A tough shift against stiff opposition.

The opposition included :

Rochdale
Warrington
Macc Sharks
Macc Tigers &
Vale of Lune

The Rossendale players for the day included :

Callum
Elijah
Ieuan
Jack
Jamie
Jason
Luke
Michael
Oliver
Rowan
Tom W

Rossendale Vs Macc Sharks
The first match was a close run affair but with Rossendale trying to get used to the idea of only 2 men in a ruck, possession was given away too many times which gave the sharks easy chances to score. Rossendale punched down the middle and made good ground but struggled to find that killer run or pass to pressure the Sharks often enough. The tackle of the tournament was by Jamie with Macc just yards from scoring another Try.

Rochdale Vs Rossendale
Next up were Rochdale who have beaten Rossendale twice before. A few changes were made to rotate the players. From the off Rossendale seemed to be more on top of the hybrid rules and gave away fewer penalties. Some great support play, (see the album), allowed Rossendale to score twice to draw 2 all with Rochdale. An outstanding move was an offload from the floor from Ieuan to put Michael over to score.

Rossendale Vs Macc Tigers
This is one of those 'could have, should have' affairs. A great team effort but there were three more tries with Rossendales name on had the ball been passed wide to the support runners. The result a close 3-4 to the tigers but oh so close to a win. The magic moment of this match being an offload from Michael to put Jason over to score his third.

Rossendale Vs Vale of Lune
A big ask for Rossendale this one given the results at the Vale of Lune tournament but the lads were getting into it and we holding their own. Jamie went over for a try then shortly after went to find his missing boot. A great try for the lad who had another fantastic event and was involved in everything. A runaway try from scrum half Michael from the restart kept Rossendale close to VoL. A narrow win for VoL but a good performance from Rossendale.

At this point the day and indeed season took it's toll. Rossendale were down to 7 players who had put in their all. Next up were the outstanding Warrington team whose number 11 with his speed and dummy passing had pulled teams apart all day. Ultimately it was decided with only 7 tired players available, Rossendale called it a day rather than risk any more injuries.

All in all, a great tournament and a lot of high quality rugby. Solid tackling, good technique, great team spirit and heads held high. Rossendale can be proud to have finished a tough season in this way.

Next.... a rest. Then start again, build on the good stuff, iron out the bad habits and add some rugby savvy to the moves.

Well done to everyone.