Heaton Moor 14 vs Bury 5

Heaton Moor 14 vs Bury 5

Fast , hot and furious….a great match!

First up – thanks to Heaton Moor for your hospitality and for a very enjoyable ‘cracking’ game of rugby.

Today the Bury U9s travelled to Heaton Moor in glorious weather. We were anticipating a hard game against a well-drilled team based on seeing their Junior Teams playing at half time at the Sale v Saracens match on Friday.

We had 9 players and no subs – Ethan John was captain. Dean did his usual pep talk – ‘they ain’t that big, look they have only one player bigger than us…. Lets ‘snot’ em!

We started well with some good hits by our pack, but soon let in a very easy try for Heaton. The match was immediately stopped after the try as the Bury U9s had started to play against Heaton’s U10s!!!

Bury regrouped and moved to the U9s pitch and started the match well. ‘Well’ is a bit of an understatement… Bury played the best Rugby Dean and I have seen all season! Good rucking by our pack of Ethan J, Ethan G and Ando. I am pleased to report that Ando has stepped up to the pressure of playing in the pack, especially after one of our most seasoned player left. Ando played a hard hitting and fast game and is now showing good potential – well done!

From the start Heaton Moor showed that they are a good team with a depth of players that are able to play great contact and are not afraid to run at the opposition or to pass the ball wide to their fast lads. They were able to change subs three at a time showing they have strength in depth.

Ethan J as captain for Bury led the way with some solid talking and he showed he is not afraid to ‘mix it up’ with players bigger than himself.

What I enjoyed today most was the spirit in which the entire game was played – it was an absolute credit to both teams that the match was played in good spirit and with a real competitive attitude.

Kyle one of our newest players played the entire match from start to finish, never missing an opportunity to get in with the bigger lads – keep it up Kyle! Rhys showed he can create space and when given the opportunity can cause havoc with the oppositions defence.

Solid team work by all the Bury lads, good rucking and mauls that lead to Bury pushing Heaton back on a number of plays. We still need to go to ground and our pack still needs to drive over and better support each other. Good scrums and line outs from Bury and excellent positioning from the backs.

A special mention to Ando and Cairon – you both worked your butts off today and all the hard work you are putting into training is now starting to pay off – keep it up guys! Two of our smallest guys CJ and James also played well. James once again showed he loves his Rugby – great attitude James. CJ keep practicing with you accuracy and you’ll be a ‘cracking’ scrum half and James there is a saying: “the bigger they are, the harder they fall’ – so come on get some hits in.

My final mention goes to our two try scorers Olli and Ethan G. Olli ‘bish bash bosh – hit’! Yep fast as can be, takes the hits but tackles like a machine – covers the pitch with ease and when the forwards create space for him; a try is always on the cards. Ethan G – solid, solid, solid play – consistent throughout the game with good tackling and support play and a couple of tries BUT come on your lineout calls are ‘pants’ 52, 19, Freddie, India Foxtrot, Mother’s Day– what’s that all about?

It was a pleasure to watch the U9s today – all the hard work you have put in at training, what you have learned through playing some difficult matches is now starting to show and the rewards are coming. I know we lost today, but as the Heaton Coaches and Sir said – your lads played some darn good Rugby and you are all a credit.

As always I need to end a match report with a big thank you to all the Bury ‘massive’ who once again were the most vocal on the day. Even some of the parents from the U8 & U7 games who were miles away said they could hear you all.

A final note: We have lost of a number of players in the last few weeks and although we currently have a squad to take through to the U10 next season, we need more players. We need strength in depth and we need to build on what we currently have. Can I ask that as parents you see if you know of any other kids that would like to join us? I’ll give some flyers out on Wednesday evening.

A final final note: I hope all those that went to the Sale game had as good a time as me.... I'd like to organise a ten pin bowling match at the end of the season. Please let Dean or me know if you are up for it - kids and adults!