Leigh 7 - 32 Rossendale U14s

The Rossendale coaches had warned the lads that it was likely to be a tough, physical encounter against a side who would be strong in the tackle. Forewarned was forearmed though, and Rossendale took the game to the hosts right from the kick-off. Rhys Tighe received the kick-off, and used his pace and strength to run up field into Leigh territory. Dale recycled the ball and started to apply the pressure, moving up the field to the home side's try line with a number of well executed phases mixing forwards drives, with quick ball across the back line. Stout Leigh defence and a couple of Dale handling errors kept the visitors at bay, until some quick hands from the half backs moved the ball to Tom Haigh who went over to score. Dale's second try came from a period when the Leigh defence was pushing Dale back into their own half, when a clever kick through and a 50 metre sprint from James Willetts saw him cross the whitewash for his first try. The third try of the half game from a lineout move on the Leigh 10 metre line saw Rhys Tighe surge around the scrambling defence to score. With one successful conversion from James Willetts, the first half ended Leigh 0 - 17 Rossendale.

After a few changes at half time, the second half started with more of the same from the Dale lads; a good blend of powerful forwards drives mixed with the ball out to the wingers. Dale scored their 4th try from a scrum, where James Willetts saw some space behind the backs, and with another kick and chase, he went over to score his second try. However, Leigh continue to play hard, keeping the pressure on Dale both defensively and in attack, and soon afterwards got their rewards with a converted try. However, this setback did not last long, as Mark Rutherford-Shaw went on another magnificent surging run through the Leigh defences to get his try. Dale's final try came when Rhys Tighe got his second try with 5 minutes left on the clock. That was how the half ended with Leigh 7 - 32 Rossendale.

Man of the match went to scrum half, Tom Unsworth, for some good marshalling at the breakdown, excellent sniping runs and good covering tackles.

It was another excellent performance that all of the lads should be really proud of. They worked as a team, with determination and commitment, remember what we've been working on in training, and the results are coming.

Keep it up lads with another tough game next week at home against Eccles.