Depleted squad hit a dozen

WITH a weakened squad decimated by injuries and illness, Littleborough under 12s travelled to Sale FC with nine players missing.

The reduced squad, however, wasted no time in imposing themselves on the opposition with some strong and disciplined tackling in defence and clever and creative work going forward.

It wasn’t long before Littleborough’s dominance reaped reward, with some quick hands and even quicker feet seeing Deacon Connolly break through the opposition’s defensive line to score the first try of the day.

This opened the flood gates and, showing great teamwork, Boro ran in another five unanswered tries – Deacon Connolly (2), Harry Lees and Luke Howarth (2), to go in at the break 6-0 up.

The second half followed the same pattern with the visiting team camped in the Sale half of the pitch. So it was inevitable that more tries were to follow as Joe Mills, Zak Brady, Joe Russon and Deacon Connolly (2), all crashed over the line, adding to the one sided scoreline.

Sale managed a consolation try following a breakaway move, despite the best efforts of a tiring Boro to chase down the opponent.

Despite the one sided scoreline the game was played in great spirit, with both sides still competing right until the final whistle.

Littleborough’s man of the match went to Woody Mayberry for an all-round great game, with Joe Mills being awarded magic moment for a great piece of tackling work.

Mentions should also go out to Alex Sunderland and Tom Deacon for having fantastic games and but for some last ditch defending would have both been on the scoresheet.