Under 12's Match report 28th March 2010

On a pleasant morning and with a squad of 20 players a joint Under 11s and Under 12s side took on their counterparts from Rossendale; and some very large counterparts there were too!

The game started with a full 13 U12s taking the field with the 7 U11s in reserve and awaiting their chance to show the U12s how to play. For the second week running we had debutants in the side and Jacob Muyaya made his first game certainly one to remember as he crashed through several Rossendale defenders to register a try with his first touch; a bit of déjà-vu after Danny’s exploits last Sunday. Our other debutant, Alex McKenzie, must have done everything but score as he was involved in each play and shone throughout the game.

After the last three really good performances where the side steadily improved this game finally saw all the boys hard work and dedication (especially in the mud at training last Wednesday) come to fruition with a scintillating display. Everyone in a red shirt played their hearts out, tackled like demons, ran with determination and perhaps most importantly played as a team helping anyone in trouble and encouraging anyone who did make an error.

It would unfortunately take too long to run through each try in turn but Jacob’s burst really showed the Bolton side how to play and in quick succession tries followed from Josh Holmes, Wills Brindle and two from “try machine” Danny Turner. Each try being converted by Mr Reliable, Tom Hill. However, Rossendale kept plugging away and at half time had scored two well deserved tries to make the score 35-12 as the teams got a quick drink and listened to their coaches.

The second half started in the same vein and Josh Holmes crossed for his second to re-open the flood gates. At regular intervals the home side crossed the white wash once more with tries from Danny (4, yes 4 more), Wills, Joe Hill and Jordan Ashton. A total of 13 tries in all. Tom generously let the kicking duties be shared and further conversions were added by Joey Gore (1), Danny (1) and Tom (3) himself.

All 20 players had a good run out and the representatives from the Under 11s Adam, Thomas, Findlay, JianMarco, Kayleigh, Liam and Sam all played to an excellent standard and should be proud of their performances as none of them looked out of place amongst some large and very strong 12 year-olds.

Special mentions need to go to Jacob and Alex for their all round play on their first run outs; they both look like real finds. Danny once more was excellent in all he did and in the backs Joe, Josh and Dylan Hibbert looked really sharp whilst though Nat Hill didn’t get much ball he looked secure and confident in all he did. Up front Wills’ running was a revelation and with two long range tries he’s really looking the part. Elsewhere Tom was as exceptional as ever and Joey tackled out of his skin. Our Man of the Match was Firth Lord for 40 minutes of non stop effort in both attack and defence and for his organisational skills in the backs and for all the encouragement and assistance he offered to our guests from the U11s. Top Tackler was Jordan Ashton whose work rate was immense and who pulled off one stone wall tackle straight from a kick off, the poor Rossendale attacker must still be shaking.

Thanks to all those parents who came along to watch and were royally entertained this morning. Also to the coaches for whom it was gratifying to see all their hard work and dedication pay off in such a positive way. Finally, thanks once more to everyone who pulled on a red shirt this morning, for a brilliant and exciting performance guys that will live long in our memories.

The last word deserves to go to a gallant Rossendale side who despite having not played together for long and being on the wrong end of a wonderful Bolton display never once gave up and finished the game in a positive vein with some great work near the home side’s line.