Calm before the storm - or the other way around

I think we were all anxious here in Rossendale having been battered by Storm Brian Saturday.., which as a coach is especially concerning thinking of numbers, fixtures and safeguarding for the game or training the following day.

Thankfully the short drive to Tyldesley was far enough away from our Rossendale micro-climate to make a big difference and the weather and fields over there held up, so, back to calm. Parent and players’ commitment have to be recognised and thanked here because it was still pretty ugly Sunday morning heading out to Tyldesley !! We had a great turn out on the day thankyou - this really does make a difference having a full squad and subs! ......, Oh yeah, there was a game. I should mention that.

Playing 4 quarters and Rossendale U12's playing the first 2 heading uphill and in to the wind I was expecting a bit of try score stretch in favour of the Tyldesley home team, however, following a reasonably early try from Tyldesley, it seemed to perk up the boys attention and a break through and try from Rossendale seemed to level up and drive the boys up the hill and back in the game. Heading in to the first half the game was pretty even, some great trys from both sides, tidy defence, good shape and decent yards gained by both teams, so as the whistle blew for half time we were 1 try up and looking to capitalise using the weather and slope to our advantage, or so we thought.

The second half seemed to have the same energy and commitment, probably as the players were settling in to the game, the playing was better, with the occasional bolt through from either team. Keeping the narrow advantage on the scoreboard, Rossendale seemed to maintain control, but from a very equally matched team and it was the narrowest of margins to be had.

Until the last 30 seconds that is........., In the last play of the match, Storm Tyldesley hit Rossendale and for what seemed an eternity the Rossendale team found themselves in their own half defending their try line. Both teams’ players laboured hard to defend / attack that try line with some heart stopping and premature moments of relief between breakdowns. Great spirit shown by both teams and deservingly for Tyldesley players efforts in the last play, they fought well to score that needed try to end and level up the game.

A big pat on the back for all Rossendale players a really good game, were seeing a lot of the drills performed in training coming to fruition on the pitch. Great spirit.

Quick acknowledgement for the efforts of Tommy, Kyle and Charlie. These boys are learning, picking up the game (Tommy is only 4-5 weeks in) and above all taking on board coaching, listening, learning and applying, which is really fantastic to see and we’ll see them get better week on week as a result. These boys may not the best boys on the field, however it’s how they are training and applying in games which gets them talked about and a lot of credit. Well done boys! And Charlie’s try – one word, WOW :-)

Well Done both teams a very entertaining game, I am sure we’ll all be looking forward to the next match in the Lancashire Cup festival in December.