The Carlisle squad was split into 2 teams to play 2 matches each against the visitors from Kirby Lonsdale, with Stan Baglee captaining the Carlisle Reds team and Finn Barraclough as captain of the Carlisle Blues team.

The boys had undergone some pre-match coaching to focus on their individual tackling and competitivness so they were ready and raring to go as soon as the matches started with Carlisle Reds romping into a 4 try lead in the first few minutes of their match. Carlisle Blues were fairing equally as well with some superb tackling technique and teamwork from the boys.

This trend continued throughout the 4 matches played by the squad….there was some superb individual running from Joe Woodruff, Finn Barraclough and James Dickson, some brilliant team play from Will Garson, Josh Hope and Joe Kirkhope and some great tackling from all the boys.

Special note goes to the following 3 players though, as this is the best we have ever seen them play:

Joseph Edmondson – brilliant evasive running, great tackling and a real competitive edge to his game, winning loose balls and making turnovers. Fantastic.
Mathew Hodgson – his offensive play has always been great but his defense and tackling were outstanding on Sunday. An amazing improvement!
Thomas Illidge – he is progressing brilliantly, really benefited from the extra tackling coaching. The best we have seen him play. Well done Thomas!

All of the matches were played as friendly’s and we weren’t officially keeping score, but of course the boys were. So if you want to know the results, who scored what and by how many tries just ask one of our Under 9’s!