Players:- (Dan, Finlay C, Ollie, Fintan , Jack , Rory, Harrison, Sonny, Ryan, Ellis, Callum, James, Adam, Leo)

Coaches:- John Lynch, Andy Pickering

After the U-10s parents meeting last week and a call to get involved, get motivated and hit next season like a rhino on amphetamines, a few notes from next seasons match scribe.

We all arrived prompt and early, (9:15, must read the 11am start time instructions more closely) at a rain lashed Preston Grasshoppers impressive Rugby ground up North somewhere just off the M55. It was a fine turn out with 14 U-10 warriors chomping at the bit for a chance of re-establishing themselves after a somewhat moderate season.

Thanks to Paul Pierce’s foresight, (He bought the gazebo following the Rochdale tournament last year), we arrived with a brand new 3 x 6 m pop-up tent to shelter from the somewhat inclement weather. Steve and H attempted to erect said tent in hurricane gales and had to admit defeat and accept help from half a dozen spectators before the tent became a kite and set off towards Blackpool. With the tent anchored the entire team and parents dived in to shield from the deluge. Much to the kids disappointment Andy and john insisted they leave shelter and actually play some rugby.

There were 5 teams in our half so four 5 min each way matches as follows :-

Kirby Lonsdale

Score Lost 2 – 1, Try Finlay

This was the first game of the day and set the tone for the remaining 3. The conditions were Siberian and the opposition was up for it. We battled well with an excellent 50 meter try by Finaly, (Usain Bolt), Cole, but ultimately they bested us. It should have been a draw with Finlay just stepping out before grounding the ball to have an excellent backs try dis-allowed.

Wetherby Lost 2 -0

Now we knew what it was like out there the boys managed an excellent first half and denied the much larger Yorkshire team a try , although never actually managed to leave our half. The weather was probably at its worse by now and the team were visibly shivering. Unfortunately this transferred onto the pitch and Wetherby swept us aside despite the late introduction of Jack, fresh from a Rugby League match. Note to coaches, find some big lads to match the Suma wrestlers on the other team.

Waterloo Won 2-1, Try Leo and Finlay

At last the Liverpool Collegiate spirit we knew was in there. We’ve played Waterloo numerous times over the years so I guess our lads had no fear. I wont say we bossed it, but we were definitely better and deserved our victory. The highlight of the match was a run by Jack who threw the best text book dummy I’ve ever seen, I swear the lad opposite is still looking for him now. An excellent try for Leo who as ever was up for it and never stopped trying.

Preston Grasshoppers drew 3-3, Try Fintan and Jack x 2

This was the all or nothing match, only a win would see us through to the next stages of the competition. I’ll let you into a secret, there were a few parents who might have secretly wished a 1-0 defeat so that they could jump back onto to M6 in search of warm dry civilisation. The match started and we were joined on the side line by some Kirby Lonsdale parents who needed us to do them a favour for their team to progress. This lasted about 3 minutes when we were 2 – 0 down and they squelched back to their gazebo. They obviously didn’t know that our team does indeed possess a backbone and Fintan came alive and scored Collegiate’s first response. This was soon followed by an excellent Jack Lewtas interception try to tie us at 2-2. Preston weren’t down and quickly responded with a good individual try that swept away our tackles like Jonah Lomu through an English defense. This left a tense 2 or 3 mins of two and fro, argy bargy, knock on, penalty, line out good entertaining rugby. Collegiate got a penalty that was quickly taken by Fintan, the opposition complained and we were forced to take it again This actually played into our favour and Jack ran the width of the field and scored by the corner flag, 3 all and the final whistle.

To be honest we didn’t play well enough to get through to the next stage , but the last two matches reminded me how good they can be and gives us plenty of hope for next season.

Man of the tournament – Fintan, excellent in attack and mighty in defence.

Hat of the day – tie between Jo Forde’s bedraggled wet fox and Hans’s scally hat worn with a Barbour jacket.

Hairdo of the day – Birthday girl Nicky’s bouffant hair at the beginning of the day – not so sure afterwards….

Naughty dog of the day – Jasper for eating Ollie’s mash and sausages

Cheers

H