Rochdale nines is a hit

Rochdale Mayfield and Rochdale Cobras battle it out in the Charity Cup final

The second annual Rochdale nines competition took place this weekend at the Mayfield Sports Centre and has been deemed a huge success.

Seven teams from across the borough took part vying for the historic and prestigious 'Charity Cup.’

At the open draw, pool one saw hosts Rochdale Mayfield paired with Rochdale Cobras, Hornets u18s and Rochdale Swarm in the 'Group of Death'.

It was pre tournament favourites Mayfield who progressed through as group winners on point following victories over Swarm, a ten-all draw with the Cobras and a victory over the resilient youth of Hornets 18s.

In pool two, Littleborough were the pace setters, qualifying for the Charity Cup Semi Finals with victories over the Flying Horse and Mayfield A, the latter of which securing second place ensuring they faced there first team in the semis.

With club rivalries at stake and some players looking to settle some old scores the Mayfield Vs Mayfield A game was a feisty affair which could have gone either way for two thirds of the game. In the end it was the first that had that little bit of extra class.

The other semi final saw a strong Littleborough team overcome by a Cobras team reeking of experienced 9s players.

Both Littleborough and Mayfield A had a second bite at silverware in the plate semi final. It was Littleborough who held there nerve to book a place in the plate final against Swarm, who had seen off the Flying Horse in the other semi final, leaving Mayfield A to battle Hornets 18s in the 'Wooden Spoon' match.

The plate final was a close affair. Littleborough Adam Brown, who had looked dangerous all day, proved to be a danger to his own team when in the last minute he failed to find touch from a penalty and chipped the ball to Swarm invitational player Danny Pyke. Pyke duly ran in the try and with the last kick of the game failed with the drop goal conversion from the touchline to let Brown off the hook and ensure Littleborough took the plate competition 22-20.

The Charity Cup final was again a close affair with National Conference team Mayfield facing North West counties Rochdale Cobras.

The two teams were separated in the group stages only on point’s difference and, for majority of the final there wasn’t much between the two teams.

In the end it was Mayfield, buoyed by Terry White Trophy winner (Player of the Tournament) Rob Kershaw who came through for a 3 try victory.