Fylde-Wirral-Rossendale Triangular - Fylde 24-17 Rossendale

Rossendale U14s travelled to Blackpool to play in a triangular competition against teams from Fylde and Wirral. Whilst the Dale lads lost both games by a single score, the whole competition was keenly contested between 3 closely matched teams, with an excellent spirit and some fantastic rugby on display.

The final game of the triangular saw Rossendale play the hosts, Fylde, who were looking for revenge after their surprise defeat at the hands of Dale earlier in the season. Rossendale starter brightly and within a couple of minutes, James Willetts had crossed the line to give Dale the early lead. The competition hotted up, with a hard forwards battle taking place in the Rossendale half until they conceded a penalty which Fylde took quickly and gained further ground with a further penalty because Rossendale had not retired ten metres. After a couple of phases through the forwards, Fylde levelled the score. The next score went to Fylde, after they created an overlap in midfield, allowing the winger to go round the defence to score. Dale retaliated immediately, with a high, long restart which put the Fylde catcher under pressure from the Dale chasers, turning over the ball to Rhys Tighe who smashed over for a try. The first half ended finally balanced at Fylde 10-10 Rossendale. As the second half restarted, Fylde caught the visitors napping and scored a converted try within a few minutes of the kick-off. They continued to apply the pressure until Dale stole a ball, used the forwards to recycle the ball a few times before it ended up in the hands of James Willetts who sprinted half the length of the field, stepping round 3 defenders, to score and convert a try. With less than 4 minutes to go, the strong & fast Fylde left winger slipped three tackles as he dashed towards the Dale line to score a try, duly converted, to end the game Fylde 24-17 Rossendale.

As there were two matches, it was decided that there would be a forwards Man of the Match, awarded to Isaac Cornwall, and a backs Man of the Match, awarded to James Willetts, although every player should be immensely proud of their performance, competing with two high quality teams.

Thanks to Fylde for their hospitality, and the lads and coaches from both teams for an excellent morning's rugby.