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Manchester under 11 crowned county champions

Manchester under 11 crowned county champions

Simon Ogdon11 Apr 2010 - 07:47
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Manchester Under 11 were crowned County Champions in the Lancashire Finals at Tarelton.

Having qualified through 3 rounds of triangular fixture during the season the team were drawn in a pool with Fylde, Liverpool Collegiate & Trafford Hawks.
The 18 man squad arrived at Tarleton on a glorious spring day & firm ground the day was set to play a wide expansive game of rugby; unfortunately we were forced to change our tactics as the pitches had been marked out about 10 metres too narrow. Space was hard to create for all the teams so defence and rucking would be key and in match 1 boy did the Manchester boys tackle and defend their line against a determined Liverpool Collegiate side after Matty had crossed the line. Wave after wave of attacks were met with a suborn "no way through" defence, after a least 5 minutes of extra play in the second half the TMV ref blew the final whistle.
Match 2 against an unbeaten Fylde side gave the opportunity under tournament rules for 6 players to start the game; Fylde also tried to move the ball about but again the lack of space made for a try-less 0-0 halftime score. After the break strong running from Harry T gave Manchester a lead that they did not give up despite the efforts of Fylde, who in the coaches view were one of the best sides in the finals.
Match 3 against TMV again provided a selection nightmare for the coaches with the rules stating only replacements at half-time, so the decision was made to play the same side that started the Fylde game, this meant that the whole squad had started 2 games. The pace and off loading was applauded by the spectators who enjoyed a 3 try extravaganza compared to watching 150 rucks! Tries by 3 different players (Luke, Harry D & Will) all converted by Harry T who had found his kicking tee saw Manchester progress into the semi-final against Widnes.
Semi - Final: Another brutal match with Widnes having most of the ball in the opening encounters but again stiff defence from the Manchester boys with Captain Tom leading from the front; a single try by Will was the difference and Manchester went into the final with Vale of Lune who had beaten Liverpool Collegiate in their semi-final.

The belief in each other throughout the whole squad was way above their age level, there was talk about how they were going to play and use the space (the pitch was slightly wider then the other). Manchester started the game with the possession and territory and pinned back Vale in their 22 and eventually Manchester broke the deadlock with a mazy run from Luke. Vale who had some impressive players mounted a counter attack which again was met by a determined Manchester defence, it wasn’t until the 2nd half that Manchester created the movement of the day, an offload then another then someone hitting space (yes space!) a quick recycle at the 1,115th ruck of the day and George ghosted over the line.

Congratulations go to the whole squad and not jus the 18 that were selected; you have been a credit to your families and club. The zero try count in the ‘Against’ column typifies the level of team work that exists in the squad.

Thanks to the Lancashire committee for organising, Tarleton for hosting and our parents for travelling around the county supporting us

Well done Champions.

PS. Does anyone have some glue - we broke the cup 5 minutes after the photo was taken!

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