Rugby Union: Littleborough Rugby Union U10s and U9s

The Under 11 coaches and parents were not the only ones treated to a thoroughly entertaining morning of rugby at Copley Lane on Sunday (2 December 2018) as the younger sibling, the under 10s also travelled east to take on near neighbours Old Rishworthians.

Old Rishworthians Under 10s vs Littleborough Under 10s

Jason Clegg, Simon Hoyle and Mark Cryer’s team set about their larger opponents with determination and courage, displaying great effort and commitment throughout. At half time the team trailed by two tries to one, great passing put Charlie in at the corner.

A slow start to the second half saw their opponents’ score a couple of quick tries but Boro rallied and got over the line themselves through Harry Baron and Thomas Inman.

Another to impress that afternoon was Ryan who also scored too pal, they all played really well.

Littleborough would go on to narrowly lose the game but a special mention must go to Georgia who was named player of the match. She was ably supported by fellow newcomers George Fletcher, Luca, James and the tackling tiger Sam Stafford.

Team: Harry Baron, Charlie Cryer, George Bell, James Walker, Ryan Baxendall, Luca Lovatt-Cooper.

Littleborough Under 9s vs Old Rishworthians Under 9s

Littleborough Under 9s gave a good account of themselves in an exciting Sunday morning of rugby against a talented Old Rishworthians outfit.

Halifax based Rishworthians started well with a fast and well drilled side with good tackling.

It took a while for the Littleborough minis to settle but once they got their attacking game going, they were right back in the contest.

Littleborough Under 9s bigger individuals made good yards going forward which made space for the more agile and speedy teammates to run in some good tries.

To say it’s their first season at tackling you would never have guessed with some great technique on show. 

But unfortunately, Rishworthians proved too strong in a game of many ups and downs.

Special mention for Adam Bracegirdle who won team tackler of the match and man of the match to Olly Fletcher for his work rate and plenty of tackles.

Moment of the match went to Noah Caulfield for his great start to the game which included some big tackles and great runs.

Over on the pitch next door coach Neil Makinson's team also struggled to get into their stride because of a combination of mistakes and some good defence play from Rishworthians.

The home team opened up a 3-0 lead within the first five minutes.

Littleborough then came back into the game with some strong running and offloads. However, it was a little too late with the home side taking the first game by one score.

The second game proved a complete reversal with Boro proving too strong from the start for their Yorkshire rivals

Special mention goes to Josh Jenkins who won the moment of the match award for an excellent defensive display and is starting to show real potential with the ball in hand.

Defensive player of the game was just too hard to judge with Elliot Wells, Aden Kolbuck and Noah Phillips working well as a unit.