Crosfields ARLFC

Crosfields U9′s 36 v Hindley U9′s 28

Cobras travelled the short distance up the A49 for the reverse fixture against a very very competent Hindley side.

A squad of 13 players were in attendance (we lost one en route), and captain for the day, Zak Cameron lost the toss, and we defended first. It was apparent from the start that Hindley were a much improved side, and they had a few new players too. Cobras were thinking back to the earlier season fixture, and took the Wiganers for granted, and it was plain to see. Some were not focused, and after a set each, Hindley took the lead, when poor defence, but a superb step and turn of speed, saw the huge no.13 race in from half way, untouched. 0-1.

This seemed to wake up the lads, and strong runs by G-Man, Spence and Cam saw Jamie jink his way through from 20 yards out for an equalizer. 1-1. The match was being played at a frenetic pace, both sides entertaining the crowd, and throwing the ball about. Strong first line defence by Rocky, Jamie, Spence and Harry Wilcock, drove Hindley back, but Hindley crossed again and were playing as a unit, Spam and Animal leading the way for them.1-2.

Straight from the play the ball, Jamie scored his second, a top individual score, beating 4 defenders 2-2. Despite some strong defence from some, everyone was not on the same wave length at times, and Hindley scored again 2-3. Changes were made, and G-Man, Webby, Zak and Scooter came off for AJ, James, Monty and Mad dog. All four were straight into the fray, and AJ in particular was putting himself about, making massive yards and putting in big hits. Monty had found his voice, and along with Jack and James was taking the ball up strong; it was good to hear his high pitched shrieking at his own players. Excellent, because some of you are now directing others around the pitch.

Rocky and Monty were distributing well, and we had started to try and pass the ball, which paid dividends as Harry to Jamie, saw a lovely long pass which put Spence into space-great try. 3-3. Half Time. I asked for us again to improve our try line defence, and to move the ball more, and above all be patient. Impressive Hindley defence, scrambling for their lives were rewarded with a turnover, and this saw them gain more confidence, and they crashed over to lead again 3-4. This game really was end to end, and Cobras replied again when Mad dog Taylor held off the tacklers to plonk the ball down for his first Crosfields try, much to his and his team mate’s joy. A well celebrated score. 4-4.

In defence Jamie, AJ, Spence, Harry and Monty were working over time, well assisted by James, Rocky and Cam, but we still couldn’t keep them at bay. Well worked try 4-5. Excellent carries by AJ, Spence and Mad dog saw Rocky show superb power and fend to knock off 3 defenders, with his customary Super League dive 5-5. G-Man came back on for Rocky, and the change gave us new impetus, he was immediately taking the ball up, making huge yards with AJ, and putting the Wiganers on the back foot. A good cross field passing movement saw Spence cross for his second, which was quickly followed by a Jamie howitzer for his hat trick. Finally breathing space at 7-5.

Hindley have a new attitude this time round, and came back strong again, Spam again leading the way. 7-6. Definitely a game for neutrals, but on reflection, and having seen the DVD since, a superb advert for mini rugby league. These little guys, both teams, put everything into this match, and both will play a lot worse and still win. Scooter came back on for Mad Dog who had taken a knock to the head, and immediately got himself on the end of a flowing backline move, which saw him bundled into touch, by superb scrambling defence. Unlucky George. Stronger defence followed, AJ and Jamie still leading the way, and even G-Man was bending his back, and standing out. A sight for sore eyes!! Told you he could do it Mark.

 Another great drive by AJ, taking the steam out of the Wigan defence, laid the platform, and with their defence on the back foot, another popular score followed, when pace and poise saw James Geraghty cross the line for his first 4 pointer this season. 8-6. Webby returned for Cam, who had completed another excellent personal performance, and he too got stuck in. 2 sets each, the ref called, who had a very iffy timepiece to say the least!! Searching for that elusive lifeline, the ball went to ground, and first G-Man, and then AJ again took us into position for Harry to find the ever supporting Spence, who completed his hat trick. Excellent support play, Spence is one of a few, who consistently follow Harry, who always creates space for his team mates. 9-6

Hindley’s never say die attitude saw them register the last try, when an exquisite floated pass from Spam found Animal, for a well deserved score 9-7. Zak took the last carry up before a strong tackle knocked the ball out of AJ’s grasp, for the final whistle. 9-7.

