Rossendale travelled to Heslam Park, Scunthorpe for the first time to take on the team they recorded their last win against at the start of the season. They were greeted by a heavy pitch and a team just above them in the league who were on the back of a recent victory over Otley.

The pitch was not conducive to running rugby and much of the game was taken up with kicks deep into the opposition’s territory. Dale were first on the scoreboard with a try from Masi Clark. Dale managed to exert some sustained pressure on the Scunthorpe defence. Following two good scrummages Scunthorpe were penalised. Skipper Callum Whelan took a quick tap before slipping the ball to Clark who dived over between the sticks. Kieran Tyrer added the extras to leave the score 0-7.

Neither side were unable to break down their opposition’s defence with ball in hand and the kicking game continued. It was the hosts who were next on the score board with a converted try of their own. Tyrer was unable to gather a long kick. Knocking on and the ball was then kicked through by a chasing attacker. Brendan Berry managed to recover the ball, but was pounced upon by three attackers. The ball was won by the hosts and they managed to scramble over the line. The conversion was good 7-7.

Dale had the better of the rest of the half but were unable to break through and retake the lead and the score remained 7-7 at half time.
Dale started the second half well and continued to pressurise the home defence. The pressure told and the host were finally penalised for one of a number of indiscretions allowing Tyrer to slot over his penalty kick leaving the score 7-10.

The two sides then continued to cancel each other out, but again, following some more pressure by Dale, Scunthorpe were penalised mid-way in their half. Dale opted to kick for goal rather than touch for a lineout. Tyrer’s kick was successful extending the lead to 7-13.
The hosts then put some pressure on the Dale defence as the final minutes ticked away in an effort to secure a converted try which would steal a win. However, the Dale defence held firm. The hosts were penalised with the ball on the ground which allowed Whelan to kick for touch and bring the referee’s final whistle.

It was not pretty, but Dale were well worth their victory.

Man of the match was Ethan Fourie who put in a sterling effort throughout the game executing a number of good tackles. He also stole 3 opposition lineouts, an aspect of the game where Dale had struggled with during the season.

Next week Dale entertain Tynedale for their first visit to Marl Pits.

Phil Johnson