Match Report Novos v Rockliff Sunday 3rd November 2013

Thanks to Martin for getting all the players well warmed up before Alastair introduced the bemused 9 and 10 year olds to the “Status Quo” warm up!!! Enough said, Al is not getting in charge of the play list for the Rockets Christmas party.

Three rounds of mixed ability rugby followed which was of the highest standards particularly given the adverse weather conditions. Both opening matches ended in draws, 6-6 and 3-3 respectively. For the Rockets, Alfie Fisher ran in from halfway taking half the Rockliff team with him. Sam Irons was prominent with some outstanding runs which resulted in a fine solo try. Jarno Ambelez also scored having gone on a blistering outside arc. The birthday boy Dan Neill helped himself to three tries and Ryan Crossley scored as did Matthew Willcock who blazed in from distance.

In response Rockliff played some excellent rugby and their desire at the ruck won them numerous turnovers which they converted into tries, the highlight being an excellent switch move with their player side stepping several Rockets to score.
The second round of matches saw two very tight encounters with Rockliff edging both matches 2-1. Sonny McDonnell scored from range and Ryan Crossley scored an outstanding solo try down the right wing from his own half. But again the more aggressive Rockliff teams turned Novos over at the break down time and time again. Their powerful runners making good inroads into the defence setting them up for some very good team tries.

In the final round of matches the score lines showed a 4 try difference. Rockliff winning a match 6-2 that they totally dominated and Novos winning the other 4-0 where they ground out a good team win. Another good solo effort from Sonny McDonnell. Wesley Croom scored two tries, the second of which he was involved in the move twice linking with Sion Gittins. Gittins also got one for himself ending a very good day with a powerful surge to score. Sam Irons weighed in with another good solo try. Ryan Milburn also scored, again running in from deep. Sam Ogilvie capped a good all round display with a fine try. In the 6-2 match Rockliff played some excellent attacking rugby, showing good offloads and support. Again their hard work at the ruck paid dividends for them as they used their superior possession to very good effect.
Overall then some fantastic rugby by both teams, but honours to Rockliff, deserved winners due to their better rucking and attacking play.

Other mentions to Alistair Wilks for some powerful running, Daniel Ellam very alive around the breakdown, James Hepburn totally awesome going forward, Matthew Hayes outstanding display at the ruck and some try saving tackles, Theo Mouille getting better every week and today was no exception “allez Theo” often heard from the side-lines. Special mention for Aidan Newman who had an all-round brilliant day, text book tackling coupled with some silky running, Sam Hetherington popped all over the pitch and was the link in many good attacks, Tom Steel tackled his heart out and was effective with ball in hand, Ben Cuthbertson was his usual slick self, doing the basics very well and giving 100%, Reece Wilson likewise played his heart out and did everything very well.

Special mention for Fuzzy who has gained confidence since scoring at Carlisle and was a revelation going forward, Max Russell improves every week and kept his team going forward with some precise passing, JPL impressed with some destructive tackling and went well all day, Flynn Christian Norris played very well, taking the ball into contact and re-cycling well, Tom Graham continues to impress with his direct running that sucks in defenders creating space for team mates out wide and finally a very special mention for Callum Histed making his debut for the Rockets. Despite only having played for a few weeks Callum got stuck in and it was a pleasure to see him charging forward with the ball enjoying every minute of his day.

Big thank you to all the parents from both sides for braving the elements and also to all the coaches for their hard work. Last and by no means least, thank you to the “hotties” for ensuring all the players were fed post match, Paul Hetherington take a bow.