FOUR WOW WORDS

Here is Rhys's fantastic account of the finale of the Vale of Lune Tournament for our Under 11's.

I have four words for you. Commitment. Intensity. Enthusiasm. Spirit. I could (and probably should) leave the match report at that. A fitting summary of a hard fought, honest, physical encounter between two good rugby playing sides.

The game was played at a high tempo from beginning to end. For long passages of play Manchester were not just camped in the opposition twenty two but had pitched their tents, built a fire and were sitting around it toasting marshmallows. Then Southport would break out, carrying the ball swiftly into our half where they unrolled their sleeping bags and got the BBQ going. There were also moments of subtlety with some intricate moves from both teams and some wonderful flashes of attacking skill. But overall the feel of the game was one of ferociously intense defending and of players from both teams scrambling to prevent the ball from being grounded over the try line.

Each side had a fair share of the ball. Players seemed to dig deeper, searching for that last ounce of strength or speed, desperate to score. Every inch of the pitch was vital, every yard keenly contested. Manchester had a couple of chances in the second half with some slick passing across the pitch almost seeing them squeeze through a gap in the resolute Southport defence but both times they were stopped. Then, to borrow a phrase from Geology which describes how the Earth of 3.9 billion years ago was almost blown to hell and back by huge meteor strikes, Manchester had to withstand a Late Heavy Bombardment from Southport. Our rock solid defence however stood firm as wave upon wave of attacks crashed against them.

In the end neither side could convert their periods of pressure into a try, but no matter, for me I had just witnessed a great game of rugby and 0-0 was the right result.

No team is perfect but in both Manchester and Southport U11s we can see the raw ingredients of self belief, commitment and skill. Both teams gel together well and are developing a good understanding of 'Game Sense' that, yes, requires a lot of tweaking and tinkering with, but if both keep developing along such a steep, fast trajectory then we, as parents of both clubs, are in for a treat of great, no-holds-barred rugby, played in exactly the right spirit and enthusiasm, which I hope reads as a massive testament to both sets of coaches.

Stats for the game were as follows: Manchester had five lineouts and won three of them, Southport had no lineouts. Manchester had no scrums but won all of Southport's three. We were awarded four penalties to Southport's two.

Final score: Manchester 0 - 0 Southport

We went through to the Semi-Finals as winners of our group, with Southport also going through as highest placed runners-up. We were drawn against Lymm and looking back it was a game too far for our lads. The email which was sent out after this tournament sums it up far better than I can. We were in the proverbial group of death, having to play four tough, physical teams (two of whom were group winners in the Lancs Cup) on a small pitch. Our small squad, meant it was always going to be demanding and the toll on our boys' bodies was there for all to see as they lined up. Nursing injuries, drained and tired, they urged themselves on...

In the end we lost 3 - 0, but again to take from the email: As a set of players our squad are a credit to the club, themselves and their parents in the way they conduct themselves both on and off the pitch, they are truly a pleasure to spend time with and to coach.

We as coaches have a great a deal belief in our squad and their ability, and our overall development has been really promising this season.

Thank you boys.