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Kenworthy’s Bolt Ensures Fairy-tale Ending for the Colts

Kenworthy’s Bolt Ensures Fairy-tale Ending for the Colts

Aaron Jones2 May 2018 - 17:52
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In a pulsating Lancashire Trophy final Littleborough Colts kept Rossendale at arm’s length to take a narrow 12-10 victory at Eccles Rugby club.

For many of the strong 25 man squad, it was the final time they have turned out for the Colts and will now be able to look back with silverware to hand and treasure the incredible journey they have had together.

Littleborough Colts bolted out of blocks in quick fashion by enjoying the opening try of the game.

Dominating the contact area and forcing Rossendale back in to their own 22. Continuing good line speed and pressure lead to a knock on by Rossendale and from the resulting scrum on the 22; Jordan Clarke picked up from 8 and broke through the defence to open the scoring for Littleborough. George Roberts couldn't find the target with his conversion.

With Boro only up by 5 points, Rossendale found their way back into the game with miscommunication leading to an overlap and a well worked try scored in the corner. There kicker could not hit the target with his conversion to keep the scores level.

The rest of the first half was played in middle of the park as both teams tried to work a way around each other’s defence but both teams stood resolute in defence.

Rossendale caught Littleborough napping at the start of the second half and smashed through the opposition defence to scramble over the line for the leading score. By missing the conversion Littleborough always stood of catching their opponents.

Littleborough were under the cosh having to defend against a side with their tales, which lead to ill-discipline and a heavy penalty count against them.

Despite this the men in black, green and yellow forced their way back into the game and the lead. 7 strong carries up field took Littleborough into Rossendale's 22m line. From there fast ball and good hands from the backs turned Rossendale and had them scrambling with last ditch defence.

Eventually however the pressure and possession told as from the back of a ruck scrum half Cameron Kenworthy smartly darted over for what become the winning try.  Kenworthy’s half back partner George Roberts slotted the extra two points to make it 12-10 to Littleborough and the lead was theirs to hold.

The last ten minutes were tense and a real battle with Rossendale looking to attack from anywhere on the pitch but time and time again they were met by a great defensive effort from Littleborough.

When Littleborough regained possession they managed the game well with mature and sensible possession rugby for long periods of time, running down the clock and not allowing Rossendale to mount any real offence.

Once the ref gave the nod for the last play the ball was booted into touch and Littleborough became Lancashire trophy winners for the 2017/2018 season. A remarkable end to what has been an unforgettable season.

A special mention also extends to 3 players Brandon Baxter, Callum Taylor and Oliver Bamford who unfortunately did not get on due to how tight the game was in the last 15. All 3 have been influential throughout the season and Littleborough Colts would not have not even made the final without them.

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