Rossendale Never Give Up

A splendid sunny morning set the scene for Rossendales away match at Old Aldwinians in Audenshaw, North Manchester. The match was played over three 15 minutes spells. Rossendale U11s Captain Josh Beeken playing at Centre got the game underway.

Old Aldwinians collected and began an onslaught on the Rossendale defence. The visitors stood firm, Haig Howarth & Nathan Waddington tackled fiercely before Sam Ashworth wrestled the ball from his opponent & released the backs. Some slick passing by Oliver Leah & clever handling by Elliott Newell took the visitors deep into the Old Aldwinians half before they were bundled into touch.

From the line out the home side forced their way back onto the attack. Strong tackling from Tyler Johnson & Dan Dunham brought the move to a halt only a few metres from the try line. The resulting scrum gave Old Aldwinians their first try, when their scrum half darted around the blind side.

Old Aldwinians enjoyed a lengthy period of attack resulting in three more try's, two of which came from set pieces, another scrum & a line out. The third after getting the benefit of the bounce, from a Garry Owen hoisted by Dan Dunham allowing them to run through a broken up Bucks defence.

Old Aldwinians kept up the pressure in the second spell & were rewarded with three more try's. They did not have it all their own way & Rossendale launched some strong attacks. Jack Flannagan & Noah Taylor continued to work hard at the break down & rucked well. On more than one occasion, Ieuan Dwyfor-Jones picked up from the ruck & charged deep into the opponents half before being brought down by several defenders.

In the final third of the match Old Aldwinians put on two more scores but the young Bucks never gave up & Rowan Hopkinson was unlucky not to score after a valiant run.

The game was far more evenly matched than the score line would suggest & Rossendale U11s put together some good moves & are gaining in competence & skill with each match.

Man of the Match: Josh Beeken
Back of the Match: Nathan Waddington
Forward of the Match: Ieuan Dwyfor-Jones

Final Score: Old Aldwinians 45 - Rossendale 0