Old Rishworthians U14s 10 - 5 Rochdale RUFC U14s

Old Rishworthians U14s v Rochdale RUFC U14s

On a beautiful autumn morning Rochdale under 14s ventured over the border for a tough fixture against Yorkshire side Old Rishworthians, a fixture over previous seasons which has proved very difficult, as the Yorkshire side is coached daily as part of their school curriculum.

Both sides started well and most of the play was midfield with neither side gaining the advantage.

Close to the half time whistle a ruck on the centre line was turned over and number 8, Nico Rizzelli, collected the ball and burst through the Rishworthians defence to score under the posts; the kick was not converted and Rochdale led 5-0.

Rishworthians rallied and moved the ball out wide for their winger to score an unconverted try in the corner. Half time score 5-5.

The second half began as the first half, with both sides attacking and then defending their own lines.

However, Rochdale had the momentum until, for some unknown reason, the referee decided to take a breather and stopped the game for four minutes. It was from the restart that Rochdale were caught on the back foot and Rishworthians moved the ball swiftly and scored in the corner; the kick was not converted, score 10-5 to Rishworthians.

Rochdale dominated the rest of the game but failed to score and the score line remained 10-5 to Rishworthians at full time.

A Rochdale RUFC spokesman said: "The side was a credit to their coaches and both sets of supporters commended the teams on a great game of rugby. But for some dubious decisions from the referee, they could have come out on top, but nevertheless every one of their supporters can see the improvement in the team and next week’s game should be an even greater test, when they travel to Wilmslow."