Rugby Union: Sedgley Park U14s 10 - 24 Rochdale U14s

After a couple of close defeats in the last two outings, mainly due to poor starts, Rochdale were determined to hit the ground running in the penultimate group game of the Lancashire Cup, away to Sedgley Park. This was not an easy task in gale force winds and driving rain but this they did through a combination of strong forward drives and slick backs handling, allowing Rochdale to dominate possession and territory in the first quarter.

The sustained pressure resulted in two tries: the first by Mitch Holt cutting through a retreating defence after some great forward play with Garrett Myers, Chris McConnell, Paddy Kershaw, Joel Rigby, Charlie Bleackley and Kai Potter all carrying strongly. The second try followed a similar pattern with the forwards dominating the collisions and slowly marching Sedgley back to their try line where McConnell was able to pick and power over from close quarters to double Rochdale’s lead. Both tries were converted Holt.

It was inevitable that a team of Sedgley’s class would have a period of ascendancy; they are a very dangerous counter-attacking team and have pace throughout the backline. From one such counter, the Sedgley full back gathered the ball and accelerated into the space and around the Rochdale defenders. However, the defence was able to slow him just enough for James Tasker to put in a try saving tackle, regain his feet and make a second tackle to put the next attacker in touch. This was the sort of commitment which every Rochdale player was showing both in attack and defence.

Rochdale’s defence held firm under sustained pressure with backs Holt, Will Simmons, Ben Kershaw, Nick Wright, Ollie Simpson, Matt Dearden and Zac Baker all contributing. Sedgley got their reward on the stroke of half time with a converted penalty taking the score to 14-3 as the game broke for half time.

 

 

Rochdale continued to dominate possession and territory in the second half with Myers a constant threat, supported by good rucking from Ben Sunderland and James O’Connell which ensured a constant supply of ball. This dominance resulted in the penalty count going against the home team and was further compounded by some ill-discipline amongst their ranks. Rochdale were able to convert one of these penalties extending their lead to 17-3. More ill-discipline followed and, from a tap penalty, Wright was able to drive through a couple of tackles and score another try, converted by Holt.

 

 

There was just time for a consolation try for Sedgley and their big quick winger took it upon himself to take the direct route, blasting through some fairly weak tackling, to race a full 50 metres and carrying a couple of defenders over the line with him. This did beg the question why Sedgley hadn’t been more direct throughout the game and this was probably the difference between the two sides.

The final whistle followed and Rochdale had gained a convincing 24-10 victory in probably their most complete team performance of the season. The forwards played as a unit, constantly crossing the gain-line, the backs closed the space and tackled attackers before they could get any momentum and the whole team supported each other. This was even more impressive as Rochdale only had one replacement and most players completed the full match.

Man of the match could have gone to any number of players but James Tasker got the award for some excellent running lines and great tackling. 

Squad: Garrett Myers, Kai Potter, James O’Connell, Paddy Kershaw, Joel Rigby, Chris McConnell, Charlie Bleackley, Ben Sunderland, Matt Dearden, Mitchell Holt, Zak Baker, Ben Kershaw, Will Simmons, James Tasker, Ollie Simpson, Nick Wright