The Sun shines on Mighty Manchester

Manchester 24 Broughton Park 18

After a slow start against Sedgley Park, Manchester Under 8s came back to form against our old friends at Broughton Park .

Tagging this year is really important for the under 8s because the ball is turned over after 7 tags and our focus in pre match training was to concentrate on taking the tags and getting back into a defensive lines as soon as possible.

The boys responded well to the training and during a practice match between ourselves, we concentrated on tagging and passing the ball across the field rather than all running into where everyone else was standing.

Our boys were divided into two teams:
Dragons ( with Dave) Sam, Joe K,Joel,Seb; Ethan,Oliver, Alexander and Sergio
Tigers ( with Neil) Will, Joe C, Kaya, Daoud, Ashwin, Noah, Ishy and Harry

The Dragons started slowly in their first game as the boys got used to playing with each other. There were a number of occasions where we ran into touch and some passes which went astray as the boys lost 9-5 to a more experienced Broughton Park side. Sam, Joe K and Ethan made some good runs and Alexander impressed on his debut.

In their second game. the boys listened to Dave and kept the ball in play a lot better. Seb and Oliver played well and Sergio went over the line for his first try! The boys passed the ball around and played a stronger defence running out winners 7-2.

The Tigers started against the weaker Broughton Park side and were a bit bewildered by the number of forward passes and the space that they were given particularly in the first half. Ishy was full of running for four tries and combined well with Joe C and Kaya, providing the experience to help the newer players. Harry scored a good try and Daoud was unlucky to be stopped before the line in a 7-2 victory. It was also pleasing that we managed to have two turnovers due to our tagging in this match.

In the second game, they were up against the stronger Broughton Park side and this match was a lot closer. Noah caught the ball better in the second game and Ashwin was determined to take as many tags as possible. The boys were looking to pass the ball as much as possible and combined well to send Will into the corner for his third try and a lead of 5 -4 with 30 seconds left in the match. Broughton Park had one last chance to level the game and, despite some determined tagging they managed to get over the line for a 5-5 draw.

All in all, the boys played in good spirit which bodes well for the festival next week.

Chocolates for Will and Alexander for their performance. Man of the Match to Sam for good listening and great play.