It was a long hard day on the road for mid table Rossendale, firstly battling storm Amy on the 3-hour journey to second place and unbeaten Tyndale. Whilst the rain had abated there was still a strong wind blowing straight down the pitch and it was clear to all that this would play a large part in how the game would pan out.

The home team started with the wind behind them and made use of it straight away. A line out deep in the Dale half was won, the ball shipped in midfield and the score coming close to the posts. Conversion successful – 7 nil. The home team increased their lead a few minutes later following a penalty in front of the sticks. 10-0.

Worse was to come for Dale with the home team scoring a second try again from a line out deep in the half. There was a suggestion the ball was knocked forwards, but the try was allowed, converted and the score extended to 17-0.

A third try followed quite quickly following a catch and drive from another line out. It was converted leaving the score 24-0. The home team were using the conditions to their advantage with a good kicking game securing them territory.

Dale did not give up and sought to take the game to the home side and just before half time were denied an almost certain try. Playing advantage from an indiscretion by Tynedale on half way the ball was kicked wide for the accelerating Roko Davui to run onto. It appeared his opposite number would get their first and the ref blew for the penalty. However, the ball was not taken cleanly which would have allowed Roko an unopposed run in to the line. That could have left the score 24-7, but it was not to be and the half time whistle went leaving the score at half time 24-0. The general consensus of opinion with supporters was that it was a “20-point wind”. So, there was some hope for a comeback.

With the wind now in their favour Dale hoped to make some headway into the deficit with their skilful back line. However, it was the home team who were first to score extending their lead to 31-0.

Within minutes Dale got themselves on the score sheet following an individual effort from Nick Fontaine who stole the ball on the 22 before breaking two tackles and diving over to the left of the sticks. Dan Holland’s conversion was successful leaving the score 31-7. There was still over 30 minutes left and hope of a comeback was still on the cards.

Hopes were dashed within minutes with the home side scoring again wide left. The conversion drifted wide leaving the score 36-7.
Dale then scored a second try courtesy of skipper Callum Whelan. Once again Fontaine stole the ball, before passing to Mac Duaibe who, having through broke two tackles, slipped the ball one handed to the supporting Whelan who went over to the left of the posts. Holland added the extras leaving the score 36-14. Perhaps the win might have been a big ask, but a try bonus was still a possibility.

However, it was the home team who scored next with a try out on the left. The conversion was missed, but the score extended to 41-14. Once again, they went down the same route with a similar outcome and the score became 46-14.

Dale continued to show plenty of spirit despite the outcome clearly visible to all involved. A third try arrived. The ball was secured in the mid field, driven forward by Duaibe before passing through the hands of Fontaine and Whelan then out to Seb Krippener out on the wing. He broke his tackle and went over in the corner. The conversion drifted wide in the strong wind leaving the score 46-19.

Not long after the try bonus came. A scrummage was secured deep in the home team’s half and despite heavy pressure Dale were unable to force their way over. The ball eventually was worked out to the left, again via Fontaine and Whelan, finding Krippner who went over for his second of the game, but crucially Dale’s fourth. Again, the wind played a part in the conversion which was successful leaving the score 46-26.
The game ended on the home team’s try line following a period of concerted pressure by Dale who were unable to breakdown the home team’s defence. The final score of 46-26 was a fair result on the day, but any points on the road are crucial.

Report by Phil Johnson