Mack Puts Knife Into LSH

Back to winning ways for Rossendale on Saturday as they overcame a well drilled and physical Liverpool St Helens at Marl Pits with a gritty performance.

LSH were relegated out of North 1 last season and hopes of an immediate return were dashed on the rocks of a ‘Dale desperate to regroup after last weeks’ performance at Rochdale.

It was no easy ride though and in the early exchanges Rossendale found themselves repeatedly foisted by their own petard and falling foul of the referee too, too often; giving LSH escape from the pressure created time and again. The visitors took an early lead with a penalty for technical infringement at the ruck and the Rossendale faithful must have had a sense of déjà vu. 0 – 3

But, true to form, ‘Dale were straight back to the task and cranked up the pressure and produced some dogged rugby to reassert their dominance. After being driven back into their 22 LSH were made to defend their line for long periods until another simple turnover gifted them a passport out and eventually a converted try down the left wing against the run of play. 0 – 10

Once again Rossendale restarted and grafted the remainder of the half out with no reward to show at the whistle.

Stern words and technical advice imparted ‘Dale took to the 2nd period with renewed zeal. Hitting rucks and tearing into the opposition – keeping them in a constant state of retreat. Pole, Collins and John running the hard yards – MacKenzie, Keys, Horrocks , Short and Healey keeping the visitors under the cosh until MacKenzie trundled over from a short ball following several phases. Stand in kicker Danny Harrison providing the extras. 7 – 10

With the heavy LSH pack visibly wilting in the sun, they were unable to produce the fight of the early encounters. This combined with fresh ‘Dale legs (Morley & Horrocks on for John & Collins)proved too much for the visitors. The home side battered LSH back until the inevitable next score came. Courtesy of coach Wood, that man MacKenzie scored the easiest of tries after the centre penetrated the 1st line defence minutes from time. Again Harrison converted. 14 – 10

The whistle came soon after and signalled the end of a rivetting, if not scintillating, end to end game enjoyed by the ubiquitous wagon and an ever growing crowd.

Mick Barnes, 1st XV Manager said “Much better – a very pleasing effort and a result we can be proud of. That said we squandered several clear cut chances and were robbed by some rather cynical tactics of a couple more. The team showed real passion and commitment, and although we have not yet fully realised our potential we have regained some of the pride lost against Rochdale. Once we can pick from a full squad and fitness gets where it needs to be, we will be a much more complete side –capable of chasing that elusive perfect game.”