Playing with the wind in their favour Dale produced a clinical first half where they scored 16 unanswered points. Rossendale played smart rugby, keeping the ball in the Middlesbrough end of the pitch which saw the visiting team struggle to get out of their own half. However, Dale could not capitalise on their pressure and only managed 3 long range Bramhall penalties until the forwards, who were once again dominant, managed to power Paddy Pole over the line from an excellent rolling maul just before half time. Bramhall converted from wide out.

The half time team talk left Dale under no illusions that Middlesbrough would come out fighting in the second half. With the wind this time in their favour on the Rossendale mount they would be looking to claw back a win to keep them above the relegation zone. The second half this time saw the Rossendale defences tested to their limits; a lapse in concentration and a certain amount of apathy let Middlesbrough back into the game with 2 converted tries. At 16 – 14 it looked like Middlesbrough might just break the Dale defences once more to take the game until Dale managed to get the ball into the corner from a penalty kick, following up with another driving maul from the lineout to get Paddy Pole over to secure a 23-14 victory with Bramhall’s wide conversion at the final whistle.

We can’t underestimate this win, with 4 senior members missing from the squad again this week our youngsters that are coming up through the ranks are showing they can hold their own in a Rossendale 1st XV shirt. The front 5 were once again outstanding and local boys Roger Dennison, Nathan Settle and Danny Harrison were all a pleasure to watch.

Rossendale travel to Lymm next week for another tough encounter for which they will need to be at their best in order to secure the points.

Team; Roger Dennison, Ali Harper, Tom Albinson, Dave Wood, Nathan Settle, James Bramhall, Jamie Albinson, Paddy Pole, Andy Dauncey, Richard Horrocks, Mark Elliner, Grant Eddlestone Danny Greenhaulgh, Paul Keys, Ian Marshall, Subs, Leyton Taylor, Tim Fourie, Danny Harrison