Dale win derby against close rivals Blackburn

The Senior Colts faced the first local derby game of the New Season with the visit of Blackburn to Marl Pits.
The game swung like a pendulum in the early stages as both sides pressed strongly, Leo Frechini was denied what looked like a perfectly good try after a very strong push for the line before Sam Wood drove over from close range in the 22cnd minute following a period of sustained pressure.

Will Sharratt put some great kicks in to put further pressure on the visitors and was rewarded with a score himself after 30 mins.

Into the second half and one could only think we were in Groundhog Day as Cory Bridge slipped through the defence on the right hand side on three occasions, the first two being denied in dubious circumstances, the third bringing ironic cheers from the crowd as it was awarded.

Leo had a strong game through the second stanza and kept pushing in attack and strong in defence.
Mallinson despite not having any glue on his fingers managed the tackle of the game and who could deny him the moment to celebrate. Credit the Burn player who after taking a lying down count of 9 as his ribs ached, got back up ( when a lesser man would of cried off- including me )and continued the game, for me he was their best man on the day.

Will Sharratt then took a neat ball through the gap from 10 out on 65 mins and coasted over the line without any defender in cooee.

The win was sealed with Jake converting.

The weather played a big part causing alot of dropped ball from Dale and at the end of the day with Dale being so dominant Blackburn may have had a Great Escape with the final result.Nevertheless an enjoyable game for both sides despite the mistakes.

Credit to the junior Colts lads who played up today. You did a great job and contributed to a good win. Great stuff chaps and lets keep it going for Rochdale next week