Roose Pioneers under-15s suffered defeat for the first time this season as they suffered a 24-6 loss on their travels against a strong Langworthy Reds in the North West Counties Shield last Sunday.

The Reds play in the league above the Pioneers in the North West Counties Youth League, but the visitors still came out of the contest with plenty of credit, so this first setback should really knock their confidence.

Askam were given a home walkover in the same competition, after visitors Latchford Giants couldn’t raise a team, which puts them in charge of Group D.

In the under-16 Lancashire & NW Youth Cup, Walney Central unfortunately had to call off their home game against Thatto Heath Crusaders, due to injuries and unavailability in their squad, giving their visitors an away walkover.

Two more under-16 sides were in action in the North West Counties Shield, where Barrow Island and Ulverston are both in Group D.

Barrow Island suffered their first defeat in the competition, as they lost 22-8 at home to Rochdale Mayfield, but Ulverston got off the mark in impressive fashion, as they hammered Wigan St Judes 46-12 on their own patch.

There was mixed fortunes for our two teams in the Under-16 West Cumbria Youth League, as leaders Millom breezed past Egremont Rangers 60-6, but Dalton remain without a victory after their 52-6 at Wath Brow Hornets.

In the Barrow & District Youth League, Dalton under-12s were clear-cut 34-4 winners at home to Millom, while Barrow Island were impressive in defeating Roose Pioneers 38-10 on their own patch.

In the under-14 league, Millom were able to defeat Dalton, with a 26-18 scoreline, while Roose Pioneers toughed it out as they claimed a 14-0 away win at Hindpool Tigers.

Our junior rugby league teams return to league action this weekend, as Roose Pioneers under-15s will look to get back to their winning ways at Leigh Miners Rangers Golds, while Askam will be welcoming Crosfields to Fallowfield Park.

There’s also a local derby in Division Two of the North West Counties under-16 league, as Barrow Island welcome Ulverston, with both looking for their second win.