Rugby League was the winner again today, and a moral victory for Dave and his players, who have turned a 40-12 loss to us 4 months ago into a very close 36-28 loss now. Fantastic attitude, great spirit and some excellent new recruits.

Cobras had some great individual performances again, none more so than AJ, Jamie, Spence, Monty and also some first time scorers in Mad Dog and James. Brilliant, and the team performance is coming. We need to start better, but most pleasing that we are now all communicating on the pitch. Keep listening and keep smiling, always proud.

Finally a BIG thank you from all the squad, coaches and parents to George “Scooter” JERRAM, who has decided following this game that rugby, is not for him, after 3 years service to Crosfields. Good luck in any chosen sport George.

HT. 12 – 12

FT. 36 -28

Man of the Match – Andrew JOBLING

Top Tackler – Jamie BARBER

Players Player – Jamie BARBER

Most Improved – Louis BEAUMONT

Coach’s Award – Spencer RUDD

Scorers – Jamie Barber 3 tries, Spencer RUDD 3 tries, Louis ROSSLYN, James GERAGHTY and Jack TAYLOR.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Under 15s – Alliance Pitch – 10.30am - Open Car Park

Under 14s – Conference Pitch – 10.30am

Under 12s – Alliance Pitch – 11.45am – Close Car Park

Under 10s – Modified Pitch – 10.30am – Staff Bar 11.30 – 12.30

Under 9s – Mini Pitch 1 – 12.00 Noon – Staff Bar 12.30pm – 1.30pm

Popularity: 1% [?]

Under 15s – Alliance Pitch – 10:30am – Staff Bar 11.30 – 12.30

Under 14s – Conference Pitch – 10:30am – Open car park

Under 12s – Alliance Pitch – 11.45am – Staff Bar 12.30 – 1.30 – Close Car Park

Under 11s – Modified Pitch – 10:15am – Staff Bar 11.30 – 12.30

Popularity: 1% [?]

The U13s are holding a RACE NIGHT at the Club on Sat 20 March as part of their fundraising for their tour to Cumbria in May/June. It will be hosted by Dave and Teri Johnson and Ian and Marie Neil and ALL are welcome. Lets make it a night to remember! Sponsorship of races,  individual horses, prizes or donations will be gratefully received and details for enquiries will follow soon. We look forward to seeing you all on the night.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Crosfields Cobras U9′s  16  v  West Bank Bears U9′s  12

Beating the over night frost, saw a closely contested match against an ever improving Bears side from Widnes, who are getting closer to us with every encounter. Always a great game keenly fought. 

Cobras reduced squad of 12, due to some unavailability, took to the field, captain for the day Tom Worthington, lost the toss, and we started on the defensive. The Bears came out of the traps at a ferocious pace, obviously well up for this derby, and gained good ground, despite big hits from Big B, Timps and Spence. The last tackle saw us camped on our line, and fall for the five card trick, a simple scoot, and great tenacity saw the Bears take the lead 0-1.

Great start for the Bears, and young Cobras hadn’t woken up yet! Ball in hand, and still getting used to me not being on the pitch any more, organising themselves was not coming easy. Brechan carried on his excellent form with a strong drive, carried on by Timps, Cam, and Harry tried to get the line moving, but Bears were getting stuck into us, and mistakes were being made. Turn over ball followed, and a period ensued where both sides, despite a lot of effort got nowhere, in attack, defences and errors on top.

Hally had started to get stuck in, as had Spence, Harry and Little Tom, but Big B was still the player catching the eye. He’s really got his timing of late, and is hurting the opposition. Tom Tom Neary was trying his hardest, but looked a little rusty, being unluckily bundled into touch twice. Timps too had a fantastic break, but the cover knocked him into touch also, when he looked likely to score. A lot of endeavour for no reward.

