The learning continues...

After a few hiccups in their path of rugby learning, the under 12’s went off to Rochdale to face yet another hurdle in the top ranking Rochdale under 12’s. With an experienced team of many years, a ferocious pack and a juggernaut at outside centre the game plan was plain to see.

20 boys from Bolton and a new recruit along for the day to see the team in action. A high wind was blowing across the pitch, causing consternation as the ball blew away in the pass.

Game on and three sessions of rugby, two as part of a regular match play, and another to let the development boys on the field. From the off the Bolton forwards tore into the Rochdale opposition forwards. Myles Garth and Joe Cropper fumbled a few times, but the game looked to be something to relish nonetheless.

Rochdale made a hurried clearance kick and Joe turned in his usual fashion to pick the ball up and take stock. The Rochdale boys stood back, expecting an easy turnover. Joe then cooly scorched round the entire Rochdale back line to score in the corner.

This spurred Rochdale into action and two tries in quick succession by their star man put the Bolton boys on the back foot against the run of play. Bolton pushed hard to redress that balance, with Sean Carragher and Lewis Picton making some massive tackles to disrupt and harass the Rochdale boys. A chaotic ruck saw Rochdale break to score and extend the lead.

3 tries to 1 down now and the feeling was that this was not to be our day. On came George Whitehead for Ethan Greenwood and James Harris for Myles Garth (both due to injuries) and it all changed round. Bolton scrapped with more determination and Tom Simpson and Oliver McKeown scrapped for loose ball and drove onwards into the opposition territory with a just reward in a try for Oliver. All to play for and Jake Rimmer, Owen Lewis and Myles Garth, back on for Tom McNulty, combined well to put Myles in for a try.

With the last ruck of the game, Rochdale scrambled the ball off the floor and the juggernaut scythed down the field to remind Bolton that it was not a day to blink an eye, and snatched victory at the end.

5 tries to 4, but the under 12’s can breathe again as their roller coaster rugby ride is firmly back on track. Outstanding forwards effort, and with more confidence and self belief I’m sure our day will come.

The picture was of Sean Carragher sneaking a short line by the opposition and attacking with his usual passion and power.