Rossendale travelled to high flying Macclesfield for the return fixture. The game at Marl Pits at the start of the season was an entertaining high scoring affair with the visitors coming out on top.

On this occasion the only side to register points were the hosts running out comfortable 56-0 winners. They were solid in defence and ambitious and clinical in attack. Dale were unable to exert any sustained pressure on the hosts and were held at bay when they got a sniff of the try line.
Dale battled well during the first half and despite some hard work, were unable to keep the hosts out with Macclesfield scoring three converted tries.

It was much the same in the second half with the hosts running if a further 5 tries all of which were converted. Dale tried hard to stem the flow, but the hosts were precise with their kicking and passing putting Dale under pressure and on the back foot almost at will.

Dale still remain in the bottom 3, but there is a large points gap to fourth bottom and Dale will need to get back to winning ways if they are able to escape the relegation battle.

They next take on table topping Sheffield in the first game of the new year.

Phil Johnson