Layton scores spectacular try in Sharks U14s cup exit

The Sharks were eager to impress against an Elland side who play in the division above them.

The game was very evenly matched until Elland managed to break through and score the opening try, followed soon after by two more.

Shaw Cross didn’t allow their heads to drop and Jed Devine produced an excellent tackle on Elland’s biggest player to prevent a try.

Another strong tackle by Nathan Wood caused a mistake by Elland, enabling Josh Wallace to move the ball out wide to Danny Layton and he raced away to score a spectacular length of the field try.

Jamie Cox was unable to convert but within minutes Sharks were back on attack after a strong run up the middle by Josh Taylor-Davies.

A quick pass to Finn Oxley saw him storm over the top of several defenders to grab the Sharks second try which Callum Brian converted.

Oxley continued to cause problems for the Elland defence and was rewarded with parents and coaches MoM.

Elland put the Sharks under pressure and went close on several occasions, one of which saw Josh Wainwright denied a try with a fine tackle.

Centres Ben Marsden and Will Hemingway also defended well, while Jacob Goodall ran strongly to take the Sharks forward.

Jude Senior did well against bigger opposition, while Ben Aveyard created opportunities for the Sharks with quick plays.

A super kick from Brian gave the Sharks field possession and earned him magic moment, enabling Layton to create space in the Elland defence.

Elland came back strongly but Josh Self held firm slowing their progress with support from Tom Jarrett.

Full-back Cole Williamson was solid under the Elland kicks and made a number of try saving tackles as the last line of defence.

Layton looked to have scored another try for the Sharks but was judged to have dropped the ball and when he vented his frustrations at the referee, he was sin-binned.

Despite slipping to defeat, the Sharks showed determination with them defending with vigour right until the final whistle.

After the recent spell of bad weather had disrupted the start of the new season, Shaw Cross Sharks Under-10s finally had a run out last Saturday when they played host to Birstall Victoria.

The Sharks worked well together as a team but they had performed better in a pre-season friendly against Birstall just weeks before.

Tries were scored by Charlie Tilford and Seb Jeffers, who also added the conversion to his effort.

Opposition MoM was awarded to Charlie Tilford, parents player of the match was Liam Littlewood, the coaches award for best defensive effort went to Francis Appleyard, coaches award for the all-round contribution went to Charlie Tilford and coaches award for most improved went to Isaac Redgwick.

Good support came from Toby Turver, Bailey Woods, Ellis Peake, Harvey Cavanagh, Alfie Law, Casey Hirst, Edan Gleadhill, Ethan Brereton, Finlay Gaal, Harry Lamb and Karsten Glover.

The team break for Easter this week and travel to Featherstone on April 7.

The Sharks Under-14s Girls recorded a terrific 38-10 victory away to Hull Kingstone Rovers last Saturday.

The Sharks previously beat Thornhill Trojans Girls 30-0 and are next in action on Saturday April 7 when they entertain Hunslet Warriors Girls (kick off 11.30am).