Aspull U12s 14 – 21 Rossendale U12s

Rossendale U12s travelled to Aspull looking to repeat last week’s big victory, but it was quickly apparent that the large, strong Aspull team were going to be a much tougher test. In a physical game, both teams took part in the rugby-equivalent of an arm wrestle for the first quarter, with most of the action taking place in the Aspull half. The smaller Dale pack stood firm against the larger Aspull forwards in the scrums, and used the pace and strength in the backs to penetrate the Aspull defence. Unfortunately for the Dale lads, from an Aspull scrum, after a couple of phases, their big second row managed to batter his way through the Dale defence to score the only try of the first half. After the successful conversion, the first half ended 7 – 0 to the home side.

The second half started with a Rossendale kick-off and, with the slope in their favour, the Rossendale lads were looking to maximise this advantage. It wasn’t long before this advantage told; after some strong drives from the Rossendale forwards, the ball was passed out to Ciaran Campell who used his agility and strength to break the Aspull defence to score. After PJ Butler added the extras with the conversion, the Aspull kick-off went straight down the throat of full-back Ciaran Campbell, who scythed through the advancing Aspull defensive line and covered two-thirds of the pitch to score again. The reliable boot of PJ Butler slotted the conversion to give Dale the lead. Ciaran Campbell waited nearly five whole minutes before he scored his, and Dale’s, third try and PJ Butler converted to secure the victory. This could have been the final score, had Dale put the ball into touch after the referee had called last play, but they were keen to get another score on the board. Unfortunately, Aspull managed to wrestle the ball away in a maul on the half-way line and the same big second row forward shrugged off the Dale defence to score. With the successful conversion, the game ended Aspull 14 – 21 Rossendale.

With Ciaran Campbell taking Man of the Match for his hat-trick of tries, it could sound like a one-man effort; this couldn’t be further from the truth. Whilst the entire team stood up with 100% effort and played their part, Sam Irving was ever present in the loose and disruptive in the line-out, the centre-pairing of Max Lyth and Ben Ludlam were fearless and effective in defence, the front row warriors Isaac Cornwall and Jordan Fortune made a huge impact all over the park and George Allen who stepped up from the U11s to cover the scrum half position and was involved in nearly every play.

The tackling and support play were all superb again today, plus we used the backs better than last week, and the result is evident against what was a good, strong side. Well played lads! We’ve got training next week, so will build on the last 2 games for our next encounter with Bury in 2 weeks.

Thanks to all the parents, grand-parents and other supporters who made the trip over to Aspull, and thanks to them for their hospitality.