Lancs U 18's Cup final winners
Better late than never...... the post game recovery took longer than expected. A proud day and one for the players to keep the memories of for a long time to come and for us older ones .. a little less longer than the players.
Rossendale RUFC under 18’s colts made local history on Sunday last when they won the Joe McDonough Cup in the final of the Lancashire Cup played at Fylde.
This was the first time a Rossendale side had taken such a prestige honour in the County cup, the victory made all the sweeter with the victory coming against near rivals Rochdale.
Whilst Rossendale started the game in fine style registering a try after 3 minutes from Captain Joe Andrew it was Rochdale that knuckled down and provided stiff opposition to Dale going in 14- 11 up at the break. Jake Mann registered a drop and a penalty goal to add to Dales early points in that half.
However Rossendale were not going to roll over that easy and despite the nerves getting the better of the lads in most of the first and for parts of the second half it was Leo Freschini with two and Zach Byrne adding quick tries at the restart which started to put the game out of the reach of Rochdale.
The win was finished off in fine style through further scores by Sam Lowthion and a second from Joe Andrew as Rochdale tired and Rossendale grew stronger. Jake Mann converted two of the tries to add to the final score of 40 –14.
Man of the match was Captain Joe Andrew whilst Sam Lowthion, Leo Freschini and Jasper Howard played big parts in the win.
The author would like to thank the lads for contributing on the day to his ageing process and ensuring that the several changes of clean underwear he took were used.
The Lancashire cup comes to Rossendale who keep the bragging rights on this side of the hill and can rightly acclaim to be the real DALE.
Congratulations lads on a great win at a prestigious ground on a very special occasion.
Hic.. ;)