It was a glorious afternoon at Marl Pits on Saturday as newly-crowned champions Rossendale RFC signed off their Regional 1 North West campaign with determination, beating Stoke on Trent 73–31 in front of a buzzing home crowd.

Fast Start from the Champions

The tone was set early with Sam Lowthion crossing for Rossendale’s opener just seven minutes in. Lewis Allen converted to make it 7–0.

Minutes later, a turnover deep in Rossendale’s half sparked a counter-attack. Zac Stephens burst forward before feeding Alex Ropeti, who dotted down under the posts. Allen adding the extras, making the score 14–0 after 15 minutes.

Rossendale were dominant. A stolen lineout led to Zane Ainslie powering through midfield to score under the sticks. Another conversion for Allen took the score to 21–0.

Just three minutes later, Ainslie was at it again, collecting the ball in midfield and running in untouched. Allen made no mistake — 28–0.

On 28 minutes, Ropeti danced through the defence again, this time from midfield, for his second try. Allen’s conversion made it 35–0.

A sweeping move from a quick tap penalty found its way to Lowthion who finished in the corner on 32 minutes. The conversion was missed, leaving the score at 40–0.

Visitors Respond Before the Break

Stoke pulled one back on 38 minutes through their hooker Samuel after sustained pressure inside Rossendale’s 22. The conversion was off target. Half-time: Rossendale 40, Stoke 5.

Solid Second Half Display

Rossendale restarted with the same energy. Just minutes into the second half, Lowthion grabbed his hat-trick and Allen’s boot made it 47–5.

Shortly after, Terence Babarinsa latched onto a chip from Allen, twisted past two tacklers and dotted down under the posts. Conversion good — 54–5.

Stoke showed resilience, replying with a try from Jake Bailey on 49 minutes after sustained pressure. The kick missed — 54–10.
Jack Wilkinson added another for Rossendale on 57 minutes after a powerful run, following Babarinsa’s break. Allen converted to stretch the lead to 61–10.

Stoke hit back with a try and conversion to make it 61–17, before Bailey capitalised on a Rossendale error to score a long-range effort. Conversion good, making the score 61–24.

Bailey completed his hat-trick after 77 minutes. The try was converted, making it 61–31 as Rossendale appeared to ease off.

Rossendale Finish Strong

In the dying moments, Babarinsa sparked another break, linking up with Zac Stephens, Gabe Maguire and finally Ben Stephens to finish under the posts. Allen added the extras making it 68–31.

Right on full time, Ropeti grabbed his third. A midfield turnover and a nudge forward from Ainslie set him up. He ignored support runners and touched down. Matt Ringland stepped up for the conversion but couldn’t land it.

Final score: Rossendale 73, Stoke on Trent 31. A convincing win to round off a brilliant season.

Sophie Macintosh