LEEK 19 ROSSENDALE 34
Rossendale maintain their lead at the top of Regional One Northwest following a 19-34 win away at newcomers to the league Leek.
Due to the dreadful conditions, driving rain throughout, the battle tended to be kept tight amongst the forwards with little opportunity for much open rugby.
Rossendale were first on the score sheet with a try from Ben Stephens, the back row going over after a tremendous thirty metre drive to the home line, Lewis Allen adding the conversion for a 0-7 lead.
It was another rolling maul which brought up the second John Tuia claiming the touch down, Allen again on hand with the extras.
Just before the break Leek came into contention with a try from Joe Booth for 5-14 at the interval.
With conditions deteriorating further the second period turned into something of a ‘slog’. Leek however took the early advantage with a try from James Floyd, the conversion by Will Midwinter closing the game to just two points.
Rossendale hit back with an enterprising try from Zac Stephens, the full back entering the line at pace to collect a well floated miss pass to cross wide out.
From the restart the Staffordshire side came again getting the Kin Critchlow over, the conversion by Midwinter levelling matters at 19-19.
Rossendale realised they were in a game but with their extra fitness beginning to count, the league leaders upped the pace with some neat interplay between the forwards getting second row Charlie Murray over for the bonus point.
A penalty by Allen extended the lead and with the pack galvanised for a final effort, yet another rolling maul got Adam Howard in for a fifth, Allen adding the conversion.
In other games Blackburn remain in second place after beating Sandbach 42-14 at Ramsgreave Road. Macclesfield who were 22-10 winners at home to Wirral are third with Leek, Northwich and Sandbach battling it out at the foot of the table.
This coming Saturday it will be first v second at Marl Pits where Rossendale welcome Blackburn in what will be a crucial game for both sides. In the earlier fixture at the beginning of the season Blackburn edged it 25-24, a close result which the home side will be keen to avenge.
Geoff Lightfoot
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