WIRRAL 14 ROSSENDALE 26

Macclesfield take the title after defeating Penrith 57-15 in their final game of the round, leaving Rossendale who topped the table for much of the season to reflect on a surprise one point defeat away to Stockport on 17th February and a draw at home to the now champions on 3rd February. With just one side promoted the Marl Pits outfit miss out yet again.

With a strong wind influencing proceedings Rossendale took the lead with a try from Matt Probert on the back of a rolling maul set up by the pack with some forceful pick and go play, Lewis Allen adding the conversion.

John Tuia brought up the second following some good handling between backs and forwards with a break by Allen who sent out the scoring pass to the lock coming up in support on the inside, Allen again on target.

With the home side under pressure a poor clearance was picked up by Ben Stephens to charged down the wing to cross wide out to send the visitors in at the interval 0-19 ahead.

In the second period a deliberate knock, on by Albert Bradshaw reduced Rossendale to fourteen. Wirral took full advantage and went in for two tries in quick succession both from Tom Akehurst, the first converted by James Annetts, the second Mark Williams.

With the home side now within touching distance it was left to the returned Bradshaw to seal the win with a try off a break by Zac Stephens with the wing storming up on the outside to coast in close to the posts, Allen landing the conversion.

This coming Saturday is the opening round of the ‘Papa John’ Cup but Rossendale have no game as Manchester have already cried off. They will return to action on 20th April at home to Bridgenorth who finished fourth in Regional One Midlands, followed on 28th April away to Heath who finished second in Regional One Northeast.

Geoff Lightfoot