Vale Of Lune Tournament (PRESTON GRASSHOPPERS)

Preston Grashoppers 5 V 0 Rossendale Well the team were well up for this game playing one of the top sides in the county boasting two seperate teams in the competion. It seems amazing to me that some of these big name sides are only just a little bit better than us. Preston had a squad of 36 in all compared with our impressive 16 also with coaches in abundance. Playing their first team it was obvious they were going to be well organised. But up stepped our committed bunch we got involved early in the game, we upset their rythem and took the game to them. Some strong Driving runs and good phases of rugby. George Allen was as usual at the forefront of all good things that happend turning ball over for fun. When we rucked well we were un playable and Preston really struggled to contain us. But as usual we have one or two good rucks and the rest were poor. Time and time again George Allen would steal ball only to be immediatly tackled by two or three Preston forwards, If only we could ruck as i know you can all the time we would be beating these big sides. Preston won a clean quick ruck ball and the defence was set, the Preston lads to their credit passed the ball along the line very well and unfortunately for one missed tackle let them in for the only try of the game. All in all it was a performance that Dizzy and i were proud of but it just shows you when you play good sides you cannot make mistakes. We missed one tackle all game and it cost us dear. If our rucking had been stronger and more physical they may not have been in the scoring position. The Preston coach said to me after the game quote " Oh my word where have you come from as a team we were not expecting that. Well Played" He also asked to arrange future fixtures with us as it was the type of fixtures he needs. No Lads and Lasses be proud of that Preston are one of Lancashires premier clubs and to have comments like that made about us shows where we have come. I fancy with the traing plans we have for the summer that Preston are a beatable side for next season. Well Done