Rugby Union: Rochdale U13s crowned Lancashire Champions 2019

Lancashire Champions 2019 - Rochdale Rugby Union Club Under 13s

To cap another outstanding year for Rochdale's Under 13 Boys, they  were crowned Champions of Lancashire on Sunday 5 May after a close encounter with Waterloo RUFC.

The match was hosted by Waterloo, due to four Lancashire Finals being held at Rochdale RUFC.

Having another successful season undefeated in their match games, Rochdale U13s have once again proven the quality of the boys game in Rochdale.

Sunday was a very close encounter, with Waterloo taking the lead just before half time. 

After a team talk by Dan Kelly and Pete Collins they changed the match tactics and having finished two tries to one down at half time, Rochdale began to dominate the attacking play and ran in ten tries with no reply. 

The final score belies the true closeness of the game. Waterloo were formidable opponents and could have taken an earlier lead but for some ferocious tackling by the Rochdale boys.

This season is the eighth year some of the boys have been together and the skills they have developed and the strength and stamina which has been built up with their coaches has brought them through some very tough matches.

Our thanks go to the volunteer team coaches. Scott, Pete, Dan and Carl and to the fitness coach Matt.

After a gruelling eight months of autumn and winter rugby, the squad have shown that they are an exceptional unit.

A spokeperson for the parents said: "As all the parents have said year on year, we and our boys are here for the family atmosphere which Rochdale RUFC present every time we are present.

"RRUFC, has been an integral part of all our families and we are proud to say, thank you for all the opportunities you have given our boys and the family hospitality you have given us all."

Roll of Honour

• Lancashire Champions 2019
• Rochdale Rugby Union Club Under 13s
• Rochdale Festival Winners 2015, 2016, 2017
• Rochdale Festival Runners Up 2014, 2018
• Sandal Festival Winners 2015, 2016, 2017
• Sandal Festival Runners Up 2018
• Stockport Festival Winners 2017
• Stockport Festival Plate Winners 2016, 2018
• Old Brodleians Festival Winners 2016, 2017
• Vale of Lune Festival Semi finalists [two teams] 2015
• Whitchurch Festival Winners 2018
• Driffield Festival Runners Up 2016 two teams
• Driffield Festival Winners 2016 two teams
• Sedbergh School Festival Winners 2017
• Manchester Festival Winners 2017
• Scarborough Festival Runners Up 2015
• York Festival Winners 2017