At this age, there is often a vast weight and strength difference between the smallest and largest players which makes for interesting action on the pitch and is reflected in a mixed set of results so far this season.

Despite the squad size and relative youth and inexperience of a number of players, on their day, the team is a match for almost anyone in the area.

This is reflected in four wins from five to date in the Lancashire Cup, which include a ground out victory over a much bigger and very physical Trafford MV side, and a close fought loss to Tyldesley, whose 6ft plus No.8 scored three tries!
These games and others, including our latest robust victory away on the wet and windy hills of Ashton under Lyne, have helped boost confidence and it is rewarding to see the players really starting to gel. Even in poor conditions, the team still seeks to play an open style of rugby and has the ability to play through several phases and score out wide.

The team benefits from five coaches (most of whom used to be backs) and, this season, the very welcome addition of Connor Booth from the Junior Colts who has added a huge amount, especially in the pre match changing room warm up, from which 15 young lads emerge ready to take on the All Blacks!

The efforts are paying off as two players (prop, Kellan Conway-Smith and scrum-half, Joe Davidson) are training with the U13 Lancashire squad and one player (fly-half, Andy Corcoran) is training with the U13 Cheshire squad. Several other players are showing significant signs of improvement that will inevitably lead to more representative rugby in the future.

However, we are not focussed at this stage with representative rugby or with winning the Lancashire Cup. It is a competitive age group and we face some much stronger squads. Our aim is to ensure that we play an attractive open style of rugby and to ensure the players enjoy the sport and develop as players; team mates and ambassadors for the Club.

To help achieve this, we are keen advocates of an annual tour and we welcome and enjoy the continued support of parents, the wider coaching set up and support of Manchester Rugby Club (and apologies to the first team for not being the best ball boys you have ever had – we do try to get players there!).

Bill Davidson – Under 13s Coach