Strong Squad shows promise

The U12s have a strong squad this year with most of last year’s players returning and bolstered by several newcomers to the side recruited, from the secondary schools in the area.

Littleborough kicked off and followed up well exerting immediate pressure on the Rossendale defence close to the try line. The 'Borough side had some big strong forwards and their power at the ruck caught the local lads by surprise despite courageous work from Josh Beeken, who sustained an injury as a result, the visitors fed quick ball to their backs who crossed the line for the first try of the match.

From the restart Rossendale, stung into action, proved they too had some power up front. After a period of loose play, Ieuan Dwyfor-Jones picked up the ball and took it into contact, he was enveloped by two or more defenders, but soon got support from his forwards Tyler Johnson & Sam Ashworth. The resulting maul was still some 8 metres out & half a dozen players from each side were involved. With the help of a final surge of power from Nuri Stoner , Ieuan still clinging fiercely to possession, was forced over the line & able to ground the ball to equalise.

A long kick off put the visitors in a strong attacking position once more near to the Rossendale try line, but there was more steel in the Bucks defence now. In the back line, Dan Dunham, Fin Wilby,Haig Howarth & Joe Bedlow showed no mercy in scything down their attackers allowing Rossendale to eventually win clean ball & move up field. Jack Flannagan, clearing out fearlessly from a ruck, fed Cai Roberts who's crafty footwork & determination saw him run in a try from 15 metres out.

In the final play of the first half Littleborough managed to break through a dogged defence and level the scores.

The second half saw some enterprising rugby from both sides, good handling & movement of the ball gave rise to a very entertaining period of play. Newcomers Lewis Forsyth and Joe Starkey coped well in their first game of contact rugby. Littleborough were first to score after a sustained episode of pressure.

Then, it was Rossendale's turn. Intense tackling from Reece Howarth put the opposition on the back foot. Elliott Newell used some juggling skills to retain the ball from a loose pass, then race at his opponents, eventually releasing Jack Whittaker, who's alertness proved a constant threat & forced Littleborough to concede a penalty from a high tackle. At 10 metres out, a smart thinking Joe Bedlow took a quick tap & passed to Ieuan Dwyfor-Jones who crashed his way over the line for his second try & once more level the scores.

Littleborough surged forward again holding onto possession at the break down with determination, giving them the opportunity to once again take the lead.

With time running out Rowan Hopkinson rallied the Rossendale boys for one final attack. James Robinson playing his first game for the 'Dale, battled tenaciously to win the ball for his side & grudgingly the visitors gave ground, until Joe Bedlow stepped up using his strength to force himself over the line & despite robust defence ground the ball.

A great game of rugby from both sides who can hopefully look forward to a successful season.