Lancashire secured the Roses Academy series with a thrilling 34-26 victory over Yorkshire at the One Bore Stadium.
The Red Rose side flew out of the blocks, with Wigan Warriors full-back Sam Dickenson and Cody Lyons-Ashworth both crossing to put Lancashire 12-0 ahead at Castleford Tigers.
Yorkshire responded through Wigan star Jovi Bentley-Eliot, who dived into the corner to bring the Tykes back into the contest.
The White Rose then drew level before half-time when Leeds Rhinos winger Thomas Richardson took advantage of an overlap on the right-hand side to score in the corner.
Huddersfield’s Lewis Jagger then powered through with a barnstorming run to put Yorkshire ahead for the first time. Despite Yorkshire missing all three of their conversion attempts, the hosts went into the break level at 12-12.
Yorkshire carried their momentum into the second half, with Richardson completing his double to restore their lead.
The White Rose extended their advantage to eight points when Hull Kingston Rovers star Alex Gorman crashed over, putting Yorkshire in a strong position.
However, Lancashire responded emphatically.
Wigan Warriors flyer Zak Bielecki finished off a strong Lancashire move before Warrington Wolves forward Edward Williams produced a quick-fire double to swing the momentum back in Lancashire’s favour and put the visitors 28-20 ahead.
Yorkshire refused to give up, with Wakefield’s Robbie Brook crossing late on to give the hosts hope of a dramatic comeback.
But an error from the restart proved costly. Lancashire capitalised immediately, with Wigan’s Lucas Featherston charging over to seal a memorable 34-26 victory.
The result crowns Lancashire Roses Academy series winners after a thrilling contest that swung from end to end.
England Pathways Manager Paul Anderson believes it was a brilliant experience for the players:
“I just want to give all these players this experience,” he said. “I’m more excited about the volume of talent that we have in our game and the good things that our clubs are doing with them.”
Anderson really sees a bright future for the young stars:
“I’m sure there’s more to come in the next 12, 18 months, two years even.”
“There’s a lot of talent. But when they start connecting the dots regarding their talent, their effort, and understanding, the simplicity of our game gets your skill right, understand your role you get them two things right, in line with one or two other little bits, then I think there are some really good things to work on.”
