Blackpool U11s 12 - 10 Rossendale U11s

This promised to be a good game with two evenly matched sides, and it lived up to its promise. Rossendale won the toss and opted to kick off and took the game to the Blackpool lads. Blackpool defended well, won turnover ball and came back at 'Dale, who in turn defended well. The game ebbed and flowed until Tom Unsworth broke the deadlock with a jinking run through to score Rossendale's first try, but Dale missed out on the extras. The half ended 0 - 5.

The second half saw more of the same, with solid defending and some big tackles from both sides. This time it was Blackpool's winger who broke the deadlock and Jordan Payne(who is an ex-Rossendale lad) slotted the extras to make it 7 - 5.

Unbowed, Rossendale fought back and Tom Unsworth popped up again to evade the Blackpool defence and go over for his second try, which due to the windy conditions, wasn't converted and made the score 7 - 10. Blackpool replied with an unconverted try to win the game 12 - 10.

There was so much good to take from the game today; defensive lines worked well, tackling was hugely improved, some good support running, nice offloads in the tackle, ... this list could go on.

It was difficult to identify the Man of the Match, but Ian (Blackpool Coach) & Tom (Referee) decided it was Tom Unsworth.

Thanks to Blackpool for their hospitality, Tom for refereeing and to all the parents who travelled to show their support.

The U11s look forward to a big game at home next week against Blackburn.