Crosfields Cobras U11′s 16 Oldham St Anns 20
A tough game was always to be expected after their had only been one score in the previous meeting. The weather was warm and the pitch hard ideal for fast moving rugby.
A good start from both teams showed how much quality is in this age group. Callum Southern and George Brailey drove the ball hard at the line and good defence stopped them. With the ball Oldham really looked to open up the Cobra’s with passing and despite good attempts from Josh Little and Alex Tinsley the visitors opened the scoring with a try under the sticks.
Would the the home side have an answer ? James Kenny and Ben McWilliam moved the ball forward and a quick play the ball saw Callum Talbot dummy and go into a gap and level the scores. Oldham came up short in the next set with Daniel James and Lloyd Halpin really getting involved in the tackle. Driving the ball in was Sam Martin in his best display of the season which later was rewarded with the coaches award.
Moving into the oppositon half with the ball after a bit of swapped sets, the Cobras looked menacing. Joe Hands was revelling in the hooker roll not making any mistakes and Kyle Brown and man of the match Thomas Davis really moved the ball. On the last Callum Talbot put a cross field kick in and great anticipation from Danny Robb saw him dive and score a great winger’s try in the right corner.
HT10-4
In the second half a switched on St Anns side collected an interception and raced away only with good defence from Thomas Davis delayed the score as the defence couldn’t slide quick enough to stop the number 4. Again the scores were level. Good running from Daniel James, Danny Robb and James Kenny pushed th team on.
As the game went from end to end their was very few mistakes given the pressure of the scoreline. Good drives from Callum Southern and Josh Little, joint top tackler for the day, made yards. On the next play Callum Talbot used his pace and managed to hit and spin his way over the line to score and give the home side a 16-14 lead.
Oldham were now pushing on and Sam Martin, Ben McWilliam and Kyle Brown all bent their backs in the tackle. A break away resulted in a fantastic try saving tackle from player’s player Lloyd Halpin. Then came a moment of mystery as the game was allowed to continue after a knock on and with the advantage Oldham were to score.
Today was a fantastic game and no one deserved to lose. The whole TEAM played a vital part and nobody left the pitch with anything left to give.
FT16-20
Try’s – Callum Talbot (2), Danny Robb
Con’s – Callum Talbot, Alex Tinsley
MOM – Thomas Davis
Margaret Davis Players Player – Lloyd Halpin
Coaches Award – Sam Martin
Top Tackler – Jos Little/Callum Talbot
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