Rugby Union: Littleborough U14s 19 - 40 Manchester U14s

Littleborough under 14s entertained Manchester at Rakewood on Sunday (25 November). Manchester are the Lancashire cup champions for the past two seasons at this age level, and a tough morning of rugby therefore awaited the lads.

The Boro boys took the bull by horns and more than matched the Manchester lads in the forwards, with neither team being able to gain the upper hand. Littleborough were made to pay for their failure to deal with the Manchester winger, when he burst through the Boro tacklers and scampered his way down the right wing to score the opener (conversion scored). The same winger ran in a couple more tries in the first half, and by half time the lads found themselves on the wrong side of score line of 0-28.  The score line didn’t really reflect the nature of the contest.

Spurred on by the fact that they were able to match Manchester, the lads were emboldened and took to the task of reducing the deficit, and winning the second half.  At the start of the half the boys found themselves camped in the Manchester half, and after some good forward play, Jake Coupe was able to power over the line (conversion scored by Thomas Kelly).  This score was however quickly cancelled out by another score from Manchester.

Not to be rebuffed the lads again showed their character and spirit and drove up-field and put their opponents under pressure. The end result was Ruben Warburton breaking through the line to score (conversion missed).

Unfortunately, Ruben injured himself in the process of scoring and would have to sit out the remainder of the game.  His presence would be missed, but the lads fought on regardless, and they further reduced the deficit when Ben Williams converted from close range (conversion scored by Jacob Brady). Manchester however finished the game with the final score of the match, meaning the final score was 19-40.  The lads did however win the 2nd half by a score of 19-12.

It was no means a game of rugby for the purists given the conditions under foot, and much of the ball was dominated by the forwards, but nonetheless everyone contributed and a good game of rugby was enjoyed by all. A massive well done to all the lads.

Clubman of the week award went to Ben Crabtree for a typical performance in attack and defence, and for the support he provided Cayan last week whilst he lay injured.  A true clubman, deserving of this weeks’ award.  A special mention must also be given to Ben Williams for scoring his first try for the club.

The Boro scorers were:
Jake Coupe 1x try
Ruben Warburton 1x try
Ben William 1x try
Thomas Kelly 1x conversion
Jacob Brady 1x conversion