Rossendale 20 – 22 Rochdale

A blustery Meadowhead played host to the title showdown everyone had been waiting for, and following the expected moans of the visitors kicked off only 15 mins late. Rochdale won the toss and elected for the use of the elements and soon made it pay, sweet handling and pace providing their 1st score and a well weighted conversion adding the extras. 0-7
Rochdale extended their lead 10 mins later after stealing ball in the tackle and chasing a deft chip to touch down after the kindest of bounces. 0-12
But Rossendale ground their way back into the contest in spite of the best efforts of Rochdale and some very dubious interpretations by the match official, but had to settle for a Stirrup penalty. 3-12
The home side continued to battle but leaked 2 more tries before half-time, and turned around trailing 3-22

The 2nd period gave Rossendale the advantage of the wind and it was put to use from the off as Bramhall pinned Rochdale into their 22 with an intelligent barrage of strategic kicking. The pressure told soon after as Collins crashed through the visitors defence to open the 2nd half account. 8-22
2 more tries from Rossendale through Pole and Keys, and a Stirrup conversion saw the home side close the gap to 2 points. But then Bramhall was forced to leave the field injured after being kneed in the back of the head and Rossendale were forced to reorganise. No further scoring occurred and the game finished 20-22. Rochdale had won the title

MJB unavailable for comment as his views on this game cannot be printed owing to lack of video and photo evidence of both the Bramhall incident and the alleged refereeing inadequacies