Those glad they didn't shell out for the opening of the Autumn Internationals should have popped down to the club Sunday morning to watch some fine rugby with the 12's playing Fleetwood- the other spectators could have done with more people there to keep them warm on the freezing side-lines too. Thanks for sticking with the whole game U12's Cheer leaders!!

I am not sure whether the spotlight on the internationals at the weekend or our pitch allocation spurred our team on..., I think it certainly had its effect in a couple of ways..., Maybe the exposure to so much media and the TV dedicated to the Rugby, it was evident a number of players (both teams) had picked up on the pre-match ceremony this weekend and were keen to observe the Remembrance Day Sunday traditions , we had plans to do so and did...., but it was great to see in these young players with the awareness of the event and the respect to observe a minutes silence before the game.

With the excellent staging of the game on the first team pitch (Thanks Ian) we had a very excited team on our hands ready to play and get stuck in with only the ice cold chill in the air to mar what was an outstanding morning...., to continue with the outstanding theme, Rossendale set off in their first 15 minutes of play in OUTSTANDING form, it must be noted, led by Joe Donnelly who I think played the best 15 minutes outstanding rugby we have seen for a long time in our team. Well Done Joe, Great Team Work, Ball carrying, Defensive and offensive play and passing! Given all these factors we started well opening a pretty decent lead on the scoreboard, Fleetwood were by no means a walkover as they put up a great defence and opened up their side of the scoreboard too.

The remaining quarters were still great rugby, maybe both teams a little more fatigued, battling against the cold, but fine performances as we showed good team-work and communication, the shape of the team in defence was looking good and as we set up around breakdowns the boys memories were all intact from the constant practise this season and formed pretty good lines, Coaches Tim, Dave & Andy's hard work paying off with evidence on the pitch (at last).

Some spectacular running, sometimes the length of the field, well done Joe, Rhys and Hugo for taking hold of the ball and gaining yards resulting in trys..., Although, we must remember support!!! as we can get caught out in these individual efforts but on the day, we were fortunate to find, or hit/make space and follow those breaking runs through to trys scored.

BIG tackles from Will (H) and Will (W) giving some work to do next week for a missed Mr. Kyle Foxcroft who will have to defend his King of the Tackles title in our away game against Bolton RUFC ..., Charlie also getting stuck in a welcome return of the War Cry heading in to tackles and Rucks, waking up and defrosting our cheerleaders on the side line.

Great play and hard work from Fraser (did you hear you Mom shouting???) George the first and George the second, Oliver - battling through a shoulder injury bravely, and Tommy still making progress and learning the game - well done boys! We also welcomed Alex back from injury, to comeback in to the team in a full game was excellent and no signs of rust as he swung in to and took down a number of great tackles and some tidy footwork ball carrying.

We had great feedback form the parents and players (both home team and away) what an honour it was to play on the First Team Pitch and it obviously made a difference in the team on the day, as we have seen in other games throughout our years and Rossendale weather, when the pitches are heavy going the boys tire quickly, start to turn cold and lose focus and composure and the games can get stale and scrappy as a result. Thanks Ian Jones for allowing us across there, we really appreciate it - the players put in extra effort and attained a super result!

Rossendale RUFC

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