Fleetwood Senior colts15 - 24 Rossendale senior colts

The contest turned out just that way with the home side displaying plenty of fight from the first whistle. Rossendale were the first to score when their slick backline produced an opening for centre Jack Bibby to go over for the first try. Will Sharratt converted. Despite Fleetwood’s eagerness to cause an upset it was Dale who showed them that it wasn’t going to happen. Full back Sam Bedlow showed great tenacity to go over through a melee of players to touch down. Sharratt missed the conversion 12-0.

However Fleetwood were not despondent by this, they rallied back and went to score a converted try and penalty to close the gap. Further cause for concern for Dale came with the sin binning of prop Jordan Lord for a playful slap of his opposite number at the scrum. With this Dale were under pressure and Fleetwood went ahead for the first time with a try in the opening minutes of the second half. They missed the conversion, but were set to face a stern Rossendale reposte. It came with Lord back in the fold the ball was spun wide for an in form Jack Crowder to touch down in the corner. Rossendale’s fourth and deciding score came following a kick and chase from Sharratt saw Dale captain pass back inside to the supporting run of second row Matt Jackson. He was held up short of the line but the ball was recycled to allow back row forward Leo Freshini to finish off the scoring.

With the squad thread bare due to injury and unavailability the addition of junior colts moving up have been invaluable. Also special mention must go to Matt Fenner moving up to occupy the hooking position and Ben Skelton and Danny Schofield playing unaccostumed positions.

This Sunday the team are at home to Aldwinians ko 2.00pm