Makings of a very good side

Bury got the game underway with a kick deep into Rossendale’s half and having fielded the ball competently Tyler Johnson set off up field, he offloaded in the tackle to Noah Taylor who was in close support and took on the attack, the Bury defence responded quickly and enveloped Noah bringing him down and then effective rucking won them the ball. No sooner had the visitors cleared the ball from the contact area than Haig Haworth charged in with a thumping hit on the Bury ball carrier. This attitude was to set the tone for the rest of the match which saw both sides playing aggressive and competitive rugby every player keen to make their mark. Finally the visitors were able to breakthrough and cross the line for a try.

Rossendale took the re-start and followed up quickly and as the ball was moved across towards Bury’s right Ieuan Dwyfor-Jones stifled the move with a well timed tackle, soon Will Whinton was in support and he snatched possession and worked his way up field amidst a melee of Bury defence. He was eventually forced to ground then Bury, who overall were a little quicker reacting around the rucks and loose ball areas won back the ball. Such was the commitment of the Rossendale defence however they were forced to knock on and the first set piece of the match took place allowing both sides and spectators a moment to catch their breath.

As it has done all season the Rossendale scrum performed brilliantly, Ellis Williams and Nuri Stoner as props gave Fin Wilby playing at Hooker, every opportunity to win the ball for scrum half Nathan Waddington who himself was back after a long absence recuperating from an operation. Nathan had lost none of his sharpness and to Tom Moore, was always keen to take his pass allowing the powerful No. 8 to make plenty of ground, always being difficult to stop.

There was also a welcome return for Max Haworth who had not played for the Young Bucks for over a season but he displayed some excellent skills and aggression and it is hoped he will continue to play for the side.

Bury did have the upper hand and made the most of their big fast players in the centre and on the wings and it was this that made the difference on the day but Rossendale could not be faulted for their commitment and coaches Dave Waddington and Jack Robbins worked well to keep their boys motivated for the entire match despite conceding a number of tries.

As always Dan Dunham put in another fearless display at full back and Josh Beeken at Wing covered a lot of ground plugging holes in the defence with solid tackling. Rowan Hopkinson had one of his best games of the season both in attack and defence and also demonstrated some very proficient kicking skills. Both Fin Wilby and Noah Taylor made some good runs and Jo Starkie put in another solid game never far from the action with his fancy footwork.

Tom Moore was rewarded with a try early in the second half when Rossendale were awarded a penalty after a high tackle on Will Whinton. The tap was taken on the 5 metre and Tom proved unstoppable from that distance.

All in all despite suffering quite a heavy defeat the Rossendale U’14’s can stand tall. Every player put in a good shift today and if they stick together they have the makings of a very good side.