Weakened Sevens side fall to defeat

Half term wreaked havoc on the Under 7s squad on Sunday with just 8 players present to face a Wilmslow squad of 16 players, meaning every Manchester player playing nearly three full games.

With no training for nearly a month, none of the team has had the opportunity to work on their game and it is to their credit that they put up such a strong display.

In the first of three games, Wilmlsow looked like they might run away with the game, scoring three tries without reply but, coached closely by Will (Frank's dad), Manchester gradually got back into the game, scoring twice in a 6-2 defeat.

The second game started much the same with Wilmslow starting the stronger and running in three tries before Manchester got to grips with the pace of the game and began to compete. Despite losing 7-3, Manchester put up a very creditable show with a fine second half performance.

The final game, in which Wilmslow played two separate teams for each half, was the best game of the day with Manchester pulling back from 4-1 down to level at 4-4 in the dying moments. Twice Manchester were tagged on the line as they pressed for a winning try only to have the draw cruelly snatched away from them with a breakaway try for Wilmslow on the whistle. The 5-4 defeat was unfortunate given the strength and resilience a tired bunch of players were showing.

Thanks to all the 7s who turned out, you all played well and I think we are very close to competing on equal terms with some experienced and well-disciplined sides.

Harvey weighed in with some super tags all day and a nod to Frank who snatched the tag of the day in Game 2 with a flying swipe to capture a vital tag. Luke and Ben weighed in with their usual tally of tries with Lightening being offered the chance to play for Wilmslow by one of the coaches after one burst of pace (he was joking, I think!).