Dale lose out in hard fought battle

West Park Senior Colts turned up to play the top of the table clash with the Rossendale lads Sunday just in time for the rain to sweep in on a westerly that they must of brought with them from Sintellins coz we never have it that bad up here normally !!

Unfortunately Dale where unable to weather the storm and Park went away with the match spoils.

Just prior to the game I pointed out to the West Park contingent the cloud base just below the summit of a nearby hill as the rain tipped down. By the end of the game the cloud base was at the bottom of the hill and it was nearly time to get the gas lamps out as the light faded under the grey sky. You wont see that on Billinge lump.

Dale started the brighter of the two teams in the main and opened the scoring with a Burgess penalty.
Park got the wake up call and some good rugby with some lightning through hands passing created havoc for Dale and led to a score for the visitors.

Rossendale bounced back well and marched back up the field.

Hail a superb drop from outside the 22 and totally out of the blue, kicked by Burgess. The outlook was brighter and Dale were back in the lead.

West Park pressed again and with some big work from their forwards drove over to register a further try.

The home side endured a period of domination but held on strongly to keep the points gap within reaching distance. West Park registered two further tries and converted one.
JR got one back for us after some tremendous forward work overall and capping a big game for him personally.

The final score finished 22-13 in favour of the visitors but credit to both sides for putting up what was an enjoyable and physical game with both sides trying to play some good rugby despite absolutely horrendous conditions.

Fortunately the work on the pitch in the off season paid off and it held up reasonably well albeit heavy given the water that came down. In past seasons it would have looked more like Leg o Mutton Dam or for us closer to home Clough End Rezzy.

Dale suffered with injuries and illness through the game, probably them Sintelliners bringing their bugs with them to our idyllic sun drenched Valley. It put paid to any come back but the lads put up a valiant fight and didn’t take a step back. West Park however were good for their win…. doh! how as a Moss Laner can I ever bring myself round to write such things.

Batesy, Tickle et al were looking forward to the rematch and wishful thinking for a Pimmies pie!