Local derby serves up classic game of rugby

For the second week in a row Rochdale Cobras 9's took on bigger more experienced opposition in Waterhead ARLFC. Unfazed by the task Cobras gave everything in an outstanding and well contested game, very nearly providing a shock result.

In a too and fro game Cobras showed great potential, with the defence getting better each game and players running stronger with more confidence. There is plenty of speed and ability within the team just not great size, which at times makes it difficult to get the ball up field against the bigger sides.

Dan Tomlinson and Dom Woolfenden, two of the more compact Cobras players, ran the ball the most direct.

Oliver Wilkes on his return shown glimpses of his strength and ability.

In an excellent defensive performance it is hard to pick out top performers, although Lewis Hough led by example never taking a backward step, with Owen Webster and George Hough pulling off some outstanding cover tackles.

Kristian McVeigh and Harry Smith probing the Waterhead defence for gaps and Mitchell Bamford in his first ever game of rugby was outstanding.

Try scorers were Kristian McVeigh, Owen Webster and George Hough, who each scored two tries.

Final Score: Rochdale Cobras 6 - 8 Waterhead ARLFC

Cobras: Dan Tomlinson, Dominic Woolfenden, Owen Webster, Lewis Hough, George Hough, Kristian McVeigh, Harry Smith, Oliver Wilkes, Mitchell Bamford

Hit Man Award (most tackles): Lewis Hough

Parents Award: Kristian McVeigh

Man of the Match: Mitchell Bamford