Kendal RUFC was the venue for this years end of Season International Mini Rugby Series. Rossendale RUFC took 6 sides (U7s, U8s, U9s, U10s, U11s & U12s) to compete in the 2day event against some of the best Junior Rugby Sides in the Region, including the Edinburgh based Watsonians & representation from as far afield as South Africa.

The Rossendale U11s squad played 3 matches on Saturday & 2 on Sunday. Most noticeable at the venue were the pitches which covered half of the full sized adult pitch, allowing the 12 a side teams ample room to run the ball.

First encounter was against Southport and the consequences of playing on the large pitches soon became apparent as the seasiders spread the ball wide, forcing Elliott Newell to put in some strong tackles in the opening minutes to thwart his opponents. Dan Dunham ,as ever, played his part at fullback providing a solid last line of defence. Rowan Hopkinson came closest to scoring a try after some strong rucking from Sam Ashworth freed the ball for ever alert scrum half Josh Beeken to feed Rowan, who's determined run almost resulted in a try.

The second match was against Watsonians A and their ability to take full advantage of the well proportioned pitches gave them the edge & the Scots ran out clear winners.

After lunch, Rossendale's opponents were Penrith and the young lads from t' Dale put in an excellent performance. Tyler Johnson was very effective at ripping the ball in the tackle and his awareness and well timed passes allowed both Ieuan Dwyfor-Jones and Jack Whittaker to launch effective attacks. Josh Beeken & Ieuan tackled furiously, bolstered by support from Branden Golden playing his first game. Nathan Waddington, taking over at scrum half gave his opposite number no time at all to manoeuvre the ball and was a constant menace at the breakdown.

On Sunday the team welcomed Joe Bedlow to their numbers and needed a good account in their first game against Watsonians B to secure a semi-final play off. All the players stepped up to the mark and played with "pride & passion". Their efforts helped Joe Bedlow force the ball over the try line and the performance lead to a semi-final play off against a combined Watsonians A & B side.

The weather conditions had worsened all day & after the sun tans of Saturday the brollies were out in abundance offering scant protection from the sweeping rain.

Watsonians were quick onto the attack straight from the kick off, testing and probing the Rossendale defence. Once again determined tackling was needed to keep them at bay. There were several desperate skirmishes on the Rossendale try line until eventually the Edinburgh side smuggled the ball over the line.

Rossendale fought back and moved the slippery muddy ball well. Jack Flannagan worked hard in the maul to keep possession, despite this the Dale could not manage to cross the try line. Watsonians made the most of their opportunities & their persistent attacks gave way to a second try just before half time.

Undeterred the brave Rossendale lads kicked off the second half and menaced the Watsonians defence winning more than their fair share of the ball. In mid field Ieuan Dwyfor-Jones took possession and broke through, as he was tackled Noah Taylor followed up and was soon supported by others forcing the maul to within 5m's of their opponents try line, until the Ref penalised Watsonians for coming in at the side.

A vigilant Joe Bedlow took a quick tap & caught the defence on the hop, to score in the corner. The remainder of the match saw dogged defence on both sides under arduous conditions, the ball behaving like a greasy eel slipping from hand, rising to a rapid too & fro' of possession. The Scots managed to string some passes together in the closing seconds of the match to even up the second half score and win 15 - 5 overall.

Rossendale shared joint 3rd position in the tournament while their semi-final opponents went on to win the final & lift the trophy.

Congratulations to all the players, particularly to Sam Ashworth selected as coaches player of the tournament & Jack Whittaker as players player of the tournament.

Many thanks to all the parents and helpers particularly Coaches Paul Beeken & Dave Waddington who ensured that the great weekend was enjoyed by all.

Team:

Sam Ashworth
Joe Bedlow
Josh Beeken
Dan Dunham
Ieuan Dwyfor-Jones
Jack Flannagan
Branden Golden
Rowan Hopkinson
Tyler Johnson
Elliott Newell
Noah Taylor
Nathan Waddington
Jack Whittaker

Match details

Match date

Sun 21 Apr 2013

Kickoff

10:30

Team overview