Southport RFC completed a memorable 2025/26 campaign on Saturday by adding the Lancashire Plate to their Counties 2 ADM Lancashire & Cheshire title with a convincing 34-5 victory over Bolton RUFC at Widnes RUFC.
In incredibly hot conditions, the final proved a real leveller, but Southport’s energy, fitness and work rate ultimately told as they finished strongly to secure the win and complete a league and cup double.

Southport opened the scoring inside the opening quarter through a Jake Mann penalty before Adam Wood finished off a superb length-of-the-field move on the stroke of half-time. Mann added the conversion to send Southport into the break with a 10-0 lead.

The league champions started the second half strongly, regathering the kick-off before kicking to the corner from a penalty. From the resulting lineout, Southport’s forwards drove over through Oliver Ball to extend the advantage to 15-0.

Lewis Fusco then powered over from close range, with Mann converting to make it 22-0, before Jonathan Tebbs crossed out wide as Southport took complete control of the contest. Mann again added the extras to stretch the lead to 29-0.

Fusco added his second try late on with another powerful finish from short range before Bolton grabbed a late consolation score, with the final whistle confirming a 34-5 victory for Southport.

The victory continues an outstanding period for the club, who also lifted the RFU North Plate in 2025 while remaining unbeaten at home across the last two seasons.

Southport’s Colts side also won their league this season, with the club’s U14s securing county honours.

A large travelling support from Southport was also in attendance at Widnes, helping create a memorable occasion.

The success marks the first time Southport have won the Lancashire Plate since the competition was introduced in 1982/83, capping one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.