In the build up to the game a tense and closely fought encounter was anticipated and the action on the field lived up to expectations .
The home side were slow to get into their stride as the Cheshire side took the early lead with a try from John O’Donnell benefitting on the Lancastrians being down to fourteen after John Tuia had been sent to the sin bin, Harry Oliver slotting the conversion.

Back to full strength, Rossendale hit back with a try from Sam Lowthion following a break down in play in midfield followed by swift hands across the line creating the opportunity for the winger to cross, Lewis Allen’s conversion levelling matters at 7-7.

Again from broken play deep in Rossendale territory, a break by Zac Stephens and good handling from the break down got Byron McGuigan away, the winger taking on the defender so score out wide.

Into time added on in the opening half Macclesfield went in for their second, Brenden Berry claiming the honours, the conversion again from Oliver closing the half with the visitors 12-14 ahead.

Rossendale had the better of the third quarter as straight from the restart Matt Lamprey charged into Macclesfield territory, with quick ball from the breakdown getting McGuigan over for his second, Allen on hand with the extras.

A strong tackle by Denny Solomona freed up ball in midfield and from the turnover `purposeful forward play allowed Stephens to race in from full back to bring up the bonus score, Allen’s conversions affording the home side a 26-14 lead.

With the game now at ‘boiling point’ and Macclesfield desperate to take over at the top of the table, a try by Harry Oliver converted by the outside half put them back in contention with a final try to secure their bonus point levelling the scores once more, the final attempted conversion from Oliver thankfully drifting wide.

Rossendale remain league leaders with Macclesfield still in second place.

Blackburn, following a 24-19 win at home to Kendal, are in third spot.

This coming Saturday Rossendale are away to a twice postponed fixture against bottom of the table Sandbach who edged it 18-17 at home to Stockport.

Geoff Lightfoot