After last week's stirling effort and comfortable victory over Eccles, the mood in the camp was very positive, that was until Thursday night training when learnt that we would be missing a number of players. Sam Fletcher damaged his ribs at school ( far more dangerous place than a rugby pitch eh Sam) John and Killer had prior engagements.

So to the day of the game, last minute cry off meant we travelled with only 12 players, it could have been worse as 5 minutes before kickoff only 9 had arrived. Yes we do suppy maps but not map reading courses. Being a sensible and seasoned professional , I followed Keith Saville, surely the head coach would know what he was doing, after a slight detour up a dead end, Keith remarked, “they must have built this since the last time I came up here”. Full marks for observation, and I believe you were on a horse and cart the last time.

It was agreed that we would take 3 players from the opposition to even things up, we asked for 3 backs we were given 3 front row for the first half.

We never really got going in the first half, a couple of solo runs but we lacked the support that was evident the previous week. To rochadales credit they had a well drilled and very quick set of backs and utilised them to great effect, and scored at will, this was made worse by the lack of tackling conviction from our boys ( its all in the mind). Thanks should go to James Bennett and Alex Hardy who volunteered to play in the backs for this half. Alex announced in the changing room that he could play anywhere, so fullback he was.

At half time heads were down as we trailed 24-0. Rochadale swapped their players and we decided to keep our pack together, and play a brand of rugby that kept the ball in the forwards, occassionally going out to Will Bailey whose searing pace and excellent boot, and Chris Bolland's hard, straight running kept the opposition guessing. The forwards had a magnificent second half scoring four tries (Reece Williams, Dan Goodwin Adam Moores2). The pick and drive, rolling mauls had Keith in extasy. Rochdale’s ball supply was cut off and they only managed 1 breakaway try.

Good to see that we have an attitude where we do not give up, if we introduce the new under 14 rule (we only count second half performances) we won 20 -7.

The man of the match however was a back. Chris Bolland has come on leaps and bounds this season and his defensive qualities and never giving up attitude singled him out, keep it up Chris,

This week's team was Dan Goodwin, Reece Williams, Tom Critchley, Jack O’Rourke, Oliver Saville, Adam Moores, John Milman, Will Bailey, Chris Boland, James Bennett, Oisin Oliver, Alex Hardy.

I do believe that if we had been able to go with our full squad the result may have been very different. That why it is important to have a squad sysytem, and if anyone knows of any lads who wish to join they will be made very welcome.

Thanks to all the boys who made the trip, and to the parents for taking them.

Next week, training Thursday 6pm Match on Sunday ,at home 10-00 meet.