Surprise Game- Suprise Result

Todays match report written by one of the dads - Thanks Buddy.

Turned up for rugby training (at a typical Marl Pitts spring morning, grey, damp and cold - we have been spoilt this last couple of weeks on our travels) to find out there was a game on, even Karl was surprised (Yes - I was surprised). Old Aldwinians turned up for a game co travelling with their U11's whom were playing our U11's, so after a long warm up and brief training session the game got started. 3×10minute game was agreed.

8 a-side Aldwinians 'kicked' off (literally 'kicked' off!!! Kicking not being allowed at this age group) which confused Rossendale even the out lead coach and ref Dave Whittaker, Rossendale collected the ball and ran straight through the Aldwinians defensive line for there 1st try. Re-start and Aldwinians kicked again, collected by a Rossendale player, straight through again for a 2nd try (and less than 2 minutes gone). WOW!

Dave-the referee, then intervened to tell the Aldwinians coach that they shouldn't kick from the re-start. So after the initial confusion the game got underway. Rossendale where too strong, much more well organised and won nearly everything, as the 1st third of the game came to an end the stags where 6-0 up, the highlight a superb solo run from nearly halfway from young Alex, well done.

2nd third re-start, Rossendale start, ball to Hugo who runs full pelt through the middle to score. Much the same as the 1st third, good tackling, rucking, mauling, ripping and Rhys on the wing, though Aldwinians did put up a better fight this session and as the 2nd third came to an end I'd lost count of the score, someone did say 15-0!!! We're not counting now.

So with the final third about to start, the U11's game had finished the Aldwinians threw on a couple of there U11's to try and get the U10's a try, but to no avail, they tried, they pushed, tackled, but the stags stood up to them, pushing them back, all as a team passing between them (even on the try line with no one in front of them and a certain try in sight they would pass to a team mate for them to score instead This is team work and unselfish play at it's very best Rossendale - Well Done!!!).

So the game finished, not a clue what the score was? And on reflection it's irrelevant with the team skills, experience, structure on show we felt the boys excelled, whether 1-0 win or 20 the opposition put on a good, brave, but to be fair probably a less experienced display from a less mature team , whom are showing real signs of promise on their feet with the ball and also in tackles. We really look forward to seeing Aldwinians again next year and fully expect a tougher challenge. Thank you Aldwinians for the game.

Well done to the ref, Dave Whitt (Great Job) and the rest of the other coaches Andy & Gerry doing a marvellous job on the day, keeping our boys on the right lines and rolling the subs around.

Well done to all.