Festival Rugby by the 11s

Blackburn under 11s win with some great running rugby

The under 11s travelled to Rochdale, having narrowly beaten them earlier in the season at home. However, the lads had obviously had their Shredded Wheat for breakfast as they played some fantastic open rugby. Unfortunately, Rochdale made the mistake of giving the Blackburn lads too much space and defending narrowly, a little like Blackburn were doing earlier in the season!
In the first quarter, captain, Alfie scored after a strong, bulldozing run from short range. His rucking in the game and throughout the season has been second to none.
After some great lead up play, Rochdale held the Blackburn lads up 20 metres from the line, but good rucking produced quick ball and Rheon took the ball at pace down the blindside to score. Bryn's try in this quarter was the result of some great passing and space awareness, giving him enough time to outpace the cover to score in the corner.
Caleb enjoyed the space in the second quarter, scoring a team try. Having brought the ball to just inside the Rochdale half, a quick ruck and after several passes, Caleb found himself with the line beckoning. He pinned his ears back and score a great try in the right hand corner.
Rheon added a second in the second quarter, taking a pass 50 metres out and with some strong running, broke several tackles, to just score in the left hand corner after a valiant attempt to stop him from the Rochdale covering defender.
In the third quarter, Alfie added a well deserved second, after being rewarded for collecting the ball under pressure from the Rochdale defence, he straightened up and had enough power and strength to cross the line.
In the final quarter, Alfie added a third and Bryn added his second following a great side step into space following some great play again from the rest of the team.
This was a great team performance from the whole squad. Obi made some good decisions, tidying up loose ball and driving back into the Rochdale defence setting the team up for more attacks. He listened to his fellow players who were calling for the ball and when they were in a better position than him, he passed the ball. Great awareness.
Noah, still learning had a great game, notably taking the ball down the wing several times but having the intelligence (apparently, takes after his mother!) to look for support inside and then, pass to his support to keep the move going. He's learning fast.
Reuben has been improving week on week. Pressuring the opposition in defence, making quicker decisions, running straighter and showing nice touches in his handling. Keep it up.
Davey was back on his game this week, running, tackling and rucking effectively and always involved. He showed in this game, he is listening and learning by taking contact when in possession of the ball, a lot lower so he is no longer held up by the opposition.
Ollie has been improving week on week and it was great to see him leading the line in defence, first up in the oppositions faces and putting the tackles in together with some strong running and some nice passes in open play.
And last but by no means least, Ben & James were their usual selves, running great angles, dancing together at times and scoring some excellent tries with some great individual skills but also, finishing off some great play from the rest of the team.
A great performance, enjoyed by the Blackburn crowd and coaches.