KENDAL 17 ROSSENDALE 34

The game was played in absolutely miserable conditions but it was the East Lancashire side who adapted the better and with the forwards getting control early on their five tries to two was a good return for their efforts.

Rossendale got off to the best possible start with a try from Byron McGuigan, the winger chasing a neat kick through the defence from Lewis Allen to gather and cross wide out.

With conditions deteriorating throughout the game Rossendale ‘bagged’ their second. A penalty line out on the Kendal ‘22’ was taken on with second row Charlie Murray driven over close enough to the posts for Allen to land the conversion.
With both teams having some difficulty mastering the conditions the home side came into it with a penalty from Aaron Stephens for 3-17 at the interval.

Kendal started the second period well and closed the gap to two points following a try by Steph Haddad converted by Stephens.
Realising there was still work to do Rossendale upped the tempo and from a tap and go on the Kendal five metre line Danny Solomona strolled through following quick ball from the break down, Allen again on hand with the extras.

Almost from the restart Rossendale secured the bonus point with a try from Zac Stephens, the full back coming into the line to take the scoring pass from McGuigan who had cut inside to wrong foot the home defence, again Allen successful with the conversion.
With the visitors now in complete control from a line out on half way and a neat combination between McGuigan and Solomona there was space out wide for Jake Edge-Spedding, lurking out on the wing, to go in for the fifth.

With game now in time added on and tired bodies Kendal crossed for their second try, Gain Blenkharn claiming the honours, Stephens with the conversion.

With the result now beyond doubt Allen had the final say with a penalty.

With five games gone Blackburn lead the table with Macclesfield in second spot both remaining undefeated on 25 points. Rossendale with just the one defeat are in third on 21 points. Manchester move into fourth with Kendal who began the day in third now back in fifth.

There are no games this coming Saturday but Rossendale return to action on 14th October at home to newly promoted Penrith who are next to the bottom with just one win from the five played.

Geoff Lightfoot