heath Crusaders U12s 2026

14/09/2026

Pilks Recs Hoops 8 – 14 Thatto Heath Shields

The Shields travelled to Westhoughton for their first-ever cup final, and what a day it turned out to be.

It’s fair to say that we didn’t quite reach the high standards we have set for ourselves throughout the season, but in a cup final, with the nerves and occasion inevitably playing a part, that was understandable. What mattered most was the character, determination and togetherness shown by the boys when it mattered most.

The opening 15 minutes were an extremely physical and attritional affair, with neither side willing to give an inch. It was Thatto who struck first.

We pinned Pilks deep inside their own 10-metre line, and Adam produced a huge hit which forced the ball loose. Matty reacted quickest, scooping up possession before racing over in the corner to give the Shields a 4–0 lead. The conversion was narrowly missed.

A turnover then handed Pilks possession, and a set restart on the final tackle was followed by two further set restarts. Despite some sloppy discipline from Thatto, the boys defended heroically, with every player putting their body on the line.

Pilks had four consecutive sets on our line, but the Shields refused to crack. Eventually, the pressure was relieved when Thatto forced a knock-on — a real indication of just how determined this team was to dig in and defend for one another.

Pilks would strike back, however, after an error gifted them a scrum. They worked their way downfield and eventually broke through our defensive line. The Thatto players appeared to have recovered to prevent the score, but the referee awarded the try, much to the dismay of the travelling Thatto army.

Half-time: Pilks Recs Hoops 4–4 Thatto Heath Shields

An early error from Thatto after the restart gave Pilks excellent field position, and from the resulting scrum they managed to score and move into an 8–4 lead.

Having conceded two quick-fire tries either side of the break, it would have been easy for the boys to buckle.

But not these boys.

From the kick-off, Captain Scott led by example, putting in a huge shot on the very first tackle. It lifted the entire team, and Thatto responded immediately.

We forced Pilks to kick from inside their own half, but their chasers were caught offside. A penalty for a ball steal then gave Freddie a second opportunity to attack their line — and he delivered in trademark fashion, powering over under the posts.

Olly calmly converted to make the score at 10–8.

The Shields continued to defend brilliantly and keep Pilks at bay. We were then awarded possession after Pilks played the ball incorrectly from the restart. With the referee initially calling play on, Jakob did exactly that, racing through to touch down — only for the decision to be pulled back.

Thatto continued to pile on the pressure and came agonisingly close to scoring again, with a knock-on just short of the line keeping Pilks alive.

But the Shields kept coming.

Following a penalty for a shoulder charge on Louis, Olly broke down the right, showing great pace before stepping the Pilks fullback and racing over to score.

Thatto led 14–8, sending the travelling Shields faithful into raptures. The conversion was missed.

Pilks were awarded possession from the restart after Thatto were judged to have knocked on in the tackle, despite the challenge appearing to be a ball steal.

Pilks had one final opportunity.

As they raced towards the corner, the Shields defence scrambled across in numbers. With Pilks looking to offload and keep the attack alive, Jack J plucked the ball out of the air, effectively signalling the end of the contest.

The celebrations that followed were nothing short of incredible.

The final whistle confirmed what everyone in the Thatto camp had been hoping for.

🏆 FULL-TIME 🏆

Pilks Recs Hoops 8
Thatto Heath Shields 14

Tries
Matty
Freddie
Olly

Goals
Olly

MOM went to our number 10, Freddie. Freddie took the game to Pilks. Numerous metres and tackles throughout and played big minutes. Came up with a big score to gave us the lead in which we never let go of

Sponsored by The Pretty Petal_By Jennifer

THATTO HEATH SHIELDS ARE THE 2026 NWC LANCASHIRE SHIELD WINNERS! 🏆⚫️🔴

12/09/2026

12/09/2026

Mission Accomplished 🏆

Congratulations to the Shields Squad, Coaches, Managers, First Aid and Parents

11/09/2026

The calm 😌 before the storm ⚡️

Let’s Go 😤

11/09/2026

Swords 14-12 Halton Farnworth Greens

Halton made the short trip from down the road to Crusader Park under the lights

Halton who boast a quite sizeable physical pack took the lead 0-6 early on.