So the stalemate continued, still 0-1, and changes were made, Jamie, Webby and Scooter replacing Cam, Timps and Monty. Straight onto the attack, Spence and B leading the way, and Hally picked up a pass 20 yards out, and a double fend saw him cross in the corner. 1-1. Bears were not down hearted and came straight back at us, making good ground down field, saw them on our line, when again, after great strength from Webby, Harry and Hally, saw them cross, when a quick play the ball caught us out. Excellent opportunist try1-2.

We finished on the attack, after strong drives by Webby, Jamie and Spence saw us stopped short. Excellent distribution by Scooter, to Big B on the batter, saw  committed defence stop him short-half time 1-2. I asked for us to up our performance in the second half, get out of the defensive line quicker, and get deeper with the ball in hand, running onto the ball, instead of being static.

The second half was the opposite of the first, Cobras coming out of the blocks quicker, but despite better approach work, with Harry Wilcock marshalling his runners, and always probing for gaps, Bears defence held strong. A couple of sets each, with no addition to the score board, then saw a strong drive by B, followed up by Spence and Webby, and Harry continued the move superbly offloading from an impossible position to Jamie 2-2.

The tackling had improved too, and Hally, B and Spence were leading the way, along with  Harry who was putting his shoulder to the wheel, and a flowing move from the Bears, saw Jamie come out of nowhere, to stop Leon dead in his tracks in the corner, when we all thought he must score. Sheer brilliance. We went straight down the other end, and Harry again instrumental fed Spence who ducked and dived to score a great team try. 3-2.

Monty, Cam and Timps returned, for both Tom’s and Big B (getting a well deserved rest) and Timps and Monty both took up the defensive challenge, Timps having his strongest defensive game, in a Crosfields shirt, ever!! Cam, as usual was covering the wings, and we continued the slow improvement. The line was deeper, and on the attack, saw Webby, held short, and unlucky not to score, but having field position Harry again the provider for Cam, who stepped, and outpaced the cover, for a “Rocky”esque dive into the corner 4-2.

Bears came back again, and the second half was exciting, both sides putting everything into it. Hard yards were being made, big hits going in, and the Bears with time running out, had the final say. Big “Mikey” crashed over the Cobras try line for a very popular score, taking “Our Lewis” and others with him!! Brilliant, thoroughly deserved. 4-3. A much better second half came to a close, with Cobras on the attack, and a finely contested game ended, with both sides Winners. Well done to the Bears, always a fantastic encounter and you have made massive strides, since that first game at the beginning of last season. Massive strides.

On a positive note, from our point of view, a second match, without me on the field for the whole 30 minutes, saw us slowly getting to grips with taking charge of the game, and the second half was testament to a patient build up. Keep on listening, keep on smiling, and keep on improving. Strong individual efforts again, and the team performance is coming.

Well done all of you.

HT Cobras 4 – 8 West Bank

FT Cobras 16 – 12 West Bank

Man of the Match – Spencer RUDD

Top Tackler – Lewis HALL

Players Player – Harry WILCOCK

Most Improved – Kyle WEBSTER

Coach’s Award – Lewis TIMPERLEY

Scorers – Lewis HALL, Jamie BARBER, Spencer RUDD and Cameron HENDERSON.

Popularity: 1% [?]

The Cobras Team of 2020 produced an excellent defensive display against a tough Atherton Dragons side who tried their best to put the team off their game, but all credit to the players who muscled up in defense and came out worthy winners.

With a few players felling under the weather substitutes of these players was going to be vital against the Big Dragons forwards.

Cobras raced into an early lead through Player of the Match Tom Burns who had an awesome game, by far his best this season and with Ryan Farrell using his pace and listening to his Coach’s instructions, attacked the blind side to go round a Dragons player untouched in the corner. The Dragons replied through a well executed dummy that opened up the strong Cobra’s defense. With last set being called the Cobras made their way down the pitch with fine runs from Joe Kohe-Love who shrugged off the biggest Atherton forward as if it was a small fly and with another great run by Most Improved Player Marshall Jones the Dragons defense was stretched, with a couple of drives setting up a great position for a quick play of the ball and with the Dragons defense being sucked in it was Tyler Roberts who used his pace and handed off an Atherton player and go over to score. The Cobras then held the Dragons out till half time.

