True Grit from U12's vs Tyldesley

As far as Christmas viewing goes Sunday's U12 clash with Tyldesley was an epic.

Following the debacle a fortnight earlier the boys were clearly warming up on another level.

Tyldesley brought a physical side ready to play but the team proved up to it. Early pressure saw only a score for the visitors but Rossendale had crossed the line three times only to be held up and prevented from scoring. As the game entered the final quarter the match was finely balanced but two pressuring restarts saw the scores leveled and then a slender lead taken before the final act of an arcing run from the wing to seal the victory.

What stands out most is the level of commitment and team work compared to the recent past - forwards cleared rucks all morning giving fast ball to allow the backs to run, hardly a missed contact and the determination to keep going. Bobby scored three and Matthew two but that doesn't tell the real story which saw at least two personal performances way above what they have done before (Oliver and Daniel) and gives us great hope heading into the second half of the season.

The Man of the Match award was easy for us coaches: Every one of those who played. Well done and Merry Christmas.