Tigers double trouble for Bowdon

The Tigers took on Bowdon’s deep squad in this tough away fixture at Bowdon with all 14 players in action throughout.

Unbeaten in the five games played, all the Sevens played some stylish and assured rugby to ensure that the spoils went to the visitors.

Bowdon, who have 46 registered U7 players (yes, 46!), already had two sides on the road at Macclesfield when Manchester arrived but still had more than enough to field two sides plus reserves.

Bowdon played ‘A’ and ‘B’ sides and Manchester fielded more experienced players in the top game with the developing talent, The Tiggers’, taking on the second fixture.

As seems to be the case with the Tigers every week, a slow start saw Bowdon race to an early 3-1 lead with only Ollie able to dent the Bowdon defence with a dart over the line. Ewan and Luke went over to score before half time with a further Bowdon try making it 4-3 to the home side at half time.

Alex and Lightning Ben made two decisive early scores in the second half before Bowdon pegged them back to make it 5-5. But Bowdon were rattled at this stage and despite introducing some fresh players, a burst of tricky running from Luke saw him run in three tries without reply to all but ensure victory.

A late run from Eddie split 2 Bowdon tries to confirm the victory as the Tigers ran out comfortable 9-7 winners in Game 1.

Not to be outdone, the Tiggers had a point to prove as they took on Bowden’s reserve team.

The first game was a frenetic end-to-end affair. Manchester had a slow start and found themselves behind early on. A desire to hound the opposition without actually taking tags was not proving successful! Coach Will rallied the troops and in the second half Manchester began to hit their straps!

Tries from Taylor, Lucy (2), Miles, and Frank (2) got Manchester back to 1 try behind when the ref called “last play”. Frank then made a burst for the line, tagged, he passed to Thunder Ben who powered over the line for a last minute score to tie the game 7-7.

Now the “Tiggers” were in the groove the second game was a one sided affair. The desire for Tags now was taking over and all the team were picking the opposition off easily. An inspired tagging frenzy from Frank saw him take 4 consecutive tags. This forced a turnover, resulting in Myles running the full length of the pitch (one of his 3 full length runs of the day) to score! Manchester ran out 7-4 winners.

Back in the top rubber, wholesale changes were made to the Bowdon side which had a very different look to it. Two of their more dangerous players sat out Game 2, having taken a knock.

Alex and Luke took full advantage of their absence to dominate play in the first half, despite yet another early concession to the home side as a result of poor attention.
The Tigers soon led 2-1 with double scores from Luke, the home side responding before Alex went over to make it 3-2, only for Bowdon to score on the whistle to even things up at half time. A special mention to Eddie whose flying tag prevented an almost certain score.

Alex and Luke led the line once again in the second half as Alex took the lead for the Tigers only to pegged back. Luke took over and twice put Manchester ahead before a rapidly tiring Tigers were caught on the hop at the death by Bowdon who tied the match 6-6.

The third game of this thrilling Tiggers side again saw Manchester in the ascendancy. The whole team worked well together to run out easy winners 5-2, as the Manchester team tired following 3 whole games without subs. Freddie and Max both worked hard, tagged well and helped keep Bowden to a low score. Lucy ran in 2 tries early on to ensure the Manchester victory, and claim the well deserved Player of Day award.

The Under 7s added some solid tagging to their usual free flowing rugby to show a little bit more of their potential in an emphatic victory. Bowdon were splendid hosts and the encounter, again interspersed with some energetic tackling, was played in a friendly and good-natured spirit.

This week’s magnificent Sevens (tries scored in brackets):

Tigers: Alex (3), Luke (8), Ollie (1), Eddie (1), George, Ewan (1), Lightning Ben (1).

Tiggers: Frank (5), Freddie, Lucy (4), Max, Myles (3), Taylor (4), Thunder Ben (3).

Player of the Week: Lucy.