Rossendale U14s 24 – 5 Fylde

Right from the kick-off, the home side took the game to the visitors, and made sure that Fylde were kept under pressure to prevent them playing the wide running game that was expected from the visitors. There were some excellent passages of play, with strong running from both Rhys Tighe and Mark Rutherford-Shaw who both made massive inroads into Fylde territory with moves from the back of the scrum and base of the ruck. These passages of play were maintained by excellent support play from the forwards, retaining and recycling the ball effectively, and not giving Fylde any opportunity to play with the ball. Following a superb driving maul, which made 20 metres down the pitch, then a second huge drive into the Fylde 22, Dale were really knocking on the door of the Fylde try-line, but despite all of the pressure, including three 5m scrums, the visitor’s defence held strong. Fylde finally managed to steal the ball and clear their lines. However, first blood went to Dale when they came straight back at them from the resulting lineout with another surging run from Mark Rutherford-Shaw, who offloaded nicely in contact to Rhys Tighe to go over to score.

Dale continued in the same manner, putting good structured phases of forwards play together, interspersed with some quick ball out through the hands where the back line made some excellent breaks, always with support runners, to continue to test the Fylde defence. Dale weren’t getting it all their own way though, as once Fylde had their hands on the ball, they were applying plenty of pressure and testing the Rossendale defence. It was after a period of several minutes with Dale camped in their own 22 under the Fylde onslaught, that a Fylde player was judged to have joined a ruck from the side to relieve the pressure with a Rossendale penalty. This was taken quickly and handed to Rhys Tighe to smash into, and through, the visitors defence, then popped the pass to Ciaran Campbell who continued to dart up field. As he was caught by the Fylde defenders, the Dale forwards arrived to create a well-executed driving maul before Isaac Cornwall peel off to make further yards. The move was completed with a pass out to James Willetts who crossed the whitewash to score. With 2 conversions from James Willetts, the first half ended Rossendale 14 – 0 Fylde.

The second half started with more of the same, with the Dale forwards continuing to dominate up front and were unlucky when they turned a ball over as a player became isolated one metre short of the line. The Fylde defence pounced, stole the ball, and shipped it quickly to the left where one of their pacy backs weaved his way around all of Dale’s attempts to tackle him to run the full length of the pitch to score. However, Dale kept their heads, and brought the back line more into the game with some incisive running, and James Willetts made another weaving run through to score his second try. Dale were also working hard and keeping the pressure on the Fylde backline as soon as they got the ball. It was this pressure that led to Dale’s fourth try, when a Fylde player took his eye off a ball being passed his way as Tom Haigh hurtled towards him. The ball went to ground, and was deftly picked up by Tom Haigh who ran through to score. The game ended Rossendale U14s 24 – 5 Fylde.

Man of the match could have been awarded to the entire team, but was given to Sam Irving, whose commitment, attitude and strength made an impact all over the pitch.

Thanks to all of the parents and supporters today for all the vocal, but always positive, support, thanks to Taff for refereeing, and thanks to the Fylde players, coaches and supporters for what was an exciting, enjoyable game. I look forward to the return fixture in March, when I’m sure they’ll be ready for us.

I was so proud watching the lads today; the effort shown from every single player on the field today was superb. They could have been intimidated, perhaps remembering last season’s defeat or judging Fylde by their other results this season, but not a chance! They stood up to be counted today and showed how far the lads have come, but also gave a glimpse of what’s still to come.

Enjoy the win boys – I’m going to have a little liquid refreshment on your behalf :-)