Bolton 5-12 Rossendale

Playing only their second game in 9 weeks, due to the weather and other teams not being able to field enough players, Rossendale travelled to Bolton looking to get their first win of 2018 under their belts. It was a close game, with neither side able to exert any periods of dominance in the first half. The only clear chance of a score came from a penalty against Rossendale 15 metres out, but the Bolton kicker scuffed the kick in the strong wind. Bolton were making clever use of the wind to try to keep Rossendale in their own half, but a number of smart jinking runs from Tom Unsworth brought the ball back. Rossendale were mixing up the plays well, with forwards phases and the ball through the hands, but Bolton's defence remained resolute and eventually the half ended with no score.

As the second half got under way, the ball came from the scrum and into the hands of the backs, then saw Ciaran Campbell make a blistering run with a couple of strong fends and almost make it to the try line, but a last-ditch tackle from the Bolton defence saw him brought down short. However, Jordan Fortune was close by in support, received the ball and went over to score. About ten minutes later, Dale scored again after a clever penalty kick was fumbled by the Bolton full back, and spilled into the hands of a hard-running Ciaran Campbell who completed the try. Connor Wilkie added the extras. The remainder of the half fell in line with the first half, with both sides trying to get the upper hand, but ferocious defence from both sides continued the arm wrestle. In the final play of the game, Bolton were awarded the put in to the scrum after being deemed to have been held up going over the line, and managed to spin the ball across the backs and cross the whitewash down the left hand side. With no extras added, the game finished Bolton 5-12 Rossendale.

Rossendale's man of the match went to Isaac Cornwall for work rate and graft all around the field.