Rakewood stages War of the Roses

LITTLEBOROUGH under 14s welcomed Old Rishworthians to Rakewood for their second ‘War of the Roses’ contest of the season.

A tough but fair game ensued, which at the request of Rishworthians was played over four quarters.

Boro kicked off and put the ball deep into Rishworthians territory. A battle of the forwards ensued, with neither side being able to dominate for long periods.

Boro however were able to keep Rishworthians pinned in their half for the early parts of the game, and Boro eventually took advantage when Ben Crabtree scored from an attacking five metre scrum (converted by Thomas Kelly).

This turned out to be the only score of the quarter.

In the second quarter Rishworthians fought their way back into the game and thanks to some good forward play and slick hands they managed to put their right winger in who scored in the corner (despite the valiant last ditch tackle from Luke Jones).

The conversion was missed.

Rishworthians took further advantage later in the quarter when their centre dummied and stepped through the Boro line to score under the posts (conversion scored).

This meant that by the end of the second quarter Boro were trailing 7-12.

The lads however are a spirited and determined bunch and after the half time chat they came out all guns blazing, and determined to get on the front foot and win the game line.

This approach reaped immediate rewards and in the face of the Boro wall Rishworthians panicked and threw a hopeful pass which was promptly intercepted by Bradley Chrimes and who ran in under the posts (conversion scored by Jacob Brady).

The lads continued to apply pressure on the Rishworthians defence throughout the quarter and this lead to a further two tries (both converted) being scored in the quarter by Olly Mills and Ben Crabtree.

The boys had turned the deficit around and were now leading 28-12.

The fourth and final quarter followed the pattern of the first half with neither side able to maintain sustained periods of possession and/ or territory. Both defences were solid in this quarter and no further points were scored in the contest, meaning the final score as 28-12.

Clubman of the week award was presented to Harry Crabtree for playing in an unfamiliar and new role within the team, his tackling display, general excellent play, and his positive attitude.

Special mentions also to the returning Jacob Brady, the team’s resident changing room DJ, and also to Luke Jones and Olly Mills for cleaning and tidying the changing room after the game.