Round 1 – The Royal Giants just manage to Dwarf the Crusaders!

By: Tracy Kilgannon

Thatto Heath Crusaders u7's 6-7 Blackbrook Royals

 

Team Line up – Nathan Connelly

Leo Lane

Connor Gannon

Cameron Haggerty

Luke Lane

Matthew Stulberg

Justin Rawsthorne

Oliver McMahon

Declan Reid

Joe Leyland

Joe Ashton

 

The Crusaders had their work cut out for them against a Giant Blackbrook side who were head and shoulders above our own big boys Oliver and Leo.

 

Our performance proved that size really does not matter with our superb tackling techniques and fearless determination. Every member of the team made the tackle count sheet. Special mentions for outstanding performances in defence to Joe Ashton and Connor Gannon. Joe was relentless in his pursuit of BB players, whilst Connor showed no fear as he brought lads down who were twice his size. Leo Lane also showed a big improvement in defence with his highest tackle count to date. Cameron, Justin and Oliver were a tower of strength in defence also as they tackled like demons.

 

Blackbrooks size and strong defence tested our lads and they showed great strength and bravery as they took some good, hard tackles. Luke Lane showed particular grit to shake off a high tackle that took his legs from under him.

Our attacking play was just as impressive as our defence, with some great ground making runs from Declan, Nathan and Justin.

Oliver McMahon proved unstoppable when he had the ball as he steamed down the pitch. He scored 3 superb tries for his effort taking his try tally up to 5!

Matthew scored his 8th try for the crusaders with a great run that saw him duck and dive through the BB defence.

Joe Leyland scored his 3rd try in 5 games with a great long range run.

Joe Ashton proved his potential as a good all rounder as he scored his debut try in only his 3rd game for the club.

 

Nathan Connelly showed great potential in his debut game, with a solid performance in both attack and defence.

 

The final score of 6-7 was a credit to our boys as we were several tries down at half time. Their perseverance and determination against a much bigger side was a credit to them and the club!

 

 

Man of the Match – Oliver McMahon

Best Runner – Joe Leyland

Best Tackler – Joe Ashton

Most Improved – Connor Gannon

Debut Try – Joe Ashton

Debut Game – Nathan Connelly

 

---