North West Counties Youth Rugby League – under 18’s

Rochdale under 18’s travelled to one of the strongest junior clubs in the Rugby League world on Sunday (24 October 2010), when they visited Blackbrook of St Helens in the North West Counties under 18’s league.

Playing in a higher league this year, Rochdale have struggled to find form, but last weeks determined showing against Chorley Panthers had the coaches and staff confident of putting up a strong fight.

Alas, the strength of the hosts may have accounted for a number of the late cry off’s, but those that travelled did the Mayfield based team proud as Ben Duffy, David Richards, Jake Johnstone, Doug Carre and the unstoppable Moustafa Emra were ably supported by under 17’s Luke Hartley, Sam Robinson and Luke Senior – who, at full back, stopped wave after wave of Blackbrook attack.

Man of the match for Rochdale though was centre Tom Andrews who matched the strong St Helens players in every aspect of the game and, in defeat, scored the team’s consolation try.

The Rochdale under 18’s are affiliated and coached by both Hornets rl and Mayfield and exist as a natural feeder team to both.

New players experienced or not and from either code of rugby are welcome to attend training sessions to try out for the team.

These take place at Mayfield Sports Centre, Keswick St, Castleton, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Details can be obtained from Simon on 07920865106.