'Up the Jumper' day on Meadowhead

Another gritty win for Rossendale as conditions in the Northwest serve to hamper any attempt at running rugby. 'Dale were forced to use their training pitch as the heavens opened once again this week and put paid to any chances of using the full 70m width of their preferred playing surface.

This match was never going to be an advert for the running game, but yet more rain on Saturday morning set the obvious task for 'Dale, old fashioned 'up the jumper' rugby.

And that was what the team produced. Using the wind well in the 1st half they kept Leigh pinned in their own 22 for long periods. The games' only try came from a lineout, Richard Horrocks touching down after a training ground set move drove the heavier opposition pack back over their tryline from close range. Stirrup was again foiled by the blustery conditions as the conversion attempt failed. He redeemed himself with a pair of penalty goals to take the lead to 11. Rossendale were adjudged to have been 'held up' as they crossed the whitewash again.

It was not all Rossendale though as Leigh used their large forwards and strong running backs to break the stranglehold time and again, only to be transported back to their 22 by the wind assisted kicking game of the home side everytime they made even the slightest mistake. The half ended 11-0, and still the rain came down...

As the 2nd half began it was apparent this was to be a real test for 'Dale. With the wind in their faces, the kicking game of the 1st half was gone. Time and again attempted clearances failed to produce the desired effect, only serving to gift Leigh the ball and increase the pressure on Rossendale. But the home team 'dug in' and defended resolutely throughout the seige. Notable tackling from Pole, Healey and Short keeping the lumbering opposition forwards at bay until 'Dale conceded a penalty. Leigh gladly took the 3pts.

Rossendale tried bravely to knock the visitors out of their stride and attacked hard at every opportunity. But the conditions were truly atrocious and handling, even footing became treacherous for both teams. The game went the way of the previous encounter and descended into a midfield dogfight, the only other score being another penalty against Rossendale for more 'in the ruck' shenanigans. Another hard fought win for 'Dale, in what is becoming a very close league.

Mick Barnes, 1st XV Manager said "Obviously very pleased with the result, and the performance of the pack. Leigh ran league leaders Rochdale close last week but were never going to score tries on this pitch today. But, once again, we must improve before next week-Broughton Park will require a more complete game but no less commitment, it's going to be tough..."