The game continued throughout as an arm wrestle and as with last week we dropped to 12v13 for large periods due to a couple of knocks and bangs but the effort on effort was there as always.

We got back into the game as Isaac JM crossed on the blind side following good work from Ray (4-6 Half Time)

In the 2nd half both sides went toe to toe for a large period before Dan D took a ball above his head and crashed over to make it (10-6 cov Dante)

Halton hit back almost immediately from a scoot to the left of the sticks (10-12)

Territory was the aim of the game and we got good field position in Haltons 20 before Dante, Alex & Ray linked to send Isaac JM over for his 2nd in the corner (14-12)

Despite a scrum in our 20 at the death the lads hung on

Tries - Isaac JM (2) & Dan D
Conv - Dante 1/3

Opposition POTM - Isaac JM - safe as houses, defused countless bombs and great kick returns. Sponsored by Thatto Heath Tech Shop

Jay POTM - Joe - chased anyone and everyone’s, countless effort on effort, carried strongly, looking all the more the seasoned professional. Sponsored by Lyons Travel

Pete POTM - Donny - flawless, superb defence against their big back rowers, scooted us out of danger and locked up the edge. Sponsored by Andrew Hilton

Paul POTM - Mason - another game, developing each week, never took a backwards step, defence was the main point that stuck out. Sponsored by Llewellyn loft and cellar conversions

10/09/2026

Get down and support all the lads 🏉

09/09/2026

Tonight our Shields were presented their Cup Final Shirts by non other than St.Helens R.F.C. Official legend .9

Here is Shields Captain ©️ Scott receiving his jersey

James spoke about his experiences and also shared words of wisdom for our U12s ahead of their game against Pilks on Saturday.

More to follow…

09/09/2026

As our 𝐔𝟏𝟐𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐬 prepare for their 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐍𝐖𝐂 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 this coming weekend, we’re sure you’ll join us in wishing the lads — and their coaches Ian Lynch, Neil Rigby, Lee Wilburn and Matty Norton, their staff and volunteers and their parents — all the luck in the world.
Club Vice‑Chair Dave Yates sat down with Ian Lynch earlier this week to find out how they're looking ahead to a huge moment for the team.
𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥:
The message to the boys from the coaches is to go out there & enjoy the day, continue to play how we have all season & the result will take care of itself, to our supporters thank you so much for all your help along the way, just like the boys you have believed in the process & backed us all the way, I’m sure cup final day will be no different.
𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐐 + 𝐀
Setting the Scene & The Journey
Q: First off, congratulations on reaching the final. When you look back at where this group started in pre-season, what stands out most about the journey to this weekend?

A: The way the group have bought into & committed to everything we as coaches have thrown at them since the cold wet preseason & beyond.

Q: Was there a specific moment or performance this season where you felt, ‘This squad has what it takes to go all the way’?

A: Two particular ones in all honesty stand out, an early away game to Waterhead against a team who had dominated us last season & was unbeaten like ourselves this season, a very physical game that we stood up against a strong opposition & came away with a deserved 18-16 win, also a comeback win against a resurgent Newton Storm team, we were 10 nil down with about 10 minutes left & we turned it around with 19-10 win!

Q: Reaching a major final is a huge milestone for Thatto Heath. What does this achievement mean to the coaching staff, the players, and the wider club community?

A: The coaching staff are immensely proud of how far our boys have come this season, the boys themselves have grown week in week out & have found a belief in their own ability, as for the wider community it shows what a group of boys with the right attitude & behaviours can achieve when everyone is pulling in the same direction.

Preparation & Mindset
Q: How has the energy and atmosphere in training been throughout the week leading up to the big game?

A: From the coaches down to the players there has been a calm approach to finals day, the energy is in a good place & we have been building to this week since the return from the summer break & have set expectations accordingly.

