Waterloo started very brightly in both attack and defence and opened the scoring with a penalty following some ill discipline from Dale. 3-0. From the re start Waterloo doubled their score with another well taken penalty. 6-0.

Dale finally got hold of the ball and looked sharp moving the ball from side to side and working through their phases, however Waterloo are fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table and were defending with real heart and passion and when it looked certain Dale were going to score their first fry of the afternoon Waterloo intercepted and ran the length of the pitch to score. 13-0.

Just before half time Dale’s forwards were starting to get on top of their counterparts and with some powerful driving and quick ruck play Tim Fourie sprinted over from 10 yards from an excellent pick up and go. Bramhall converted 13-7.

Dale was happy to hear the half time whistle to re group and to sort things out after what was a disappointing first half performance.
Dale started the second half on fire and spent the next 40 minutes in the Waterloo’s 22. The forwards now in complete control and the backs making huge ground with the ball in hand, and it wasn’t long before Dale got on level terms after 2 Bramhall penalty’s.

Dale then took the lead for the first time through another Fourie try from some more outstanding play from the backs and forwards. Bramhall converted 13-20.

Dale were now looking really dangerous and making good decisions with the ball in hand but more importantly looking after the ball in the contact area. Waterloo were now looking tired and when they had their loose forward sent off the game was as good as over.

Dave Wood scored his first try of the season to make the game safe, Bramhall converted. 13-27. Dale took their eye off the ball and let Waterloo gain a bonus point through a late try but Dale take away the 4 points and earn their first Lancashire final place later on in the year.

This was very much a job well done. Sure, we all know we can play better and we must with some big games coming up but considering we haven’t played for a while and Waterloo didn’t let us play we can be happy with our performance.