They might be giants!

It was surprising to see how many BIG lads made up the Oldham squad, not sure how much of a difference this made to the Rossendale players mental enthusiasm pre-game, after last week I wouldn't be surprised if again the boys ran out with a premeditated resolve (and not a positive one). On the field it pretty much unfolded without further surprises, the ball, by and large, was carried by the Oldham large players as they smashed through the plucky Rossendale defensive lines and where their driving player didn't pick up a try they were very well supported by agile, nimble players sat waiting out on solid attacking lines ready to cause more trouble for the Rossendale defence.

In short Oldham were a dominating force to be reckoned with and an example of players working to their strengths and consistent teamwork, very well supported by a great turnout from the Oldham player parents. Really good to see families and players in great high spirits on a wonderful Sunday on a bright and beautiful morning.

Rossendale did show strength in attack and defence, we just missed the magic, the glue, the spirit, the breaks, the teamwork, the confidence, the hunger, the missed players, all and 'everythings' we mention week in and week out in training and at games. Let’s name them..., TEAMWORK, DISCIPLINE, Catch and Passing, TACKLING, TACKLING, TACKLING...., and TACKLING. I loved the work rate of some of the Rossendale players putting in a giant effort, all four quarters and for every second of the game. Well done. Bits and pieces of the game were fine for us and Bailey, Joey, Tommy, Ethan T and Ethan F all made some tidy breaks where we looked to be a phase or two away from a try, but as quick as we seemed to capitalise on the position we lost control of the ball in a turnover. The length of the pitch try from Hugo although got us on the scoreboard was a fine but solitary response to the double figure tries amassed by the Oldham team in the game.

A bit of a tough team to play on the back of a couple of cup games where we have struggled to find the form and quality to pull off a win, let's keep the players positive going in to the Tyldesley this coming weekend and remember after the game there's typically a pie to enjoy, so hurrah! Lots to look forward to and on reflection were clocking up some great actual game play, we'd have all jumped at the chance to get a fixture last year never minds 5 fixtures on the bounce.

Try Scorer: Hugo (1)