Mosborough RUFC

In the beginning was the away fixture. Away at Rotherham for the opening match of this season, Mosborough, missing one or two key players and despite arguably playing the better rugby at times, were beaten by a very wide score margin. Since then, some outstanding performances by Mosborough have led to this being a highly anticipated fixture, mentioned by parents at nearly every practice session with the firm belief that Rotherham would be in for a surprise if they expected the same result. Skilled and tense negotiations were ongoing for those parents of mixed age groups as to who went to Goole and who would get to see ‘The Rotherham Match…’

The early signs, however, were that Rotherham may be able to expect the same as they led early on by 2 tries. There was excellent rugby on display from both sides and it was to pay off for Mosborough as George was able to break free twice to level the score, placing the ball firmly between the posts both times.

Rotherham restored their 2 try lead but Mosborough, with determined defending, good passing and running once again drew level with George carrying it over the line each time, 20-20.

Mosborough sustained a couple of injuries in quick succession, both symptomatic of players fully committed to defending and moving the ball forward. Typical full-blooded performances saw first Brooklyn leave the field with an arm injury and then Alex after taking a knee to the head, both having contributed greatly to another superb team performance.

Rotherham once again took a 2 try lead, one a desperate scramble over the line following resolute defending from one or two yards out, 20-30. It was George again that reduced the deficit but Rotherham kept the pressure on with a try of their own, 25-35.

Then Mosborough’s continued good play was rewarded when Jacob broke through with a powerful burst for 30-35 and further still when Will levelled things at 35-35.

There was last-minute heartache, though, when another bout of determined defending was broken with a scramble over the line for Rotherham to finish the match 35 – 40.

This, though, was a game played by 2 very good sides and very much worthy of the hype. Man-of-the-Match, which must be an increasingly difficult choice for the coaches to make with such great team performances, was shared between George and Jake, demonstrating the strength and importance of both forwards and backs in this side.

It was all possibly best summed up by 2 moments from Rotherham. First was the relieved player saying to his team mates “That was the closest match we’ve ever had” as they walked off, and the other was the Rotherham coach making a point of shaking the Mosborough players by the hand. Perhaps this is something he does every week, but it very much looked like a genuine mark of respect for the team’s spirit and performance.

Well done to all, another outstanding performance and, as always, a great game to watch.