Roose Pioneers under-16s' opening game in Division Two of the North West Counties League ended in a close 20-18 defeat to a strong Chorley Panthers side.

The bigger Chorley line-up soon got into their stride and broke the deadlock when their full back chased down a nice kick through to score a converted try.

The Pioneers did their best to hold off the visitors' forwards but they were making good ground and one of them extended the lead to 10-0 when he powered over from close range.

Josh Cohen then put the hosts on the board, but another try for the Chorley full back before half-time sent his side in 16-4 ahead.

Pioneers began to fight back in the second half and they pulled a try back through Roberts, who then set up Cohen for his second, with Archer converting the latter.

The match was ultimately decided by a try for the Panthers' winger, with Archer unable to level after Louis France's try set up a tense finish.