So a bonus fixture this week for the U8s - and what a bonus a trip to Burnley, where again the weather gods smiled and bathed us in lovely autumn sunshine.

Burnley had a large squad of 11 - Rossendale a squad of 7
Coaches agreed to two matches 10min each way with six players on each side.

Match one
Alfie, Ethan, Freddie, Rory, Theo, Tom - with Henry on Sub duties to begin with.

After a slow start Rossendale got into the match with some great runs piercing the Burnley defense - Alfie and Ethan as always hunting down the try line at regular intervals. Some missed tags from the Rossendale lads and some generous but fair refereeing kept the score board ticking along.
Final Score - Burnley 9 Rossendale 8

Match Two
Alfie, Ethan, Theo, Rory, Henry, Tom - with Freddie on Sub duties to begin with.

The highlight in this match was as well as some more great tries was at times some ferocious tagging, stifling many attacks from Burnley and forcing a couple of great turn over’s with the pressure. Rory raced off to inform me at the end that he got 7 tags and scored a try! We do have to remember though that it is the tags we go for and not belts...
Final Score - Burnley 7 Rossendale 9

Chris and Rick particularly highlighted Tom’s efforts for the day and duly selected him for the man of the match award (this award is currently in the form of hearty congratulations from the team), note to Chris and Rick we will have to resolve this situation.

Finally thanks to Vanessa for the photos – great to get some shots of the team in action.