U14s battle with LSH for vital Cup points

Some days you wake up and look out and think 'what a perfect day....' usually when at your favourite holiday destination but not often when there are sheets of rain being blown at 30mph across the Rossendale landscape. Today was one of them with visiting team Liverpool St Helens making the trip down the East Lancs and into the Valley and the elements were making themselves noticed.

LSH are top of Group B in the Lancashire Cup and are a serious outfit - Rossendale U14's aren't top of Group B at all but proved they are a serious outfit too!

From the tension in the dressing room to the final whistle this was one serious game of rugby by boys aged 13 and 14 only. Clever tactics, massive tackles, strong running, great handling in the conditions, rucking and more rucking - this game had it all. We played with the wind at our backs in the first half and turned round nil nil - when does that ever happen? When does it ever happen to LSH? Take pride boys.

The second half was tough and, credit to the visitors, they took their one chance well off a run of three Rossendale penalties in our own half scoring in the corner and backed up by a remarkably good kick in the conditions.

If we're honest losing is a right pain. But this was such a performance by the boys it must rank as one of our best losses ever. It was so far removed from our dire luck at other times this season, the team spirit was exemplary and the willingness to commit for each other nearly got us there. The comments from around the pitch were universally complimentary and everyone realised they had just watched a proper game of rugby. "The best defensive team we [LSH] have played all season," is not said lightly.

Take pride in this game boys, your coaches and parents have. Well done.