Crosfields Cobras U11′s 22 Saddleworth Rangers U11′ 18
Would the Cobras be able to back up the fantastic performance in Orrell last week. The day had experienced heavy showers but had left conditions almost perfect for rugby with even a hint of sunshine.
The Cobra’s ranks were bolstered with captain for the day Sam Martin on debut. The kick off by Saddleworth was gathered in by James Kenny who ran the ball in. Saddleworth had possession and looked menacing, despite their long journey. Good defence from Josh Little and George Brailey couldn’t prevent the first score of the day for the visitor’s number 11.
With the ball back the Cobras ran hard with Callum Southern and Ben McWilliam making yards. Quick dummy half play from Thomas Davis allowed Callum Talbot to jink left then right and score a good try in the left hand corner. Defence was now the order of the day, Alex Tinsley and Kyle Brown were not to be found wanting and the home side had the ball back. Good attacking runs from Dan James and Joe Hands came up just short and the vistitors came again.
More defence from Danny Robb and Sam Martin got the ball back and the Cobras knew they needed to make it pay. Good drives from Josh Little and George Brailey saw Lloyd Halpin wake up and set off on a mazy run, skipping players and giving the perfect offload to Kyle Brown who powered over on the right for his first score of the season.
HT 10-6
The home side were all set for the second half and gained the ball back early. Good runs from Dan James and coaches award winner James Kenny pushed the team forward. The game was stretched now and good pivot play from Joe Hands saw Josh Little put out a pass for the work horse Alex Tinsley who threw the dummy and ran on the arch to score another great centres try.
Cobra’s really looked like they had the bit between their teeth. Good defence from Ben McWilliam and top tackler Thomas Davis regained the ball. Strong running from Danny Robb and Callum Southern showed the way. Callum Talbot saw the chance out left and a turn of pace and step resulted in a good solo try.
The Cobras now seemed to relax and boy did the Rangers make them pay. Strong tackles from Dan James and Josh Little attempted to stop the on slaught, but to no avail as the number 8 scored. Again in the next set Crosfields coughed up the ball and Saddleworth powered on. Good tackles again from Kyle Brown and man of the match Alex Tinsley looked to disjoint the visitors. Saddleworth were not to be denied and number 4 scored to set up a grandstand finish.
As with the previous two weeks surely the game wasn’t going to be within a score ? The answer yes it was, a knock on close to the line gave the Cobras the ball back, classic up your jumper was called for and Callum Talbot and Callum Southern were not to be found wanting.
Today was another example of the the game lasts for 40 mins, the TEAM will learn from today. What a great example of junior rugby well done both teams and i’m off to get the heart rate checked out.
FT 22-18
Try’s – Callum Talbot (2), Kyle Brown, Alex Tinsley
Con’s – Kyle Brown, Alex Tinsley, Ben McWilliam
MOM – Alex Tinsley
Coaches Award – James Kenny
Top Tackler – Thomas Davis
Popularity: 2% [?]
September
4th Saddleworth Rangers (H)
8th West Houghton Lions (A)
