BIG Ask of Rossendale

What a day and what a venue! Thanks Vale for being gracious hosts for the game.

The game (on Mother’s Day) started out with a little bit of in trepidation as a number of Key players had notified the coaches of their absence and setting off early morning from Rossendale the weather looked pretty grim, here we go again, we thought....., HOWEVER, passing in to Lancaster the clouds parted to deep blue skies and although very cold still the day was clear and bright for promising weather for the lads to get another game under their belt.

Panic 1 avoided, the weather, Panic two set in with the breadth of the team as were had 10 minutes to kick off with only 6 players....,

Panic 2 avoided as, right on time, a few more players turned up to make a good 8 players to field and a rolling sub.., Value put out a very impressive 20+ players.

On to the game and the boys got to grips with the game early doors, pretty much right from the whistle landing their first try, with more and soon to follow.

The teams played well, probably quite a good defensive line spread across an enormous pitch, Vale and Rossendale had great opportunities either way, but Rossendale managed through the flight footed Rhys, put a few more over the line than Vale.

Rucks were strong from both sides and some confident ripping and tackling from both sides. Tackling is key obviously but on a bigger pitch where players can find space easily, it really put pressure on the team to make every contact count, coupled with the fact the boys had no subs vs a team whom could refresh every player it really was a brave and committed effort from every player.

Mid-game Vale really turned the heat up on the game and with some great tackling and some nimble feet in the 3rd quarter they put in some really good try's, really dominating the game for a time. Thanks to some uplifting vocal coaching from Dave and Andy and the parent spectators the boys picked up their tired heads and shoulders and got their game faces and focus back on. This determination really shone out and after a gruelling few quarters it really meant the team had to dig deep in the reserves and find focus and power to head off the runners and break down the Vale defensive line. Well done boys this cannot have been easy and great team work as it would have been easy to turn to complaining and blame, which the boys didn't do. Great team work.

The final result, on points, I am not sure, but of the 4 quarters played, Rossendale won three and were ahead overall on try's scored on the day.

Well done boys and thanks to coaches and families making the travel up to Lancaster. Thank You All!