U13's mixed fortunes at Kirkby 7's but a great day out

Almost all the U13 squad made the now familiar trip to Kirkby Lonsdale to play in the hosts' inaugural 7 aside tournament as two teams - Stags and Wolves. The squad had been split down the middle and both teams looked good on paper and ready to go.

Stags went first against Garstang Lions to record a close win, followed by the Wolves against the Garstang Tigers for their first victory. Stags were then beaten by the spirited Cockermouth Wasps whilst Wolves suffered the same fate against the well drilled Preston Grasshoppers team. Unfortunately for the Stags things started to unravel with injuries coming thick and fast leaving them borrowing players. Wolves went on to win against Cockermouth Hornets and lost narrowly to Widnes. Stags ended the group stages with a win against Hornets too.

Once the organiser had totted up the points the afternoon play offs were set - both teams had achieved top 4 from their group results but to avoid playing each other Wolves took their team into the top 4 Cup and the depleted Stags played the Bowl. Unfortunately despite their very best efforts the Stags couldn't beat Widnes and conceded their last game to ensure a full side to support the Wolves.

The heavens opened as the Wolves warmed up to play Tarleton and that little bit of Rossendale seemed to work wonders! 4 tries to the good at half time became 7 at full time. Imploring them to tighten things up in the sheeting rain merely made them play their most open and attacking game to secure a place in the final.

As expected, the opposing finalists were PGH. A half time score of 2-1 to Preston offered the chance to come back but with such short matches and the Preston attack running smoothly the Wolves were beaten fairly into the runners-up spot. Well done to Preston.

Hopefully all the boys enjoyed the chance to play in a different format. Commiserations to those injured. Thanks to KLRUFC for being excellent hosts and to everyone supporting our two teams through it all.