HT: 3-1 Cobras

With the introduction of Ben Lomax who started off the bench as he wasn’t too good it was the first run of the game that produced a try and it went to the ‘Not Well’ Ben Lomax who ran round and through the Dragons defense that were still sleeping. With the Cobras defense holding strong it was a try by Luke Little who ignored the Coach’s advise to go the opposite way to score and with Ben Lomax scoring another try before going off after a fine cameo appearance which left the Cobras in the lead 6-1.

The Dragons then got frustrated and with some tackling that was straight out of a Adrian Morley’s handbook on ‘How to Upset Your Opponents’ the game got a bit scrappy but the call went out to be stronger and harder in defense and that’s exactly what a few of the Cobras did most noticeable was when Luke Little lined up a massive hit on a Dragons player this was followed with two solid tackles from Dean Beddall and Tyler Roberts, but now an over enthusiastic defense moved in to quickly leaving a gap for the Dragons to go over.

With the Cobras determined to score more tries it was hard work by Joshua Hobden and Top Tackler Alex Burns who set up a good field position for Luke Little to run one way and then the other sucking in the Dragons defense only to off load to the ever supporting Tyler Roberts to reap the rewards by going round one player with a great side step to go over for the try of the match. With the game coming to a close the Cobras found themselves 10 meters from the try line and with a runner lined up the Dragons where determined to keep him out but Tyler Roberts had other ideas and scooted down the line to complete his hat-trick and the scoring for the day.

FT: 8-2 Cobras

Team:

Luke (1), Joshua, Tom (1), Alex, Ben (2), Dean, Marshall, Tyler (3), Joe, Ryan (1).

Popularity: 5% [?]

Crosfields U12′s 30 v Rochdale Mayfield U12′s 4

We have not played Rochdale Mayfield since the start of the 2009-2010 season on 6^th September 2009, on that occasion we were not at our best and paid the price with a narrow defeat 12 – 4, we have been waiting to play them again so we can see if we have improved, and the last fixture we had against them was cancelled due to the snow, so all were looking forward to this. We had 21 players at the start of the week and with this game falling at half term we anticipated a few missing, but then the injuries started to appear and after a final count on Saturday we realised we were down to just 14 players for the game, this meant a few reshuffles in positions, and some players were in positions they had not been in before.

Looking out the window this morning and seeing the frost and fog, there was a chance this one might not go ahead as well, but the sun shone and the weather cleared before the 10:30 kickoff.

Mayfield kicked to the Cobras first and this was caught on the full by Josh and driven a short distance back. Adam at acting half back stepped in to pass to Jack W who drove a few yards but was smothered by Mayfield, Taylor lined up for the next run and got past three defenders who didn’t really pose any threat to him, then a 50 meter dash for the line, and with one more defender chasing who didn’t quite make it we were on the scoreboard a little after 1 minute had elapsed, with a try right under the sticks, which was converted with ease by Jack W the stand in Kicker.

Score 6 – 0

We now kicked back to them and nearly got the bounce to get the ball back, but Mayfield just got it, and were then tackled by Josh and Jack E, Mayfield kept attacking our right hand wing but the defence held well, then they shipped it across the field but were also held back, on the last a desperate kick was smothered well by Grady, we then got the ball across the field and kicked on the last in our own half, and a good tackle from Grady and Jamie stopped the forwards advance well. A kick on the last was caught on the full by Ryan E, but with the muddy ball and an eager play the ball forced a knock on close to our line.

Mayfield went right at the scrum but were held out, so then shipped it left, but again were held out and were lucky to get another knock on to them, on our 10m line this time they shipped the ball out wide and got over in the right hand corner.

Score 6 – 4

Mayfield now kicked to us and Callum missed the chance to get the ball so scrum to Mayfield, again they attacked our right hand wing and good tackles from Ed, Adam and Josh stopped them advancing. A great drive through the middle was only stopped with great defence again from Ed and Will, on the 4^th, and they did not get a chance to kick on the 5^th. Due to the muddy ball there were a lot of knock-ons which meant each team got lots of handovers.

