Tournament exit in 7 try thriller but 5 star commitment

The finale - everyone was pumped, the parents sensed the tension and really got behind the team for this one. The team responded magnificently to the harsh truths about the Southport match and fought as if their lives depended on the outcome.
This is a group who don't like to lose, that's for sure, and they were not giving this up without a scrap. It was a very even, bruising encounter, no quarter given by either team, and space was fiercely denied by both. Altrincham were a good team, they went through to be Plate winners, but in truth there was precious little to choose between the teams and it could have gone either way. We were 3-1 down at half time despite our commitment, Tom Leech kept us alive just before the break.
In the second half we surged forward, the crowd tried to roar the ball over the line , Altrincham knew they were in a fight and defended doggedly. then Jamie Boxall somehow weaves his way through where it looked like a black impenetrable wall and it's 2-3. With the clock ticking down, we push and push, thwarted on several forays, then it's Jamie again tagged at the death but he picks out Dan who goes over for 3-3. Delerium, sore throats, hysteria.
They threw the kitchen sink at it, Rossendale stood firm - Luke, Rowan, Freya Rawcliffe ( her very best performance in the toughest game ) , Dan, Yi, Jason, Jack, Michael, Tom, Jamie - all at one point made great interventions.
Then they scored - we hoped that it was a knock on, it was touch and go, there was no time to have an inquest, just all out assault for a leveller like in the first match.

However it was not to be - tears flowed, followed by rapturous applause and a rousing team chat to congratulate every player on an outstanding response and overall on a highly creditable effort throughout.

The only game where we were beaten badly was Southport. We held our own - and more - in the other games, and the first opponents , Saxons , were cup runners up.

A great day out, fantastic experience, lots of valuable takeaways but I would like to especially highlight that ALL players were a credit to the club and that we are very proud of them. The camaraderie and sporting behaviour was exemplary, and we drew good praise from many sources.

Special thanks to Gary for his outstanding organisation and preparation for the experience, to Andrew for amazing photography , to all parents for great support and to Vale of Lune for hosting a cracking day .