Depleted Dale Lose Out

Leigh 21 - 6 Rossendale

Already minus stand off Bramhall Dale suffered an early set back in
their latest North 2 West fixture, losing Danny Collins in a freak warm
up accident. The player coach tore a hamstring prior to the game and a
hasty replacement had to be brought in at the very last minute.

As usual, Dale began well. And indeed for the opening 10 mins there
looked to be only one team playing rugby but Rossendale failed to cross
the Leigh line and had to settle for a Stirrup penalty as reward for
their early endeavour.

Leigh redoubled their efforts and scored next, their winger catching the
visiting defence a little flat footed and won the race to the chipped
through ball.

The home side were visibly lifted by this score against the run of play
and began to contest the breakdowns more fiercely only to be met by some
solid tackling as they pushed the ball wide, eventually giving away
another penalty. Stirrup converted again. 5 - 6

The next score came from Leigh, a long range penalty as Dale were deemed
guilty of killing the ball at the ruck. 8 - 6

Dale picked their game up from the following restart and , indeed looked
like they were back in their stride until an injury to Dave Wood took
him out of the game. Rossendale again re-arranged but were obviously
affected by this latest setback and gifted Leigh another penalty to
finsh the half 11 - 6 down.

Despite their best efforts it seemed Dale could not shake the monkey off
their backs in the 2nd half, hampered by the referees interpretation of
the laws they struggled to create the quick ball to which they have
become accustomed rather conceding penalties and putting themselves
under pressure.

When Leigh charged down an attempted clearance for a simple try it
became apparent this was going to be their day. A drop goal and a
penalty finished Rossendales challenge inspite of the bravery and
efforts of the players. 21 - 6

Danny Collins

"We were beset with injuries from the outset, and the standard of
refereeing at this level - particularly around the tackle area - is not
high enough. These factors combined with the state of facilities at Marl
Pits hobbled us, we have not trained on grass for a month (only 3 times
since mid December) and it showed today, we looked rusty, passes went
wayward even our lineout was below par. We now only have a slim chance
at promotion, but will continue in our chase of that prize"