The Golds travelled to face Blackbrook Royals for the last fixture before the summer break. Some background on the Royals - they are the only club at U7 level that stream players through 2 different teams on ability. Whatever the merits are of this, it was an interesting way to assess Golds progress after the early season trip to a similarly styled Leigh Miners back on a freezing cold Sunday in March.

Early ball favoured the Royals, who picked up the first 2 tries of the game, the second a somewhat dubious effort as the Blackbrook ref allowed the entire team to push their own player over the line in the tackle! The first rolling maul ever witnessed on an Under 7's RL pitch. Credit to the Golds who ran the ball back hard rather than becoming dispirited, strong yards from Jack B and George producing good field position for the missile to go over for the first of his afternoons tries. First ten minute break and a tough few sets left the Golds 4-1 down.

Sleeves went up and glamour added to proceedings with Millie replacing brother Jack. Some EXCELLENT defence from all, led by Logan and George, kept the Royals scoreless for the first time with Logan returning their charges with interest for his second try, an excellent run through the full team after an offload from Adam. More confident tackling from Golds only to allow Royals in on the last tackle of the set, Logan completing his hat trick on the stroke of 2 thirds time.

A quick chat in the sheds, with the Golds hands all going up to keep going and finish off the early season with a strong last ten in effort. Keeping their promise, Royals were again kept scoreless on their first set, Lucas making a great run down the left for Golds before being held up inches short. Another try for Royals after some slick handling and once again brave running from Golds, James L throwing a sweet dummy that sent 3 men, including the ref the wrong way, Millie making big yards down the right and Jack B rampaging up the middle for who other than human missile Logan to charge over for his fourth try of the morning and seal a great MOTM performance.

Positives from the game - we probably learned more from it than Blackbrook, whilst the boys are keen to offload, more work on accuracy of the pass and speed at the play the ball to work on. No further questions to be asked on bravery, teamwork and commitment, every player can be proud of their efforts and improvement this season.

Enjoy the summer break Golds!