Rovers u9s @ Mowden Festival

Hartlepool Rovers Under 9's travelled to Mowden Park to play in their very first game of rugby involving tackling. There was a little apprehension amongst parents (but simply holding the player for the count of three is classed as a tackle at this level) as we lined up against both Mowden Park and Darlington.

We sat out the first game and took the opportunity to watch the other to teams, the kids identifying areas they would need to concentrate on in the coming games. We lined up for to take on Darlington and won the toss for kick off, Tom took the tap as Captain for the day and off we went, straight into it.

There where a few tentative passes at first but we soon got into the thick of it with strong running from Ryan, Dillan and Jack, Joe and Tom where their elusive selves in attack. In defence Tom, Dillan and Ryan where particularly voracious in their tackling and the game turned into a frenetic, fast paced, end to end spectacle with equal levels of effort in attack and defence and some excellent rugby played by both teams.

Rovers defence just edged the game and came out narrow victors. Christine and I were extremely proud of the way they played. After playing 10 minutes each, we had a very short break and where straight back into it against Mowden Park.

The game started well with Rovers continuing their good form from the first game but tiredness set in and we started to lose our shape a little and bunch around the ball instead of, as we have practised, defending the space.

In the second half we then started to be our own worst enemies continuing to crowd the ball and fighting each other for it. This lead to few unnecessary knock ons and turns overs, which in turn lead to unanswered tries for the opposition.

It was a hugely successful first tournament and kids of 7 and 8 playing at this intensity for 40 minutes was a testament to their effort and perseverance. As mentioned before Tom, Ryan and Dillan tackled and ran all day, Jack and Joe where effective in attack and defence and Clayton, Harry and Holly put lots of effort in running with the ball and getting their bodies in for the tackles. A bit to work on in training but super proud and a massive well done to all. Ollie we missed you big guy!