Crosfields were attacking well and the kick on the last was chased and the first two there to tackle the Mayfield player was E than and Ryan E. Ryan E then had a 3 tackle spell at marker and stopped the Mayfield advance. The Mayfield kick was taken well by Connor, with no acting half back Josh stepped in and scooted it forward, Connor then had a great run and if he had managed to offload it we may have well been in again. Last tackle there was a bit of confusion on which way to go and with the Mayfield defence starting to slide left after Adam passed to Ed, Ed then changed it round and kicked to the right wing, where we had a 4 to 1 advantage and Josh caught the ball and just had to fall over the line to score. This was too wide for |Jack to convert though.

Score 10 – 4

We kicked back to Mayfield who caught it well and drove it in, only to be met by Ryan E, Will and Ethan who held them up well. Some good work in the middle by Grady and Taylor at marker stopped Mayfield advancing, and on the 5^th they kicked, and again Connor smothered the ball. A good drive from Grady made us 10m or so and put us over the half way line.  Mayfield returned the kick and after drawing in Ethan from the wing made a break down our left side, but a great tackle from Ed stopped them in their tracks, but a late flop from Grady gave them a penalty. Some great marker tackling stopped Mayfield advancing and trying to play the ball to quick forced a knock-on so we got the head and feed. After some good drives we were on the last and ran it in, with the ball changing hands numerous times, but Mayfield held us well. Mayfield ran it back and Jack E tackled the runner and he forced a knock-on which Callum gathered up and we had the ball about 10 meters out. A drive by Grady and then Adam from acting half back and we had a good attacking platform, Quick thinking from Jack W and a scoot and dive for the line and it was TRY time, this was not converted though. Half time followed

Half Time Score 14 – 4

We kicked off second half and the player who caught the ball ran in and was dumped by Taylor and lost the ball. A substitution on the wing saw Jonathan on for Ethan. A few drives and we were 10 meters from the Mayfield line, but lost the ball on the turnover. Mayfield then attacked but kicked early in the tackle count and Connor had plenty of time to compose himself, good meters from Jamie, Josh and Will gave us a good kicking position for the 5^th. Mayfield attacked our right wing again, but Jack E, Jamie and Callum managed to deal with the runner. The kick on the last bounced kindly fro Mayfield and it was only good defence again that stopped a breakaway for a try. Mayfield managed to get the ball back and attacked our left wing this time and was stopped by Jonathan and Ryan E. A good move by Mayfield was only stopped by driving the runner into touch.

A penalty for a high tackle gave us a base for our next attacking move and eventually jack W went in under the posts; this was converted easily by Taylor.

Score 20 – 4

Now the lads were enjoying the game knowing they had a comfortable lead, and this showed with the enthusiasm in the defensive line which was more vocal than other games.

Cobras now attacked down the left and with the acting half back not at the play the ball Will picked it up and made a good 10 meters.  The kick on the last nearly found the Josh and Ethan but was pushed out by Mayfield for a goal line drop out, this went straight to Jack W who ran it back and got over the line to score, and the kick was also taken by jack and converted.

Score 26 – 4

A good short kick off was lost by Mayfield and gathered by Cobras. Nothing came of the set of 6, and Mayfield ran it back only to be tackled into touch on the 2^nd. Some more good drive and again Jack W was over the whitewash, this was missed by Josh who slipped on the kick.

Score 30 – 4

There were a couple more sets which didn’t get any more point on the board and the game ended 30 – 4 in Crosfields Favour.

Man of the Match – Adam Sunderland

Top Tackler – Grady James

Coaches Award – Jack Willcock

Popularity: 2% [?]

Under 18s – Conference Pitch – 11.45am – Close Car Park

Under 17s – Alliance Pitch – 11.45am

Under 16s – Conference Pitch – 10:30am – Open Car Park

Under 12s – Alliance Pitch – 10:30am

Under 11s – Modified Pitch – 10.15am – Staff Bar 11am – 12.30pm

Under 10s – Modified Pitch – 11.00am – Staff Bar 12 noon – 1.30pm

RE STAFFING BAR

When a team is put down to staff the bar it is arranged so that it can be done after the team has finished playing. We are asking each team to provide 2 people who would be willing to serve whilst their kids are getting changed and having their after match food.

