A tough day at the office

Rover under 18s went down to a very strong H&P side in a season opener.

The bulk of the Rovers side was made up of new u18s who moved up in to that age group in the summer. Rovers were missing a few players but were still able to field a decent team and looked to give Horden a game. Rovers welcomed back Mia S who guessed for them and fellow DMP player Amy. H&P have a very strong established u18s team and they have been further strengthened by their u15s that moved up last season. It was going to be challenging afternoon for the Rovers girls.

Rovers started well and although it was all Horden Rovers defence stood strong and looked organised. However after 10 minutes Rovers began to fall off tackles and this allowed Horden to score a number of unanswered tries. Falling off tackles seemed to be the theme of the afternoon and Rovers inability to make tackles give horden the time and space to run through gaps.

Rovers did get a try in the second half when a number of pick and goes resulted in one of their forwards diving over. The conversion was short.

Horden eventually ran out comfortable winners but this was a good exercise for both teams. Rovers did show some promise with the new look back row of Amy and Mia looking busy and working well in the line out. The line out looked very good. And scrum was generally strong. When Rovers did run the ball they did look dangerous but their inability to keep the ball in contact resulted in multiple turn overs.

The coaches have plenty to work on and the players themselves need to work on their individual tackling but there was enough promise from the game to show it will be another exciting season.

A big thank you to the Horden girls and coaching team for the game. We wish you luck for the season. And to ref Andrew who officiated the game very well.

Vue cinema player of the match went to Amy Kirby. Amy made lots of tackles and worked her socks off.

next game Sunday 23rd away to Bishop.