Having narrowly missed out on the league title over the past two seasons the valley side were in no mood to give their closest rivals a chance of leap frogging them to take pole position in the league.

The opening quarter was marred by an injury to flank forward Nicholas Street who’s dislocated elbow held up proceedings for twenty minutes while he received attention. Whilst being led from the field he was applauded by his team mates which personified the team and the occasion.

The resumption saw Dale pressurize the Preston defence. Despite playing up hill and on a sticky surface they managed to open the scoring when centre Tom Bedlow burst onto a delicious inside pass from Will Sharratt. Sharratt slotted the conversion and went on to instigate Rossendale’s next try when he took a quick tap penalty and cut through the sleeping Preston rearguard. He missed the conversion but his team were in the ascendency. A further Sharratt try despite having Danny Rylance in the sin bin was just reward for their efforts. The large crowd sensed victory was in sight if Dale could secure the next vital score. They did this, but only after enduring a period of defensive duties shortly after the break as Preston enjoyed their best period of the match. It came when from within his own 22 Sharratt side stepped his way clear. He then fed the supporting Tom Bedlow who in turn found the on rushing Jack Crowder who dived over under the posts. Sharratt converted; 26-0.

With that the visitors grew despondent and could do nothing to halt the Rossendale onslaught. A penetrating run from Jordan Lord led to Dale’s best try of the afternoon when a rumble from Danny Rlylance took them within 10 meters of the try line. It was then left to the backline to move the ball into space and for fullback Sam Bedlow to seal the win touching down under the posts. Sharratt converted and in doing so cemented their position at the top of the table. This was a great psychological boost for the side and shows how far they have come in defeating more renowned opposition.

They must maintain the right attitude and desire they displayed in this encounter, as they travel to the coast this Sunday to take on Fleetwood.