Q: A major final brings extra pressure and media attention. How are you keeping the squad focused on the task at hand rather than playing the occasion?

A: We have taken time to plan the week, training has been tailored to this effect & we have made suitable arrangements to keep everyone grounded & focused on the job in hand.

Q: What is the key message you’ll be leaving the players with right before they step out of the changing room on match day?

A: Play the match not the occasion, stick to what has got us where we are today, play as a team & with a smile on our faces.

Tactics & Matchup
Q: Without giving away the game plan, what do you see as the key battlegrounds that will decide the outcome of this match?

A: That would be telling wouldn’t it! We have a plan in mind & we know the way we like our team to play, that never changes, I’ve every confidence in the boys to deliver.

Q: Your opponents earned their spot in the final for a reason. What primary threats do they pose, and how do you plan to neutralize them?

A: Pilks have earned the right to be in the final, they’ve picked up results along the way which have turned heads, obviously they are a good team & deserve to be respected, make no mistake we will not be taking them lightly.

Q: In big finals, discipline and executing the basics often make the difference. How crucial will control and completion rates be early in the contest?

A: It goes without saying a high completion rate sees us with a good chance of lifting the trophy, that’s the aim but we also pride ourselves on good defence with everyone working for each other.

Club, Community & Fans
Q: The travelling support and clubhouse backing for Thatto Heath are always vocal. How much of a boost does that crowd energy give the boys on the pitch?

A: All season we have had brilliant backing home & away from family & friends, cup final day will be no different, we will bring a big crowd who will encourage the boys throughout.

Q: For the junior players and young teams across the club watching this weekend, what message does this squad's success send about the pathway here at Thatto Heath?

A: Enjoy your rugby & the friendships you’ll make along the way, one day you might have the chance to experience a finals day yourself & it will be a day to remember for all your life.

Quickfire / Finishing Questions
Q: If you had to describe the identity and spirit of this team in just three words, what would they be?

A: Exciting, Resilient, Friends

Q: Finally, what will be the single most important factor for Thatto Heath to lift the trophy this weekend?

A: Teamwork

07/09/2026

It’s Lancashire Shields Finals Week for our Shields as they face Pilks Recs Hoops at Westhoughton on Saturday 10:30am KO

Let’s take a look at how Shields got there…

06/09/2026

Wigan St Judes Golds 12-8 Swords

Swords headed to Wigan in a reverse of our last game pre summer break.

Isaac JM captained our side today viced by Dante as we reshuffled following the departure of Austin and Dan M being unavailable.

Unfortunately with a late withdrawal we could only field 12 against the Division 1 Leaders and Lancs Cup Finalists, playing a full match a man down was going to be a fight, but boy were they up for it.

This lit the fire of the remaining 12 and wow, what an unbelievable effort.

8-0 down after 5 minutes Swords dug in in what was a classic game of Rugby League, lots of big hits; never say die tackles and ongoing arm wrestle.

Before half time Orrin crossed from dummy half akin to Dan M who was unfortunately missing the match.

With 2 minutes to go Eddie crossed in the corner to level the scores at 8-8

The game restarted and the ball shot out of a tackle and Judes were awarded the ball from the scrum, they crossed at the death but that didn’t dampen what was a marvellous performance; what we’re using to from Swords, a game built on defence.

Tries - Orrin & Eddie

Opposition POTM - Isaac JM - 1v1 defence mentioned and defence in general, always on point and another exemplary performance. Sponsored by Thatto Heath Tech Shop

Jay POTM - Ray - mature performance, remaining calm and composed and did what was needed of him, hard carries and linking play. Sponsored by RD Building

Pete POTM - All - couldn’t pick a single award, all 12 had each others backs and bought into the theme for the day, no man was left behind

Paul POTM - Dante - came to play today, thundering defence, went hunting for the big hits, also developed in play kicking game through the summer and picked some perfect kicks out through the match. Sponsored by Cleanhire UK Ltd