Rugby Union: Littleborough U14s 40 – 20 Rochdale U14s

Littleborough under 14s travelled across town to face Rochdale for the first encounter between the teams this season, historically, a tough, hard fight.

Littleborough kicked the ball deep into Rochdale territory to get the game under way and the action remained in the Rochdale half for a sustained period, thanks in large part to some good forward work and some indiscipline (offsides) from the Rochdale lads.

The pressure eventually told when Ben Crabtree crashed through the Rochdale defence to score the opening try of the game, converted by Ben Willocks.

From the resulting re-start, the Littleborough line came under pressure from Rochdale and from a lineout close to the Littleborough line, they were able to reduce the deficit by scoring from a rolling maul (conversion missed).

From there, the lads dominated the half and would not let Rochdale get a foothold in the game. 

The possession and territory told on the score board as the lads were able to run in a further four tries, three from Crabtree and one for Willocks. Three of these were converted.

The half ended with Littleborough leading by 33-5. 

In the second half, whether it was because Rochdale picked up their levels or Littleborough took their foot off the gas, or a mixture of both, Rochdale began to take the upper hand and the possession and territorial stats for large parts were heavily in their favour. 

This led to them scoring a further three tries (conversions missed) meaning Littleborough's lead was reduced to 33-20. 

The last try seemed to provoke the 'Boro lads into action and they ended the game strongly, culminating in Crabtree scoring the last try of the game. The conversion was kicked, meaning the final score was 40-20.

Clubman of the week award went to Ruben Warburton for leading by example, his great team spirit, and encouraging his fellow team mates whilst on the pitch: a particular highlight when touch was missed from a penalty, and he promptly told the kicker ‘not to worry about it’.

 Sure enough, the boys quickly recovered possession and scored from the very next phase of play.

Special mentions also to Will Rawlinson, Ethan Dewhurst, and Crabtree, who all excelled in their positions during the game.  A further mention also for Willocks, who was picked out by both the Rochdale coach and the referee as man of the match. 

Littleborough squad: Charlie Bell, Bradley Chrimes, Jake Coupe, Ben Crabtree, Harry Crabtree, James Devine, Ethan Dewhurst, Tom Fenton, James Furnell, Cayan Harris, Luke Jones, Thomas Kelly, Olly Mills, Will Rawlinson, Max Risby, Ruben Warburton, Ben Williams, Ben Willocks