U14's take hard fought win at Sedgley Park

For a first outing of the season a friendly against Sedgley Park is about as tough as it can get - especially away.

With two long term injuries, two absentees for other events and two brand new players a slightly unfamiliar looking Rossendale team ran out at the early start time. For good measure the hosts had taken players from Bolton and Bury over the summer for their part.

Early exchanges were very tight with fortune and misfortune coming to both teams as players and referee got to grips with new parts of the game (lineouts) and old favourites like off-side and side entry. Half time saw the score very close with our boys narrowly leading by two tries to one.

The second half saw Sedgley ring the changes from a big squad and force long periods of defence from us. We stood up well and countered where possible and the fluency started to come back. Three unanswered tries (and finally a kick!) in the second half saw the boys home with a well earned but hard fought 27 points to 5 win.

Many thanks to Sedgley Park for hosting, the referee for putting up with what he shouldn't (it isn't football) and, as always, players and parents alike. Onward and upwards.