This was the first meeting between the two clubs and was eagerly anticipated; with the rain pouring down, defences were on top in the early stages of the game and some great tackling by Sam Cockwill, Joe McAdam and Zak Day-Johnson in the middle kept the game scoreless.

Southport thought they had broken the deadlock when Jake Lawton's pass put Ed Sinclair through a gap, only for the referee to rule a forward pass. However, Sinclair was to not be denied as minutes later, yet another flowing backs move allowed a pass for Sinclair to break the defensive line and just beat the covering tackle to open the scoring.

Half time: Davenport 0 - 5 Southport

Attacking and direct start to the second half that saw Southport camped out on line of their opponents that resulted in Lewis Fusco going over from close range. Ollie Benford converted, extending the lead for Southport to 0 - 12.

The conditions continue to worsen, and not for the first time this season, the resilient defence of Southport was called into action; with Jamie Brown and Ollie Benford covering a significant number of high balls in the tough conditions and returning kicks superbly to push Davenport back into their own half. A high amount of penalties going against Southport allowed Davenport to gain a high amount of possession in the Southport that resulted in Davenport scoring a well deserved try. Davenport 5 - 12 Southport. Nerves were getting to Southport, however managed to hang on to see victory and lift Halbro North West U18 Plate.

Full Time: Davenport 5 - 12 Southport

Great game to conclude an excellent season for Southport.

Player of the match: Zak Day-Johnson

Squad:- Forwards: 1. Zak Day-Johnson, 2. Jack Hendry, 3. Sam Cockwill, 4. Will Sumner, 5. James Bartlett, 6. Lewis Fusco, 7. Mason Roche, 8. Joe Macadam. Backs: 9. Luke Atkinson, 10. Ollie Benford, 11. Ethan Palmer, 12. Jake Lawton (C), 13. Ed Sinclair, 14. Troy Beck, 15. Jamie Brown. Replacements: 16. Reece Ainsworth, 17. Nathan Hopkins, 18. Mason Plunkett, 19. George Harvey, 20. Sonny Rix, 21. Charlie Clayton, 22. Connor Ellerton

Match Photos

Match Stats

Ed Sinclair scores for Southport.

Southport celebrate Lewis Fusco’s try.

Ollie Benford scores a conversion for Southport.

Words by Andy Lawton
Images by David Atkinson