Sefton RUFC

Sat 7 Feb 2026, 15:00

Widnes 3rd XV

29 - 21

Sefton 3rd XV

Widnes 3rd XV

Sefton 3rd XV

So, which is best? No we're not talking about the biblical JC, although Joe does often consider himself the saviour of man. It has come to our attention that there's competition for the best JC at Sefton. We have the pretender, Joe Clarke and the original, Jack Crone. I wouldn't like to judge these two heavy weight contender, but it would make a great Top Trumps game.

Despite having two JC's in the squad for the third teams Cup game away at Widnes, we would need more than a few miracles to overcome a strong, formidable opponent.

We're without our stalwart Aussie this week who was away on one of his swinger weekend getaways. I feel sorry for whoever picks Campo's car keys out of the bowl, but at least we won't have to listen to his negative encouragement behind the posts this week.

The third team had a pretty good lineup this week. As well as a formidable front row, and a mobile back row, the back line consisted of some young, fast players. Captain, Goulding again did what's best for the team, and put himself on the subs bench.

- The Game -

What a start for the third team, the scrums throughout the game were phenomenal, and this is where the first score came. A scrum from inside Sefton’s half is passed out the back line. The backs did their usual trickery, where they run in different directions to try and confuse the opposition. Surprisingly they didn’t drop the ball, and actually created an overlap on the outside. With Seb Hannibal on the wing able to get round the outside for a try, right of the posts. Jay Evans converts.

A period of possession allowed Widnes to get into Sefton’s half, and an overlap on the outside leads to Widnes scoring in the corner.

Sefton were awarded a penalty on Widnes' five metre line, and opted for a scrum. This is where Sefton stayed as  the Widnes forwards repeatedly disintegrated in the scrum, earning Sefton another penalty. Despite several of these penalties in the red zone, no try, or penalty try came. Eventually the ref penalised Sefton for feeding in the scrum, with the Sefton pack staring in disbelief.

Against the run of play, Widnes attack Sefton’s half and put a hopeful kick onto the twenty-two. The kick bounces perfectly into a Widnes players hands and he goes over for another try.

Sefton spent most of the rest of the half within the opposition’s territory, but couldn't convert this to points.

In the second half Sefton continued their pressure, and a good run by Isaac Lancaster got Sefton within the oppositions twenty-two. A lineout was eventually won by Sefton, and the ball was cleanly caught by Tom Founds, who was dominant in the air. Another impressive passing sequence out the backs allowed Danny Harrington to score out on the wing. Jay Evans converts.

A solid run by Danny Harrington again allowed Sefton to get into a good field position, and Jay Evens kicks the ball through forcing Widnes to touch down for a goal line drop out.

Widnes sneakily kick the ball short and try to run the ball out, but a solid tackle by Wayne Banthorpe makes them spill the ball. Quickly onto it is Seb Hannibal, who is able to race away for a try under the posts. Converted by Jay Evans.

Widnes' stand off kicked well, and put his side into good positions from difficult situations. A scrum on Sefton’s twenty-two allowed Widnes a chance to attack. Their scrum this time was quick and precise, and their number eight was able to pick and go. Sefton’s back row was a little slow, and he was through under the posts for a converted try before Sefton could react.

A head concussion to Isaac Lancaster meant the back line had to be reorganised, and James Goulding comes on.

The momentum was now with Widnes, and Sefton struggled to string a couple of passes together. A penalty kick into the corner allowed the opposition another attacking opportunity in the red zone. From there they kept the pressure on, and we're able to score a converted try in the corner to put them in the lead for the first time.

Despite some good possession Sefton failed to keep hold of the ball. The swift flowing passes that were demonstrated earlier was now littered with dropped balls and sloppy passes.

A final try by Widnes in the corner took the game away from Sefton in the closing minutes.

A great game by both sides, which could of gone either way. Widnes' strategic kicking probably saved them in the end, which kept Sefton at bay. However, Sefton had their missed chances, mainly failing to score at the end of the first half. Questions may be asked if they should have gone for the penalty kicks whilst they we're under the posts.

Some great performances today, especially in the back line, which always presented an attacking threat. Man of the Match, however, went to Tom Founds who was absolutely everywhere around the park, and critical in the set pieces.

Not a happy day for Isaac Lancaster who didn't remember any of the match. This became handy when we needed someone to blame for the loss. After all, when he came off, we had no option but to put the Equalizer on.

As for the battle of the JC's, we have to look at power to weight ratios. Due too a new fitness regime, Big Joe is not as 'big' as he used to be. This we have noticed has effected his penetration, with his old sledge hammer, now replaced with a glass hammer that's unable to break through. Some are asking, "what has happened to big, cuddly Joe?" The same can't be said for Jack, he has kept to his true beliefs, and we are thankful for that.

Yours, Lanky.