Rossendale Stags battled the elements en-route to take on Billingham on their artificial pitch. Dale started well putting pressure on the host’s defence and were rewarded with a try from Mac Duaibe. Dale won a line out on the 5-metre line and the ball was shipped quickly to Mac who crashed over. Unfortunately, the conversion from Dan Holland drifted wide.

The home side got themselves on the scoreboard almost immediately. A penalty pushed them deep into Dale’s half, the ball was passed out wide left and they scored in the corner. The conversion was missed leaving the score 5 all. The hosts then took the lead scoring under the posts following a couple of missed tackles in mid-field. The conversion was good. 12-5.

Dale not to be disheartened took the game back to Billingham. The ball was stolen on half way and kicked through. Dale won the chase and the ball was flipped up to Ollie Spencer who scored by the sticks. Holland’s conversion was good and we were all level again at 12 all.
Having got themselves back in the game Dale allowed the hosts to retake the lead again following some missed tackles in midfield. This got them in under the posts, the conversion was good and the score 19-12. Dale went straight back on the attack, but unfortunately the ball was knocked on just short of the try line and the referee blew for half time. 19-12.

With a light breeze in their favour Dale again started the half brightly putting concerted pressure on the host’s defence who were penalised for one too many indiscretions leading to a yellow card. Dale made them pay kicking the penalty to the corner, winning the line out and driving to the line where Tane Bentley dropped over. Holland’s conversion was good and we were all square again at 19 all.

Dale then retook the lead. The ball was shipped out to the wing, but the attack was stopped just short of the line. However, it was quickly recycled finding its way into the hands of Bentley who dived over for his second of the game. Holland failed to added the extras and Dale had the lead again at 19-24. They further extended the lead to 19-27 with a Holland penalty.

The host then came straight back with a bonus point try of their own under the sticks. The conversion was successful and the score was now 26-27. Worse was to come for Dale who lost Seb Pemberton to a yellow card. The hosts kicked to the corner from the penalty, won their line out and managed to creep over the line in the corner. The conversion was missed, but they had retaken the lead at 31-27.

In the dying minutes Dale pressurised the host’s’ try line, but were unable to get over the final hurdle falling agonizingly short. The final whistle came with Billingham supporters relieved to see their team holding out at the death. Final score 31-27.

This was a much-improved performance by Dale who could and perhaps some would say should have won. Missed tackles again proved costly, but it was a welcome two points on the road.

Dale host Hull Ionians, for their first visit to Marl Pits, next week. Kick off 2-15pm.

Match Report: Phil Johnson
Photos: John Robertson