Bury at Home

Sunday 24 January 2016

U9: Rossendale v Bury at Marl Pits
The weather has not been kind to Rossendale for the last three months and today was the U9s first game since late October. Both sides had enough players to field two teams, and a total of four games were played. Rossendale’s U9s had the added pleasure of wearing their new team kit.
All players showed good enthusiasm and keenness to get involved in the games.
Game 1: Rossendale: Archie, Gavin, Joe, Kieran, Sam and Thomas.
The ball was well contested by both teams and the game was played in good spirits. New recruit, Kieran, playing in his first game for Rossendale, impressed by scoring five tries and making a number of good tackles. Gavin got himself into a number of good supporting positions and capitalised by scoring three tries. Archie, Sam and Thomas all scored a single try for the Dale.
Joe made a number of good strong forward runs and created the space that other team members exploited. He made a number of good tackles too, as did Thomas and Kieran.
Half time 6-3
Full time 11-6
Game 2: Rossendale: Allistair, Daniel, Fyn, Huey, James and Luke.
A great game for both sides. Bury fielded a good team which included a couple of strong forwards. The Rossy boys were well up for the game despite it being such a long time since their last match. They showed real strength in all areas of their game. Luke put in the match’s stand out performance putting down five impressive tries. He powered through Bury’s defence for his second try, had quick eyes to see and pick up the ball from a mistake by Bury for his third and scored his fourth from an incredibly well-timed pass from James.
Fyn and James both put in excellent supporting play and scored once each. Allistair’s twinkle toes saw him dance through the defence for a try in the first half and then another in the second after an excellent pitch-length power run. Some great tackles were put in by Dan, particularly in the second half and his efforts were rewarded with a try.
Huey scored one in the first half and added three more in the second, his third try coming after a brilliantly-timed interception of a loose ball.
The pitch was not great but the boys’ performance wasn’t hindered too much although the mud seemed to slow everyone down a little. Well done everyone.
Half time: 7-2
Full time: 14-4

Game 3: Rossendale: Archie, Gavin, Joe, Kieran, Sam and Thomas.
No report – sorry.

Game 4: Rossendale: Allistair, Daniel, Fyn, Huey, James and Luke.
The second game between these two teams was well-contested. The deteriorating heavy muddy surface posed a challenge for both teams. Fyn displayed good strength, speed and stamina and crossed the try line five times. Huey and Daniel both crossed the line once. Bury scored three tries in reply. Luke put in another strong performance making significant ground into the opposition’s territory. He created much of the space that his teammates were able to take advantage of.
Both teams displayed good spells of attacking and defensive rugby. The match was curtailed to a single extended half.
Full time 7-3
It was clear that both sides enjoyed their rugby this morning. All games were played in a good spirit and good teamwork was displayed by both sides. Coach Dave was really impressed with the lads and heaped praise on the players for their passion and commitment. He acknowledged the progress made by all players during today’s games. The new kit stood up well to the conditions and received a good inaugural mud bath.
Following the exchange of respectful thankyous, the two teams headed into the club house for some hard earned sustenance.

By Anna and Dave Preece.