Match report

Wow what can I say about today’s performance?

Great turn out of young stags (21 in total) for the short trip over to Clitheroe who could only muster 11 willing young men to give us a game. With this in mind the referee made a decision to play 11 v 11 and 30 minutes each way without any front row, so uncontested scrums were the order of the day.

This gave Clitheroe a glimmer of hope from the kick off with our boys trying there hardest to get early points which almost back fired as we gifted Clitheroe with several early penalties within kicking distance of the goal. An early mis placed attempt seemed to spur on the boys who finally found some rhythm with the passing and breakthrough plays and forced an early try from Johnson under the sticks which was easily converted by Hopkinson to steady the ship at 7 - 0

The blistering pace of Zaz once again provided the second score soon after with some delicate footwork to send him clear of the defence and score again under the posts - converted again by Hopkinson who was beginning to get into this game. A third try from the quick thinking of young Haig who broke the defensive line with ease and provided the 3rd try of the half which again was converted by Hopkinson (allegedly ?) to make it 0-21 at half time, but not before a dubious decision by the ref who produced a yellow card for comments made about a possible score at the post. Need to be careful in our choice of words - young man going forward.

Half time saw mass changes to Rossendale pack and provided game time for all the traveling squad.

Introducing these fresh legs made a massive difference to the game. These lads seemed to form a bond from the off, attacking routines and helping each other out produced 5 x tries in this period backed up with 4 conversions from the trusted boot of young Hopkinson who was in great form throughout the game until his late exit with only minutes on the clock left.

Pick of the tries in the second came from the silent assassin Joe Starkie who seized his opportunity and just went for it. This was after Zaki and Alfie knocked at the door with some good plays for a score each.
I saved the best until last - onto the scene at half time stepped Callum Ball who put in his usual 100% and was rewarded with 2 scores. One looked like a scene from free willy as he jumped in air and skidded on his back side to plant the ball in centre of the sticks.

From a points tally - player of the match award this week goes to Rowan with 14 points. But to be honest you all gave it 100 % today and bounced back strong from last week. Couple of quiet weekends coming up and plenty of time to get ready for the cup game on 10.11.2019.

Well done everyone. Great support from management and parents who will always have your back.