Colne and Nelson Under 13s were narrowly defeated in an entertaining match against North Ribblesdale.
Their previous meeting resulted in a five tries to three defeat, and this game was as closely-contested.
After a slow start, the All Blacks were looking very dangerous, desperate for the first score in the match, but a sloppy pass led to a fantastic interception from North Ribblesdale, who looked set for a breakaway try until the speedy Ben Raw made a crucial tackle just short of the try line.
However, Colne’s let-off was brief as the visitors eventually went over shortly before half-time, though the conversion was missed.
And the All Blacks soon responded as, from the kick-off, a hard and low tackle forced the North Ribblesdale player to drop the ball, and Xander McConville picked it up and jogged to the line for an easy score.
McConville also slotted an easy conversion over the middle of the posts to lead 7-5.
In the second half, Colne and Nelson continue to perform well in the scrums.
But as the visitors worked out how to combat the locals, they worked a swift pass to their winger, who then side-stepped two home players and put it down right in front of the posts.
There were 10 minutes left to rescue the match, and as it began to look like there was no way back, Dom made a breakaway and scored a great try.
McConville slotted over the conversion from right in front of the posts.
Just as Colne had got their momentum back, an incident occurred in the scrum which led to prop Connor hurting his neck, and after five minutes of treatment, when play resumed, the locals couldn’t switch on again, and the visitors went over for two tries in as many minutes for a 22-14 win.
Colne got close to the try line as they tried to save the game, however, North Ribblesdale defended well to see out the match.
Once again a match against North Ribblesdale proved to be full of action and very fair.
Colne and Nelson are always looking for more members, both new and old, and are currently trying to create a junior girls.
If you would like to come along, or know someone who would, e-mail {mailto:callumjosephkinnane@hotmail.co.uk|callumjosephkinnane@hotmail.co.uk} or ring Ian Cockcroft on 07590818341.