BIRKENHEAD PARK 22 ROSSENDALE 25

A close and always exciting encounter was eventually won by Rossendale 22-25, a result that has lifted the east Lancashire side into fifth place in the National Three North table.

It was close throughout with 'Park' always in contention through their pack and although Rossendale had opened up a 10 point gap in the closing stages the home side came back forcing the visitors to hold them out until the final whistle.

A try by George Peel opened the scoring, the winger chasing a kick through to win the chase to the corner.

'Park' hit back with a try from Matt Ibbotson, Dave Hall's conversion affording a two point lead.

Good hands across the line got Sam Atiola in at the corner to retake the lead for the visitors only for the home side to come back with a try from Adam Wellington to put them ahead for a second time but in the closing minutes of the half a penalty from Lewis Allen gave Rossendale a 12-13 advantage at the interval.

A penalty from Hall edged Park in front again but a second try by Peel, up in support of a break by Alex Hurst converted by Allen who then went in for the bonus score after good work by the pack and Paddy Pole in particular gave Rossendale their ten point advantage.

However Birkenhead Park came again and with their pack forcing a penalty try converted by Hall they were back to within three points forcing the visitors to hang on to the final whistle.

Geoff Lightfoot