Rugby Union: Littleborough U14s 21 -10 Rochdale U14s

Littleborough under 14s entertained local rivals Rochdale at Rakewood on Sunday (4 November), the second contest between these teams in the last three weeks.

Littleborough ran out comfortable winners in the earlier game, and Rochdale were undoubtedly eager to avenge that loss.

Littleborough were at a disadvantage for the first half as they were playing uphill and into the wind, and they would therefore have to be at their best to keep Rochdale out, and take full advantage of the elements in the second half.

The game started with Littleborough being camped in their own half for a period of time, but the defence was good. Thanks to some good foraging work by Max Risby, they were able to turnover Rochdale ball and mount a quick and deadly attack, Thomas Kelly running in the opening try of the game, which he then converted.

The score put Rochdale on the back foot for a period of time and Littleborough enjoyed a good deal of possession and territory in the Rochdale half as a result.

Due to the sustained pressure Rochdale decided to kick for territory, but the kick was fielded well by Ethan Dewhurst and returned with interest. The end result was Ben Crabtree scoring under the posts (converted by Thomas Kelly).  Ben had been unlucky earlier after breaking through the Rochdale defence, running half the length of the pitch only to be tackled at the very last moment and penalised for a double movement.

This score seemed to spark Rochdale into life and for the latter periods of the half, they upped their intensity and put the Littleborough line under immense pressure.

The lads were resilient and rebuffed the Rochdale attack.  However, after a sustained period on or around the Littleborough line, Rochdale eventually took advantage to squeeze in the corner (conversion missed). This was the final action of the half, meaning Littleborough led at half time by a score of 14-5.

Littleborough started the second half on the attack, making full use of the slope but thanks to some good Rochdale defending, the lads were unable to convert into further scores. They were made to pay when the Rochdale winger beat his man and ran the length of the pitch to score (conversion missed).

Littleborough again went on the attack after this score, but again were unable to take full advantage and extend the ever-reducing lead.

At times it appeared they would again be punished for not putting Rochdale away.

On two occasions Rochdale breached the Littleborough line and were through on goal to reduce the deficit.  However, the last line of defence, firstly in the shape of Bradley Chrimes and secondly, Ethan Dewhurst, the Rochdale attack was stopped. These were two huge moments that ensured a Littleborough victory, and which was made all the more comfortable when Ben Willocks skipped through the centres to score the final try of the game (converted by Jacob Brady).

The final score was 21-10 to Littleborough, in what was a closely fought and well contested game.

Our clubman of the week award could have gone to either Ethan Dewhurst or Bradley Chrimes, but it was Brad who was presented with the award.  Brad is always available to support and cover his team mates, and there was no better example than his try saving tackle during the game.

Special mentions also to Ethan who was immense in both attack and defence throughout the game, and also to Cayan Harris and Ben Williams for carrying out changing room duties.

A big well done to all the lads for another tremendous game of rugby. As usual, they were a credit to the club.

The Littleborough scorers were:

• Thomas Kelly: 1 try and 2 conversions
• Ben Crabtree: 1 try
• Ben Willlocks: 1 try
• Jacob Brady: 1 conversion

Squad: Jacob Brady, Bradley Chrimes, Jake Coupe, Ben Crabtreee, 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