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Sun 07 Oct 2012
Littleborough
U9s (Year 4)
TBC
Big Rossendale performance at Littleborough
John Stevens7 Oct 2012 - 17:00
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Dale under 9s delivered a hugely improved performance and achieved their first win in full contact rugby in an entertaining and even contest .
The scheduled tournament was called off earlier in the week due to torrential rain and flooding of the car parks, so it was with some amazement that we pitched up at Littleborough in bright warm sunshine. The picturesque setting of the lake bathed in bright sunshine , combined with an alluring aroma of bacon butties provided the perfect backdrop for a Sunday morning of rugby - it would have been a perfect day for the tournament, but we all enjoyed the warm and friendly welcome from Littleborough.
Again Rossendale came with a 14 strong squad so 3 matches of 20 minutes were played - each match was keenly contested between well matched teams and we saw determined running tackling and team spirit from both sides throughout. Although the results are not the most important , for the record the first 2 games were drawn at 2 tries apiece with Rossendale coming from a 0-2 situation in the decider to win 3-2.
Today the coaches focus was on the basics - running forwards , passing before the tackle and not running into touch. The team responded excellently to this direction on the pitch and we saw much better distribution and less easy concession of possession than last week. In the first match there were fine solo tries from Ieuan Bissell and Michael Bailey and typically strong tackling from Rowan, Jack and Luke. In the second match we went 1-0 up straight from the start as Dan Stevens burst through to score , quickly followed by another great try from Ieuan , only to be pegged back in the second half. In the final match, although we were 0-2 , we always looked threatening and Tom Leech pulled one back before the break. The second half was a brilliant and tiger ish team effort - tremendous committed brave tackling and running from all payers. Tom Leech streaked away to level before Rossendale piled on the pressure, with Jack Tracey going over the line but just losing control of the ball at the vital moment. Relentless pressure followed and The Rowanator edged over the line for the winner. Littleborough threw their version of the kitchen sink at it to attempt to even the score - we were pegged back on the try line but bold tackling and defence held them at bay. .....along with some good old fashioned scrapping !!!
Man of the match was Michael Bailey for tenacious and determined running at pace while the heroic tackle of the week was deservedly awarded to Max Dunn, whose overall performance was a massive step forward from last week - well done to both but in fairness the awards could have gone to any of the 14 players who represented us today with real pride and determination.
The paparazzi swarmed over the victorious Dale squad at the end and the players enjoyed a well earned and top quality lunch - next stop Tyledsley , let's look to improve further on a great display.
Again Rossendale came with a 14 strong squad so 3 matches of 20 minutes were played - each match was keenly contested between well matched teams and we saw determined running tackling and team spirit from both sides throughout. Although the results are not the most important , for the record the first 2 games were drawn at 2 tries apiece with Rossendale coming from a 0-2 situation in the decider to win 3-2.
Today the coaches focus was on the basics - running forwards , passing before the tackle and not running into touch. The team responded excellently to this direction on the pitch and we saw much better distribution and less easy concession of possession than last week. In the first match there were fine solo tries from Ieuan Bissell and Michael Bailey and typically strong tackling from Rowan, Jack and Luke. In the second match we went 1-0 up straight from the start as Dan Stevens burst through to score , quickly followed by another great try from Ieuan , only to be pegged back in the second half. In the final match, although we were 0-2 , we always looked threatening and Tom Leech pulled one back before the break. The second half was a brilliant and tiger ish team effort - tremendous committed brave tackling and running from all payers. Tom Leech streaked away to level before Rossendale piled on the pressure, with Jack Tracey going over the line but just losing control of the ball at the vital moment. Relentless pressure followed and The Rowanator edged over the line for the winner. Littleborough threw their version of the kitchen sink at it to attempt to even the score - we were pegged back on the try line but bold tackling and defence held them at bay. .....along with some good old fashioned scrapping !!!
Man of the match was Michael Bailey for tenacious and determined running at pace while the heroic tackle of the week was deservedly awarded to Max Dunn, whose overall performance was a massive step forward from last week - well done to both but in fairness the awards could have gone to any of the 14 players who represented us today with real pride and determination.
The paparazzi swarmed over the victorious Dale squad at the end and the players enjoyed a well earned and top quality lunch - next stop Tyledsley , let's look to improve further on a great display.
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