Heaton Moor u11's v Bolton u11's

As one of only 2 Junior & Mini matches to survive pitch inspections conditions were at best marginal and that was just the path leading to the pitch. As for the playing surface the description ‘wet & muddy’ hardly does it justice but what do 10 & 11 year old boys want to do more than to roll around in puddles, without being told off?

Intermittent rain carried on a cold brisk wind suggested that handling would be difficult but to everyone’s surprise both teams adapted well and produced some excellent rugby.

With Heaton Moor’s large squad we agree to play 2 ‘half’ matches. As the first game kicked off Bolton had 11 players but this increased to 17, requiring us to use rolling subs.

The 1st half saw Bolton take a 2-0 lead with tries by Louie Ramm & Daniel McGuiness. All present commented on how well both teams played and the Bolton parents noted what a difference the input from the 1st XV players at last weeks coaching session had made.

The second half saw Bolton more dominant but Heaton Moor do all the scoring. Despite spending most of the half camped in the away teams half, often within 5 meters, Bolton didn’t manage to convert possession into tries and a rather nippy winger scored 3 breakaway tries for the home team. Final score 3-2.

The second match was even closer. An early try by Daniel was equalised just before half time. After a lengthy spell where Bolton repeatedly tried to smash through the Heaton Moor defence only to get repelled, winning a scrum led to a quick pass from Jack Good to James Bowie on the blindside, allowing him to finish in the right corner.

Heaton Moor then pressed relentlessly in the final quarter, their fresh legs clearly an advantage on such a heavy pitch. Unfortunately the last play of the match saw them copy our scrum tactics, with the same result. Final score 2-2.

Two great games, played in an excellent spirit and for the lads made all the better when hot dogs appeared on the sidelines as if by magic!