If the clubhouse is to survive then it is imperitive that it is open on a Sunday Morning as it is the busiest day of the week.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Cadishead Rhinos U11′s 14 Crosfields Cobras U11′s 46

The Cobras were met with anew challenge this week making the jounrney along the A57 to face the newly formed Rlook a little tired the Cobras pushed onhinos.  The weather had been kind compared to previous weeks and this gave the chance for some good rugby skills to be displayed.

The game began with good defence from the Cobras with Daniel James and Kyle Brown leading the way in the tackle.  On the last the Rhinos put up the bomb and forced a repeat set.  Despite good attempts from Sam Martin and Danny Robb the home side were able to take the lead with a good run into the left corner.  With the ball back now good runs from Lloyd Halpin and Ben McWilliam moved the team forward.  Callum Southern who never takes a backward step bulldozered over for his trademark try to tie the scores.

Again Cadishead pushed forward and good play from the number three allowed them to score.  Joe Hands and James Kenny got the team moving and the team just came up short.  Following several interchanges the game got a little scrappy but on the next set a good run from Thomas Davis then saw Callum Talbot stretch his legs to side step over in the right hand corner.  With the scores level good work from Josh Little and George Brailey regained the ball. 

Ben Dixon and Alex Tinsley made yards and with the gaps appearing Lloyd Halpin was able to use his quick feet to dart over in the left hand corner.  The Rhinos were not going to be beaten and again came back after good work from the number seven to level the scores.  Good runs from Danny Robb and Sam Martin gave George Brailey the chance to score a powerhouse try hitting the ball at pace to score.

With the half drawing to a close more defence from Thomas Davis and top tackler for the day Daniel James kept the charging Rhinos at bay.  On the last set Ben Dixon saw the gap and raced over loosing two defenders with a great step.

HT 14-22

The second half was all about the defence of the visitors.  Good tackles from Kyle Brown and coaches award winner Danny Robb lead the way.  Ben McWilliam took the ball at pace on the next set and barged his way over to score a good try.  Again strong defence from James Kenny and Callum Southern regained the ball.  Om the next drives a gap opened up and superb vision from Joe Hands put Ben McWilliam over in the left corner for his second of the day.

More strong tackles from Ben Dixon and Josh Little got the ball back and as the home side began to look a liitle tired the Cobras pusehed on.  Quick dummy half play from man of the match Lloyd Halpin gave Callum Talbot the chance to find Sam Martin who barged his way over for his first score for the team taking four would be tacklers with him.

The game was coming to a close and good tackling from Danny Robb and Lloyd Halpin won the ball.  A great drive from George Brailey cam up just short and with a wonderful off load he sent Alex Tinsley racing over to complete the scoring.

Today was a great performance against a new yet well drilled side.  The whole TEAM played their part in what was a good morning of junior rugby.

FT14-46

Popularity: 2% [?]

Crosfields Cobras U9′s 44  v  Orrell St. James U9′s  4

After a break of almost 3 months, the young Cobras took to the field on a lovely crisp morning to face the Saints from Orrell, a recently formed team, and a good game was anticipated.

A squad of 14 players took to the field, and captain for the day, Jacob Gallop lost the toss, and we were defending first. A little rusty from only 2 training sessions outdoors since mid December, we soon blew the cobwebs away. The young Wigan referee, in his first ever game in the middle, started proceedings, and Big B was straight into it, making a couple of big hits which saw turn over ball. The same player, along with James, AJ and Tom made great runs into the Saints half, and the distribution of Rocky, calling his runners onto the ball, saw Big B cross early, crashing through the defence.1-0

It was clear early on that Orrell were not settling, playing together for the first time, and we made the most of it, scoring again quickly, following strong defence from Hally, James, Rocky and Big B again. Strong surges by Zak and James, saw B cross again, though we did think he dropped the ball in grounding it!! Small coaching issue there!! 2-0. Quickly became 3-0, when Tom Worthington took the ball wide, and stepped 3 defenders to cross in the corner.

