Today we welcomed Rochdale RUFC. Not only did they bring 20 players but they also brought the sunshine, which is always welcome.

Lots of players meant lots of games and both sides put on different teams for each half of the games.

Game 1

Like last week's game against Ellesmere Port this game gave us a defensive masterclass, with occasional bursts of running rugby. Players no sooner received the ball than they were brought crashing down to earth with a bang. Both sides defended as if their lives depended on it. Rochdale passed the ball really well and got their nippy wingers into the game early on. Tries from Sam F and Jacob were our only reply to Rochdales 4 early tries. Final Score: Collegiate 2 - 4 Rochdale.

Game 2

Maybe the pitch got wider or the children got faster but whatever it was we saw a lot more running rugby. Good work by our future front row of Charlie B, Dom and Lenny gained us valuable ground for the other players to go and score some great tries. Again the defensive play was very good and the tackles were flying in all over the pitch. It was really pleasing to see good defensive positioning by Sam F, Charlie L, Max, Lee, Dom and Ethan, who held our line together on numerous occasions. Harry, Henry, Josh and George seemed to be having their ownn private contest to see who could get the most tackles in. Henry and Sam L ran in 5 tries but the pick of the bunch was a great run and score by Eleanor. Final Score: Collegiate 6 - 4 Rochdale

Game 3

Rochdale got their noses in front with some lovely rugby and it was great to see one of their boys who'd only started rugby 3 weeks ago go on a marvellous run and score his 1st try, much to the delight of the parents and coaches. Collegiate came back strongly led by Charlie B who crashed over the line for 2 good tries. Sam L weighed in with 2 more and George produced one of his fantastic weaving runs to touch down. Final score: Collegiate 5 - 5 Rochdale

Game 4 (or could of been the 3rd half of the 3rd game!)

Both sides were feeling the pace and in spite of a few players going off with injuries the quality of the rugby was still good. Rochdale defended really well and ran in 4 good tries. In spite of their best efforts Collegiate couldn't get on the score sheet even when camped on the Rochdale line. Such good play deserves tries but unfortunately this wasn't to be. Final Score: Collegiate 0 - 4 Rochdale

Overall Score Collegiate 13 - 17 Rochdale

Usually I'd say it's disappointing to lose but today we saw some great rugby from both sides. In terms of entertainment we had everything, great running, fabulous support play and fantastic tackling from both sides. The games were played in a marvellous spirit and it was lovely to see the smiling faces of both sets of players at the end. A superb effort from all the Collegiate players but for overall performance in defense and attack this week's (WO)Man of the Match was Eleanor.

Thank you to all the parents for their support and the Rochdale players and coaches who we look forward to playing again at the end of the season.