Lifes a beach. But not in Stockport.

Well an interesting little game and one which the Dale lads should have really sown up and took the spoils from. However things go a little awry at times and today was just one of those days.

We were never really in situations that the game should of slipped from our grasp. I don’t fear what Southport had to offer other than the fact that they never gave up and chased until the last and that extra bit of tenacity paid off when it counted for them. Well done to them for that, deservedly in the end taking the points.

For us, well a strong first half tempered with some bad decision making at times together with rustiness from not having played for 3 weeks and having come together as a squad in that period paid its price. Yes we won the first half hands down controlling much of the play but couldn’t capitalise.

Leo took the plaudits for a grand old try from typical Dale forward work after 16 minutes which for all intense and purposes looked like we had got off the minibus at last and re found our form.

William de Shazza added the extras. No more scores in the first half but plenty of chances went begging which could and should of led to game over by half time.

Unfortunately HC BC ( the banking giant – glad I spelled it with a B) had to make the changes during the interval due to a number of injuries to influential players ( JR carrying a knock from the previous days escapades and Joe Andrew finding himself under a pile of a collapsed scrum). Joe I know a good accident claims company that can get you good money for that whiplash. In the mean time all the best for a good recovery.

So, take to the field for the second stanza, a much changed Rossy side still make the mark but Southport decide that they want to please their vocal home support and a hard slog ensues between both sides.

Dale hold their own particularly when a period of pressure in their 22 led to Southport camping on our try line. Despite best efforts the Port where unable to breach the line and Dale won the feed at a scrum and promptly cleared their lines. Excellent defence lads and great work to get us back down field.

The game ebbed and flowed before Port came back down towards Rossendales 22. Up popped the merry whistle blower and twice in succession we had penalties awarded against us which the home side duly kicked . Game edging closer at 7-6.

A great kick off by Jake after the second penalty saw us recover the ball and after a period of determined play we were awarded a penalty ourselves not far out from the uprights. Jake the pin ball wizard popping over the points and a 100,000 bonus as it rattled the left hand stick and bounced in.

Southport returned the compliment and made their own way up field . knock on.. forward pass … forad pass ( e was from yurkshire) .. and the try was theirs as the Dale statues stood in awe on their try line.

You cant be injured in defence …ive heard that somewhere before. Neither can you fall asleep. The try was converted and Dale despite a good effort never got themselves back and Southport stood tall.

The second half was full of unexplained errors by us. We made some useful passages of play only to fold at the last. Maybe it was the balmy sea breeze on our faces or maybe it was we were just plain balmy at times ourselves.

Anyway we live to fight another day and the disappointment will probably just about leave me by the time the New Year comes in.

Thanks to the Junior Colts who stepped up today. Our pitches were in such a mess that their home game V Southport was postponed. Special mention to Theo who played his first game for the Snr side at prop and did very well indeed in filling that gap. Also Tom A and Jasper the team mascot who were outstanding whilst Peely showed us his worth at full back.

To the lads that came today and didn’t get on I know it’s a bitter pill but you where there and gave us great support by your presence. Next season will be yours for the taking so build on the experience of today.

we also had a debut for an emerging star Jordan Dawson who certainly has a fancy touch or two and had one or two of the moves he created come off then we would of all been doing a jolly bit of back slapping and celebrating a victory. Looking forward to seeing more of this.

Thanks also to Will Sharrat for turning out after his Lancs commitments earlier and we wish him well for his future.

The work rates of Wellsy and Danny R was certainly missed but that's not an excuse for the overall way we played.Yet being positive there was plenty to take home with us and work upon.

Training Wednesday chaps. For those that can still walk move or crawl.