Under 14s pay price for taking foot off gas

LITTLEBOROUGH RUFC under 14s faced Sedgley Park at the weekend after the teams met earlier in the season in the Lancashire cup with Boro coming out on top by a single point, 27-26. Another close game was anticipated, with Sedgley determined to avenge the earlier defeat.

Boro’s under 14s made a quick and impressive start and dominated in the forwards, both in attack and defence. This meant they were constantly on the front foot in the Sedgley half.

The pressure was unrelenting and in the first half Boro crossed the line three times via Ben Crabtree (2) and Ruben Warburton). Two of which were converted.

Towards the end of the half Sedgley did manage to work some field position in the Boro half, and when they secured a penalty for offside in front of the posts, and contrary to the u14 rules, Sedgley opted to take the kick at goal. The penalty kick was successful meaning the boys went in at half time leading by a score of 19-3.

The boys started the second half as they played the first and quickly extended their lead when Jake Coupe crashed over the line to score, after yet some more good play in the forwards.

Thomas Kelly scored the conversion.

This score seemed to have a negative effect on the lads as they started to rest on their laurels and the intensity levels dropped off. Combined with a willingness to play out wide, rather than keeping it in the forwards where all the damage had been done, the boys repeatedly lost possession and found themselves on the back foot.

They were made to pay dearly as Sedgley scored 26 unanswered points in the remainder of the second half.

All of this meant that the boys lost the match by a score of 26-29.

Well done to the Sedgley lads for the spirit they showed in the second half, but it was certainly a game of what could have been.

Hopefully the lesson has been learnt.

Boro’s clubman of the week is Tyler Mills for taking all the advice on board from the coaches throughout the game, giving 100 per cent and contributing both in attack and defence. For only his fourth game of rugby he is progressing nicely.

Next week gives Littleborough the chance to make amends when they take on Rossendale at home in the Lancashire Cup.