U12s show spirit in winning performance.

Finally the U12's were able to play their second match of the season due to lack of opposition at this age group. We wouldn't have had a game at all if Congleton hadn't thankfully stepped in at the last minute, many thanks go to them for helping us to fulfil this fixture at such short notice. After all the rain during the week, the Moor pitch was in great condition on this Remembrance Sunday, it was a great sight to see the 2 minutes silence perfectly observed by the junior section, a fitting way to start the game. Moor started the game brightly with attacking flair that resulted in an early try for Dan McDonagh, which he successfully converted. The lead didn't last long though as Congleton picked themselves up to reply with their own converted try. From then on the Moor forwards took control of the game, the hard work that had been put in in training paying dividends as their physicality at the breakdown gave them the edge, the second row of Joe Hayward and the returning Sean Aggett combined well to cover the ground and dominate the rucks and mauls. This gave good, quick ball to Mike Ingham at scrum-half who was able to unleash the strong midfield runners which led to the second try of the half, scored by Owen John, converted by Dan. Although Moor finished the half strongly they couldn't add to their lead due to organised defensive work from Congleton. 

The second half continued in a similar fashion with bright sunshine highlighting some excellent rugby from both sides. Moor managed to introduce all players into the game at some point with the year 6 players benefiting once again from the experience of the older players, accumulating with some great wing play by Luke Ireland breaking two tackles and running in the third try, his first as an under 12, again converted by Dan. Another year 6 Michael Rodden was given his place in the starting line up after excelling in midweek training and was unlucky to have strayed offside from a kick ahead after using great pace to pick up a difficult, bouncing ball before being pulled up inches short of the try-line. Chris Williams came on as an impact sub for his first game of the season and sured up the defence with some solid tackling. Later in the half as Congleton tired the Moor back play stepped up a gear as Dan and Owen ran in a try each, Dan finishing the match with a 100% kicking record. A good rolling maul from Congleton gave them a second converted try.  

Once again many thanks to Congleton for making this fixture possible and playing the game in a positive way, a credit to them, we look forward to the return fixture.  We now have 1 Sunday and  2 midweek training sessions before our next game away to Duckinfield, an opportunity for all players to stake their claim for a starting position.

 A good way to end the week with the earlier news of Gareth Harris, one of our new coaches, being selected for trials for North of England U18s.

Thanks again for the support from the parents. Well done to all the players who did the club proud. 

Cheers and Good Luck, Dunc

Top 5 Tacklers (Game)                         Tries (Game)                                                              

Mike Ingham            8                              Dan McDonagh        2

Owen John               7                             Owen John             2

Dan McDonagh          5                              Luke Ireland          1

Luke Ireland             3

Chris Williams          3  

Top 5 Tacklers (Season)                     Tries (Season)

Mike Ingham            12                           Dan McDonagh         2

Dan McDonagh          9                            Owen John              2

Owen John               7                            Ellis Astall               1

Luke Ireland             4                            Gabriel Hollings        1

Gabriel Hollings        4                           

Luke Ireland             1                            Aiden O'Malley          1 

(Unfortunately we weren't able to do 'line breaks'  this week but it will hopefully return as a stat in the next game along with the new feature: 'rucks and mauls hit'!!!)