BLACKBURN 25 ROSSENDALE 24

Fixtures between these sides’ have always been hard fought and this proved no exception with the Rossendale pack having the better in both the set scrum and at the break down. Although most of the action was ‘up front’ there was some scintillating play from both sets of backs to keep the sizable crowd entertained through out the afternoon.

It was a mistake in defence which lead to the opening try within two minutes of the kick off from Jack Moon, the added conversion by Leon Fifefield affording the home side a 7-0 lead.

A penalty by Fifield increased the tally but from a penalty scrum, the ball was spun wide and with Zac Stephens entering the line at pace, the full back punched his way through the Blackburn defence and from the break down Byron McGuigan was able to step inside to cross under the posts leaving Lewis Allen with what looked like a straight forward conversion but although both touch judges indicated a score the referee overruled and the score stayed at 10-5

Tom Mayoh went over for a second for the home side before, on the stroke of half time, following a series of scrum penalties on the Blackburn five metre line Matt Lamprey standing out wide went over for 15-10 at the interval.

Rossendale were first on the scoreboard after the restart, a penalty from Allen putting his side within two points at 15-13.
Jake Foster brought up Blackburn’s third but with Stephens breaking through from half way and a neat cross field kick from Allen, Ollie Molloy scooped up to cross to once again make it a two point game.

Two penalties from Allen put the visitors ahead for the first time at 20-24 but with Foster crossing for his second and his sides bonus point, Rossendale were denied although picking up losing bonus point.

After the game head coach Byron McGuigan said “Blackburn started the game really well and dominated the first 20minutes.
We lost the collisions, our work ethic was poor and discipline was an issue off the back of that. However from then on I thought we dominated the game.”
“Unfortunately,” he continued. “our lineouts were poor throughout which meant we couldn't capitalise on good field position . Blackburn did a good job going through the phases and credit to them for doing that so well.”

“We got into a position to win the game at 24-20 with 30 seconds left but an error receiving the kick off, gave Blackburn a penalty and ultimately that led to a try on the 84th minute.”

“Boys are bitterly disappointed and they should be . We now have to lick the wounds and start digging ourselves out of a tough situation. We are not here to participate or finish 2nd / 3rd. We need to take this loss and use it as motivation to kick on and go on a run. We expect better from ourselves , should be able to close out a game like yesterday and that's a lesson learnt,” he added “This coming Saturday welcome newly promoted Anselmians to Marl Pitts and will be looking to make a statement on the bounce back.”

Geoff Lightfoot