Rugby Union: Littleborough U14s 28 - 12 Old Rishworthians

Littleborough under 14s welcomed Old Rishworthians to Rakewood on Sunday (21 October) for their second ‘war of the roses’ contest of the season. A tough, but fair, game ensued, and which at the request of Rishworthians, was played over four quarters.

Littleborough kicked off and put the ball deep into Rishworthians’ territory. A battle of the forwards ensued, with neither side being able to dominate for long periods.  Littleborough however, were able to keep Rishworthians pinned in their half for the early parts of the game, eventually taking advantage when Ben Crabtree scored from an attacking 5-metre scrum (converted by Thomas Kelly).  This turned out to be the only score of the quarter.

In the second quarter, Rishworthians fought their way back into the game and, thanks to some good forward play and slick hands, they managed to put their right winger in who scored in the corner (despite the valiant last-ditch tackle from Luke Jones). The conversion was missed. 

Rishworthians took further advantage later in the quarter when their centre dummied and stepped through the Littleborough line to score under the posts (conversion scored).   

This meant that by the end of the second quarter Littleborough were trailing 7-12.

A spirited and determined bunch, the lads they came out after the half time chat all guns blazing, determined to get on the front foot and win the game line. 

This approach reaped immediate rewards and in the face of the Littleborough wall, Rishworthians panicked and threw a hopeful pass, which was promptly intercepted by Bradley Chrimes, who ran in under the posts (conversion scored by Jacob Brady). 

The lads continued to apply pressure on the Rishworthians’ defence throughout the quarter leading to a further two tries (both converted) being scored in the quarter by Olly Mills and Ben Crabtree. The boys had turned the deficit around and were now leading 28-12.

The fourth and final quarter followed the pattern of the first half with neither side able to maintain sustained periods of possession or territory. Both defences were solid in this quarter and no further points were scored in the contest, meaning the final score was 28-12.

As usual, well played to all.

Clubman of the week award was presented to Harry Crabtree for playing in an unfamiliar and new role within the team, his tackling display, general excellent play, and his positive attitude.

Special mentions also to the returning Jacob Brady, the team’s resident changing room DJ, and also to Luke Jones and Olly Mills for cleaning and tidying the changing room after the game.

Squad: Charlie Bell, Jacob Brady, Bradley Chrimes, Jake Coupe, Ben Crabtree, Harry Crabtree, James Devine, Ethan Dewhurst, Tom Fenton, Cayan Harris, Luke Jones, Thomas Kelly, Olly Mills, Will Rawlinson, Max Risby, Ruben Warburton and Ben Williams.