Spirit of the Valley

In the preliminary stage of the tournament the lads from the valley faced local sides from Rochdale and Bury, as well as opposition from further afield in the shape of the Isle of Man Nomads.

Although they were unfortunate not to progress to the final of the tournament, the team played commendably, never giving up or loosing heart, encapsulating the spirit of the valley.

The Rossendale coaches experimented with a few changes of position to give some of the boys experience playing in different areas of the field before next season when they will progress to play on a full size pitch.

With the absence of his usual playing partner, Joe Bedlow (out due to injury) Haig Howarth paired up well with Rowan Hopkinson at Centre, both tackling fiercely and taking every opportunity to go on the offensive.

Ieuan Dwyfor-Jones took up position at number 8 and also at centre swapping with Rowan Hopkinson. On more than one occasion he found space to burst through the opposition defences and pose a serious threat, linking up well with Sam Warwick and Joe Starkie (both 2nd row) who both claimed more than their fair share of ball during the breakdown.

Although they conceded several try's over the tournament it would have been many more if not for Dan Dunham (fullback) and Elliott Newell (wing) on numerous occasions smashing into their opponents as they attempted to build momentum. Nathan Waddington epitomised the attitude of the squad with a gutsy performance, always trying his best and making some telling breaks.

Throughout the season the Rossendale U12s have tackled and defended well, today's tournament was no exception. Against Rochdale they held up a determined charge, Cai Astley, intent on denying them what seemed a certain try, ripped the ball free and made a quick off load to set his backs loose. Max Haworth finally received the ball only a metre outside his own try line, then set off on a typically powerful run the full length of the pitch to score a sensational try.

Scrummaging was definitely a strong point of the Rossendale performance, Nuri Stoner, Reece Howarth & Tyler Johnson made a formidable front row and invariably gained the upper hand at the set piece. Josh Beeken at scrum half with characteristic commitment did his best to exploit this advantage leading to a try when Jack Whittaker ran in at speed to take the pass and score another impressive try.

Well done to all the team today for giving their all and demonstrating the true spirit of the valley.