Old Crossleyans 25 - 31 Rossendale

National Division 3(North)!!!!!

Gutsy Dale ‘dog’ it out to clinch 2nd successive promotion

Under a blazing sun and in front of a hugely partisan home crowd, Dale pulled something really special out of the bag to win promotion to National Division 3(North). Old Crossleyans, the home of such rugby greats as Jim Mallinder and Brian Moore, set off like the proverbial bull at a gate. Scoring after minutes following some superb scrummaging and use of width they took an early lead with an unconverted try. 5-0

More worrying for Rossendale though was the loss of Dave Wood with a hamstring injury, but after the entry of Nathan Settle and a quick reshuffle Rossendale took the game back to “Crocs” and indeed came very close to redressing the balance only to be kicked back into their own 22 after turning over the ball.

“Crocs” scored again following this clearance, again more quality work by the pack and halfbacks set the home fullback free to score again. Again unconverted. 10-0

More pressure from the home team led to a succession of scrummages in the Dale 22, and eventually they were awarded a penalty try as Collins was deemed guilty of a professional foul. The referee had no hesitation in showing him the yellow card as Crossleyans finally managed a conversion. 17-0

Dale had a mountain to climb, 20 minutes gone-Down to 14 men-17pts adrift. It did not look like Rossendales’ day as the home supporters raised the volume and spurred their side on. But the true character of the Dale side began to shine through, and flashes of brilliance began to bring them back into the contest and force “Crocs” onto the back foot.

Eyebrows were raised on the Dale bench as Pole was yellow carded moments later, just as Collins rejoined the fray, for breaking early from the scrummage. But Dale had nothing to lose and played some “direct” rugby to literally smash their way back up the pitch. After several phases and much intelligent use of the available width, Bramhall chipped the onrushing defence for Collins to score. Stirrup adding the extras to keep the Dale dream alive. 17-7

And it was Collins again 7 mins later, taking a deft inside pass from standoff Bramhall he slipped through the first line of defence and rounded the disinterested “Crocs” fullback to touch down again. Again Stirrup silencing the home crowd with the conversion. 17-14

A Stirrup penalty soon after brought the scores level at 17-17 as Pole came back on. But Crossleyans picked themselves up and scored again before the half. 22-17

HT 22-17

The 2nd period saw Rossendale take the initiative, strong running and cool tactical kicking rattled the home side as they struggled to break through Dale or contain the visitors ball carriers. Taylor steamed through “Crocs” midfield defence following a line out to tie the scores again, Stirrup giving Dale the lead for the 1st time with the conversion. 22-24

Crossleyans conceded another try to Taylors powerful running 6 mins later and Stirrup again found his mark. 22-31

In a normal league game this would probably have killed the game off but with such a prize at stake “Crocs” threw the kitchen sink at Dale. But resolute Rossendale defence, spurred on by the visiting supporters, kept the home team at bay throughout the last quarter. And inspite of losing Short to yet another yellow card, Rossendale managed to keep the marauding “Crocs” out and they had to settle for a penalty as their kicker finally found his boot. 25-31

Dale closed the game out and the final whistle signalled the end of a mighty contest, the job had been done – goal achieved.

Quote MJB
“ We really seem to like making life difficult for ourselves, but that only makes success sweeter. This was a true team effort, all 19 players deserve credit for a genuinely heroic performance – to come back from that deficit, in that manner must surely prove beyond all doubt that this is a team ready for Level 5 rugby." (Bet West Park & Stockport can’t wait eh....?)