Oldham U14s v Bolton U14s

On a fine September day, Oldham U14s started their Rugby season with an away trip to Bolton RUFC, this was a training / development weekend ahead of their competitions fixtures which start next week. Two games were scheduled for the day to played under normal match conditions, the other 2 teams involved were Bolton U14s and Heaton Moor U14s.

Oldham RUFC were at an immediate disadvantage with a lot of players unavailable, several still away on holiday and several others finishing their rugby league commitments, however upon arrival and speaking with the Bolton head coach we were accommodated and made to feel very welcome.
It was decided that the format would be three 30 minute games (15 minutes each way) with the first fixture as Bolton v’s Heaton Moor followed by Oldham playing each of the other two in turn. With Oldham lacking numbers both of the other sides offered to lend them players to ensure full sides were playing and meant that more boys got a chance for more time on the pitch.

First up then for Oldham was Heaton Moor u14

Oldham opened their game with some very well structured moves and scored within 2 minutes by Reece Longdin crashing over in the centre, Longdin converted his own try. From the kick off Oldham went straight back on the attack. After some devastating runs from prop forwards Cameron Elliott and Marshall Yates, Oldham scored again this time through Max Walsh driving his way to the line, this time it was unconverted but Oldham were looking good for their lead. The great start didn’t last too long, after Heaton Moors winger who would of given Usain Bolt a race, got the ball deep in his own half and went all the way to score.
Oldham then got back in control of the game and it was refreshing to see that the training that the players had put in over the summer, with all contributing 100% and getting to the breakdown 1st, certainly paid dividends. This was demonstrated all game by both Captain Max Walsh and Flanker Tom Barlow who were stealing ball all game off the opposition at ruck time. The tackling all around was superb with there being some big lads on the opposing side especially the ever present Will Lunt and Alfie Wood. In the last play of the game, scrum half James Queenan (PEA) sneaked over just under the left post for a try to settle the game in Oldham’s favour. Longdin converted to seal the win.

Final score Oldham U14s 19 v Heaton Moor U14s 5

Second game of the day was Oldham u14s v Bolton u14s

This second match started much the same as the game before with Oldham quick on the attack. Oldham were playing basic rugby looking after the ball, phase after phase and then got the reward. A quick tap saw them catch the opposition off guard with captain Max Walsh taking 3 players with him to crash over and score the try, sadly unconverted but a great start from Oldham.
After the re-start Bolton’s class started to show with 4 unanswered tries against the tiring Oldham side, some of which was at the highest quality I have seen at this age group.

Final score Bolton U14s 26 v Oldham U14s 5

A massive thanks has to go to the Bolton coaches for such a great morning of rugby. They were very welcoming and organized a very good day for all the teams.

Oldham play Fleetwood away next week in their first Lancashire Challenge league game, so should be able to take lots of positives from this weekend into that game.