For any neutrals or spectators looking for a fast and free running game, then Marl Pitts was the place to be Saturday afternoon, however coaches and players alike were probably less than impressed. Unfortunately, there was more evidence of poor defence and sub-standard kicking than really good attack play, with 8 tries being scored.

Dale could have been 30 points up by half time and totally in the clear, they were that dominant in every aspect of the game. The forwards were far heavier and more powerful than their counterparts in the scrums, lineouts and collision areas. The backs regularly gaining quick go forward ball and easily getting over the gain line.

Waterloo were very fit and tenacious and with that attitude their first win is just around the corner, but never really created anything to bother Dale. It was the fact that Dale got complacent and executed some really poor kicking and general play.

Dale scored first through Andy Dauncy from some outstanding forward play and in particular Paddy Pole, Matt Mackenzie and Danny Collins. Bramhall missed conversion. 5 – 0.

Poor organisation from the re start got Waterloo back into the game and after 3 missed penalty opportunities Waterloo finally got their first 3 points through the boot. Then again after a combination of poor defence and lack of concentration Waterloo got their first try in the corner to make the score 5 – 8 and totally against the run of play.
Dale then took control and held the ball through phase after phase and finally scored a brilliant well worked try from Danny Collins under the posts. Bramhall converted 12 – 8. Half Time.

Dale started the second half as they did the first, totally on top and looking like they could score at will. It didn’t take long before Collins scored his second of the game through a very well worked back row move. Bramhall again missed conversion. 17 – 8.
We score, you score, we score. That’s exactly how it felt from a coaches perspective which was very annoying however, Waterloo again replied with a try down the blind side making it 17 – 15 after the successful conversion.

Dale scored a try from some neat work from Jamie Albinson and finished from Jonny Appleton who had replaced Paul Wilcock from a hamstring injury picked up after 5 minutes. Bramhall missed conversion 22 – 15. This was the first time Dale had a managed a bonus point this season from scoring 4 trys in a match.

Waterloo were now throwing the ball around at every opportunity and were looking like they might get their first win of the season and when they scored their 3rd try to make the score 22 – 20 it was game on. However Dale scored again to wrap up the game 27 – 20 through Paddy Pole and made it 3 wins from 4 games.

Paddy Pole had another massive game along with scrum half and captain Jamie Albison. Matt Mackenzie was playing like he has finally got rid of his calf injury and Danny Collins was outstanding in every area of his game.

Team; Paul Wilcock, Roger Dennison, Dave Wood, Thomas Albinson, Ali Harper, James Bramhall, Jamie Albinson, Danny Collins, Matt Mackenzie, Andy Dauncy, Grant Eddlestone, Paddy Pole, Leyton Taylor, Paul Keys, Ian Marshall, Subs, Danny Greenhaulgh, Mark Ellinor, Jonny Appleton