U13's shine in the sun against Garstang

A beautiful crisp morning greeted the U13s for their first match of 2018 - a few doubts about frost in the pitch were dispelled early by the Garstang coaches and sure enough the conditions were perfect.

After a long lay-off it's hard to tell what a team will do but the boys largely forgot about this and got to work with some strong rucking, determined defence and straight running lines.

The first Rossendale try came after a couple of minutes but then came a pause before we got going again for a second and third. The home team had started slowly but began to press and made the most of a series of penalties to score themselves. However, with a five try to one advantage at half time our boys were in control.

After a quick change of referee at half time the Rossendale pressure came back on and the match was won under the Cup rules with 15 minutes or so to spare. The remainder of the match as a friendly proved a quieter affair as we switched off a little. All in all though a good if slightly rusty showing to win by eight tries to one (seven to one in the Cup) against spirited and like-minded opposition who we hope to see again soon.

Thanks to parents for getting up and out early and making the trip.