On Saturday, 19th October, Rossendale RUFC extended their unbeaten run with a 51-22 win over Penrith at Marl Pits. Despite the final scoreline, the match was closely contested for large periods, with Rossendale’s ability to capitalise on key moments proving the difference.

First Half: Rossendale Start Strong Despite Playing Uphill

Playing uphill in the first half and slightly against the run of play, Rossendale were awarded an early penalty following a strong tackle by Lewis Allen. From just inside the Penrith half, Allen calmly slotted the penalty to give Rossendale a 3-0 lead.

Rossendale soon followed this up with the game’s opening try. A slick move started deep in their own 22, with the ball moving quickly through the hands out to Zac Stephens, who fed Alex Ropeti. Ropeti powered his way under the posts to give the hosts a further boost. Allen’s conversion made it 10-0.

As the game progressed, Rossendale’s discipline started to slip, and after a string of penalties, Jack Wilkinson was shown a yellow card in the 34th minute for a high tackle, which many deemed harsh. Penrith took full advantage of the resulting penalty, getting on the scoreboard to make it 10-3.

Rossendale’s response came swiftly. Following a Penrith infringement for not releasing in the tackle, Lewis Allen lined up another shot at goal, extending the lead to 13-3. Allen added yet another penalty just before the break following more good work from the Rossendale forwards, sending the teams into the interval with the home side leading 16-3.

Despite the scoreline, Penrith had shown some promise, particularly with their running play, but they struggled to break down a well-organised Rossendale defence.

Half-time: Rossendale 16, Penrith 3

Second Half: Rossendale Shift Gears

Penrith started the second half brightly, and their efforts were rewarded with a brilliant solo try from their winger, who intercepted a pass on his own five-metre line and ran the length of the pitch to score. The conversion from the touchline brought Penrith back into the game at 16-10.

Rossendale, however, were quick to reassert themselves. After a good spell of pressure, Penrith conceded a penalty, allowing Rossendale to tap quickly, with Matt Ringland diving over from close range for a try. Allen’s conversion restored a comfortable lead at 23-10.

From this point, Rossendale began to dominate, playing the expansive, free-flowing rugby they’re known for. A cross-field kick from Allen found Sam Lowthion, who was taken out in the air, but the referee played advantage. After a couple of driving mauls, Sam Greenwood touched down for Rossendale’s third try. Allen’s reliable boot extended the lead to 30-10.

Rossendale’s fourth try came from Matt Lamprey, after some excellent work from Lowthion on the wing. The ball was moved swiftly across the field, and Lamprey finished off the move with a try from five yards out. Another successful conversion from Allen made it 37-10.

Rossendale stretched their lead when Terence Babarinsa added another try, finishing off another flowing move that swept across the park. Allen converted once again to push Rossendale's lead to 44-10.

Penrith Fight Back Late

Penrith refused to go down quietly and were rewarded with two late tries. The first came from a well-executed scrum, as their forwards powered through the phases to score under the posts, narrowing the score to 44-17. Penrith’s second came from a breakaway deep in their own 22, after Rossendale’s defence faltered in midfield. A couple of quick passes saw them score under the posts, though the conversion was missed, bringing the score to 44-22.

Rossendale Have the Final Say

With the game winding down, Rossendale finished in style. A loose pass from Penrith’s number 10 was intercepted by Zane Ainsley, who gathered the ball at ankle height and raced under the posts for the final try. Allen’s conversion capped a good day for Rossendale, with the final score reading 51-22.

Full-time: Rossendale 51, Penrith 22

Although the scoreline suggests a comfortable win for Rossendale, Penrith were competitive throughout. The difference was Rossendale’s ability to convert their chances, while Penrith couldn’t take advantage when it mattered. The victory keeps Rossendale at the top of the league, continuing their unbeaten run.

Report by Sophie Macintosh