A hard-fought 28-25 defeat at Anselmians was enough to secure the all-important bonus point, confirming Rossendale as Regional 1 North West Champions with a game to spare.

Anselmians Strike First, Rossendale Hit Back

The hosts got off to the better start, applying heavy pressure in Rossendale’s half before spinning the ball wide for their winger to cross in the corner. The conversion was good, giving Anselmians an early 7-0 lead.

Rossendale responded through the boot of Lewis Allen, who slotted a penalty just outside the 22 after a breakdown infringement – 7-3.

The visitors then grabbed their first try of the afternoon through Terence Babarinsa. Quick hands sent the ball wide to Zane Ainslie, who drew his man before feeding Babarinsa to dive over in the corner. Allen couldn’t add the extras, but Rossendale edged ahead 7-8.

That lead didn’t last long. Anselmians pounced on a loose Rossendale pass, intercepting just inside the visitors’ half and racing away to score under the posts. A simple conversion made it 14-8 to the home side.

Dale Dig Deep to Stay in the Fight

Dale clawed back three points through another Allen penalty, this time following a scrum infringement, reducing the gap to 14-11.

Then came a moment of magic from Ainslie. After reading the play superbly, he intercepted a loose Anselmians pass on the ten-metre line and sprinted home untouched. Allen made no mistake with the conversion this time, putting Rossendale ahead again 14-18.

But back came Anselmians, using their forwards to grind out another converted try from a line-out, edging in front once more at 21-18.

A Nail-Biting Finish

Allen had a chance to level things up from the tee but sent a penalty attempt just wide. That miss didn’t prove costly, though, as Zac Stephens put Rossendale back ahead. The move started from halfway, with Babarinsa slicing through defenders before a trademark pirouette sent him bursting clear. He flicked the ball inside to Stephens, who finished under the posts. Allen converted, putting Rossendale in control at 21-25.

One more try and promotion would be secured there and then – but Anselmians weren’t finished. Rossendale’s discipline wobbled at the wrong moment, and a frustrated comment to the referee led to another penalty. The home side took full advantage, driving through from the line-out to reclaim the lead 28-25.

With nine minutes left, Ainslie saw yellow for a high tackle, reducing Rossendale to 14 men for the rest of the contest. They still had a chance to rescue a draw, but Allen’s long-range penalty attempt drifted wide, leaving the score at 28-25 as the final whistle blew.

Promotion Secured

A frustrating afternoon, but the losing bonus point was enough. With one game still to play, Rossendale are champions.

A tough loss to take, but it won’t dampen the celebrations – Rossendale have done it!

Sophie Macintosh