U16s out-perform Blackpool with gutsy performance and will-to-win.

This was a 3rd round Blackstocks Blue cup game for the boys, and early in the week we knew that numbers would be limited due to remembrance Sunday commitments, colds, man flu, and other such ailments. It needed a last minute run-around by Keith Seville to ensure we had 16 players for kick-off. Many would have to play out of position and for Ben and Sam ‘Bernie’ Curley it was a debut after only 2 weeks practice with the squad.

From the onset the big Blackpool pack put our boys under pressure and the pattern for the game was set, great defence and effort by the forwards and backs living off scraps.

Scoring went back and forth, the skipper Bailey led by example running in 4, ably supported by Danny 1 and Bradley 1.

Sam Fletcher played an excellent game at full back and the one time their big number 8 broke through our line and thundered towards him I feared for his safety, but it was never in doubt, text book tackling technique and the big lad was on the floor.

Fly Half Danny tackled like a demon and had to come off with an injury which meant we had to reshuffle the back line, Bradley going in the centre and Louie coming on the wing. Neither let us down, although Bradley please put the ball down for a try at the earliest opportunity so you don’t give the coaching staff heart attacks! The pack played a superb rearguard action, ably led by Oliver Seville whose tackle count must have been unbelievable, and I am convinced he was actually in two places at the same time on more than one occasion. Matt, who volunteered to play in the back row - very different from full back he has played to date, loved every minute, and now wants to stay with the forwards. Calvin is at last starting to believe in his own ability and along with the ever reliable Critch, Adam, Ben, Eric and ‘Killer’ never stopped putting the effort in. Jamie B kicked 4 out of 6 conversions, although we hope he learns from the game. And Boland Minor showed he could tackle when he hit centre, wing and full back in succession.

A great game is played by two teams and the Blackpool lads played with great heart and never gave up. Our thanks to them

It was the kind of day that they will talk about for a long time, boys standing up to the challenge and never giving in. Then watching them walk 10 feet tall into the clubhouse after the game. It was also a day that as coaches we can remind them of when things are difficult. It was a magnificent effort and I thank every one of the 16 for their effort, energy and commitment to the team and the club. I think one or two of the 1st teamers need to be looking over their shoulders at the talent coming through. Well done lads