Rugby Union: Littleborough Rugby Union U14s 7 - 24 Sandal RUFC

Littleborough Under 14s travelled to Sandal on Sunday (2 December 2018), decimated by a number of injuries, meaning they were only able to play with a bare 15. A number of those players would have to play in new unfamiliar roles.

Faced with a larger team, both in numbers and physicality the boys put on a superb performance, and the score line was in no way indicative of the true nature of the game.

In the first half the boys were up against it, with Sandal coming down the slope to attack the Littleborough line. The boys however met fire with fire at the game line, and time and time again they tackled and brought the opposition down.

Alas, the home side broke through with a great running line from the Sandal full back, and were made to pay for two missed tackles, meaning by the end of the first half the boys trailed by a score of 0-19.

In the second half the boys continued to put in a wholehearted and mighty effort, but ground was conceded by virtue of giving away a number of penalties. The loss of possession and territory ultimately proved too much, and Sandal crossed to score the first try of the second half.

The boys gritted their teeth and set about their opposition once more, and having kept possession for about five minutes and 20 phases they moved up field and scored, thanks to Tyler Mills breaking through the would be tacklers from Sandal.

The try was converted by Jacob Brady, thereby reducing the deficit to 7-24, which was the final score. 

The game was lost, but again the Littleborough boys showed their character to come out and win the second half.

The score line could have been closer as the forwards kept the ball tight and drew Sandal players into the middle, and the visitors created a number of overlaps in the second half as a result.

Littleborough didn’t take the opportunities this time, but there were promising signs, nonetheless.

The Sandal coach came over after the end of the game to say that we had given their boys a tough game, and that they are used to putting 100 points on teams.

Despite the defeat, huge positives can be taken from the game, and puts us in good stead for future weeks.

The coaches normally nominate a club man of the week, but given the nature of the performance today all 15 players (warriors) who turned out in the Littleborough jersey were deserving of the award, and the award was shared accordingly.

Squad:

Charlie Bell, Jacob Brady, Bradley Chrimes, Jake Coupe, Ben Crabtree, Harry Crabtree, James Devine, Tom Fenton, James Furnell, Thomas Kelly, Olly Mills, Tyler Mills, Max Risby, Ben Williams and Ben Willocks.