Birkenhead Park 26-17 Rossendale

Although Rossendales safety in Nat3(N) was assured 2 weeks ago, they travelled to the Wirral looking for a win to gain another place in the league standings. But a repeat of last weeks' performance was never on the cards as Park showed their intent from the kickoff and ran hard at the visitors and it took only 3 mintues of this kind of pressure for Freeman Payne to find the gap in the Dale defence to open Birkanheads' account with the 1st try of the afternoon. 5-0

The conversion missed, Rossendale restarted trailing by 5. But could not seem to find the fluency and vitality of the previous weeks and soon found themselves on the wrong end of another hard running Park attack as Hughes crossed for another try, converted by Scott to give the home side a 12 point lead. 12-0

Dale did manage to reply almost instantly, a well worked wide move saw Fontaine finish with the visitors only score of the half wide out on the right. The conversion missed but Dale were back in the game at 12-5

2 penalties gave Park an 18-5 lead as the 1st half finished.

The second period proved more successful for Dale, in spite of losing MacKenzie and Dennison to ankle injuries; and conceding another try as Payne again caught the Dale defence flat footed. 23-5

Rossendale got back on terms with 2 tries from driving mauls, 1st Pole then Elmer touched down following good lineout work, and a Bramhall conversion took Dales tally to 17 before a penalty to Park closed the game at 26-17.

MJB"In spite of our 2nd half efforts we were not the side we have been in the last month today. Park closed the space in midfield well and were more committed at the tackle/breakdown, particularly wide out - forcing too many turnovers and penalties. Plus points from today were the return to the side of Danny Collins and Danny Harrison. Both showed strong running skills in patches. Could we have secured more clean, quick ball we may have fared better. But even the top sides in this league have 'foundered on these rocks', Morley losing heavily here before going on to win the league and Stockport succumbing to Park twice this season, so we should measure our performance accordingly. We have 2 remaining fixtures - both at home - Sheffield next week and Birkenhead Park again on the 8th May; both are must win matches and success will move us well up the table before the close."