Fast Start for Rossendale

Rossendale got off to a strong start, piling the pressure on Manchester inside the ten-metre zone. After some scrappy phases in the middle, Lewis Allen spotted an opportunity with a pinpoint crossfield kick. Ben Stephens leapt to claim it, grounding the ball for the first try of the afternoon. Allen slotted the conversion, putting the hosts 7-0 up after just nine minutes.

Manchester responded in the 22nd minute, capitalising on a Rossendale error. Instead of clearing their lines inside their own 22, the hosts opted to run it but conceded a penalty. A quick tap saw the visitors cross over in the corner, with the conversion tying things up at 7-7.

Rossendale hit back immediately from the restart. Winning possession deep in Manchester territory, Terence Babarinsa played a clever blind pass to Zac Stephens, who powered through multiple tackles to dot down. Allen added the extras to restore the home side’s lead at 14-7.

However, another penalty against Rossendale, this time for a high tackle by John Tuia, allowed Manchester to reduce the deficit with a successful kick, making it 14-10.

Trading Blows Before Half-Time

Manchester then produced a superb end-to-end try to take the lead for the first time at 14-17. But Rossendale responded almost instantly. A loose Manchester pass was intercepted by Zane Ainsley, who sprinted under the posts unopposed. Allen’s conversion edged Rossendale back ahead at 21-17, where the score remained at the half-time whistle.

Manchester Dominate Second Half

The second half started disastrously for Rossendale. The visitors struck with a well-worked crash-ball move, breaking through Rossendale’s defence for a converted try to retake the lead at 21-24.

Rossendale’s defence was then carved open again, with a missed tackle in midfield allowing Manchester to race through and score in the corner. The missed conversion left the score at 21-29.

Manchester’s relentless pressure continued, and an uncharacteristic error from Matt Lamprey—spilling a high ball—gifted the visitors another try in the corner. The conversion was off target, but Manchester extended their advantage to 21-34.

Rossendale Crumble Under Pressure

Manchester then punished Rossendale twice more with interceptions, as risky passing from the hosts saw the visitors capitalise. Two converted tries followed, stretching the lead to 21-48 and sealing the result with ten minutes left.

Rossendale managed a late consolation try, with Lamprey powering through under the posts after sustained pressure in the 10-metre zone. Allen converted, making it 28-48, but the damage had already been done.

Final Whistle: Rossendale 28-48 Manchester

A tough afternoon for Rossendale, who started brightly but ultimately fell apart under Manchester’s defensive pressure and clinical finishing. Costly interceptions and errors handed the visitors the game, and Manchester fully deserved their dominant win. Rossendale will need to regroup and tighten up their decision-making ahead of their next fixture.

Sophie Macintosh