For their first ever tour, the U10's performed exceptionally well over the 2 day Scottish International Festival Of Rugby in Ayr Scotland.  The first day saw them beating Ayr and Hamilton before drawing to Carlisle in a free flowing 6 all draw in which Rochdale took the victory on the first try rule.  The team worked hard thought a very hot day and the differences in the Scottish Laws saw Musselburgh take the advantage by winning the final match of the day.
  
The hard work of the first day had paid off with Rochdale reaching the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup on day 2, were they faced a replay against a good Carlisle side.  Superb performances throughout the team were rewarded with a well earned victory of 5 try's to 4 and a place in the Challenge Cup Final against Ystrad Rhondda from South Wales.  At the final, both teams were escorted on to the pitch by a lone bagpipe player, a thrill for all involved and it certainly had the hairs rising on the back of the neck. 

  The match got of to a frensied start with Rochdale taking an early lead and going in to half time with a 2-1 advantage.  Rhondda started extremely well in the second half and with a superb passing game that allowed them to overhaul Rochdale and by the final whistle the game ended in a 5-4 victory for Rhondda.

  
 
However, what a fantastic result and tour for the newly formed team.  To have reached the Challenge cup final in an international competition on their first tour was an incredible achievement and something the Players, Parents and Coaching Staff should be immensely proud of.

  Paul Mooney
Coach U10's.