A good attacking spell came from Orrell, when they attacked our line, for the defence to hold strong, Tom, Hally and in particular James, AJ and B again standing out. Orrell were starting to find their feet, and were trying to play rugby, showing some nice touches. When it came to defending again, their little no.2, Luke was leading the way, knocking anybody down that came near him, with a smile on his face. What a star, must have made over 30 tackles.

Cobras continued playing one out rugby, but were making big ground most sets, which led to Hally, using the inside ball, to Rocky, who scored a cracking try, coming onto the ball at pace, Super League dive 4-0. Excellent. Strong, crowded defence  turn over ball, Big B, Jamie, Zak and AJ showing up well , along with Rocky, who was slowly getting back to the form we know he is capable of. Great stuff Rocky, strong, strong defence. James was carrying well,  and after a typical surging run, continued by Hally and AJ, Captain Jacob galloped onto the ball, and glided through the defence without a hand being laid on him. 5-0. Saints again came strong, and after changes were made, Olly, Mad Dog, G-Man, Timps and Dutchy came on for Hally, Tom, Jacob, AJ and Rocky.

The game continued in the same vein, when taking the whole crowd by surprise, none more than his dad, Olly raced onto the ball, and stepped his way past 3 static defenders, on  a 40 yard run to the line, and outpaced the chasing cover.  His first try in rugby league, fantastic. 6-0.

Orrell came back again, and continued to hammer on the door, asking question of our defence, but new blood had made a difference, and G-Man, Dutchy, Timps and Mad dog were getting stuck in. Half time 6-0.

I asked for us to try things and throw the ball about, support the runner and keep the defence strong.

We started on the attack, and Jamie, who had kept out of the game, with the ball, took the first hit up, ad scythed through to score. 7-0. Good strong bursts by the powerful no.10 and ably supported by the no.’s 2 and 5, for the Saints, saw them knock on the door again, but the line held firm, and Big B again leading the way. Olly was tryig to get involved, and even Timps was hitting hard.

Marcus “G-Man” Grady was next on the scoring charts, when he crashed over from 10 yards out, following a powerful burst, reward for all his hard work. This was followed by Zak attack; coming the closest he has ever done, being held up over the line (the ref called held, just as he fell over the try line). 8-0. Substitutions were again made, and a great training ground move followed, between Hally and Rocky, which saw the run around perfectly executed, for Rocky to cross for his second-the little show man was back. 9-0.

In between Timps was showing up strong, Dutchy was having a great game carrying strong, with perfect technique, and G-Man was making big big yards. Orrell were not completely being outplayed by any stretch of the imagination, and were playing some great rugby, throwing the ball about, and stretching us all over the place at times. Our covering defence however, was very good, Rocky in particular, along with Tom, who was also back on, standing out.

It was the latter Tom, who crossed for his second, with a shimmy, and change of pace, saw him cross in the corner. 10-0. Turn over again followed, and Hally came onto the ball, at speed, stepped, went through the gap, and round the cover 11-0. It was now that Orrell had their best spell by far, and finished the match the stronger team. Surge after surge saw the stocky no.10, power onto the ball, go round 2 defenders, then CARRY little Tom Worthington half the length of the field (or so it appeared) and over the try line. He rightly took a standing ovation, for what was the best try of the match for me, appreciated by all of the crowd. Especially the Cobras parents and coaching staff – EXCELLENT.11-1.

End of a good match, and an excellent first game back for the Cobras. All in all a strong if not spectacular performance, where individual performances outweighed the team effort. Orrell provided enthusiastic and committed opposition, and will only get stronger and stronger in the coming weeks. Well done Scott and Barry, and good luck for the rest of the season.

Man of the Match – James GERAGHTY

Top Tackler – Brechan STEPHENSON

Players Player – Brechan STEPHENSON

Coach’s Award -  Daniel HOLLAND

Most Improved – Oliver HILL

Scorers:- Brechan STEPHENSON 2 tries, Tom WORTHINGTON 2 trie, Louis ROSSLYN 2 tries, Marcus GRADY, Jacob GALLOP, Oliver HILL, Jamie BARBER, Lewis HALL.

HT 24 – 0

FT 44 – 4. 

Popularity: 5% [?]