Rossendale travelled to the Yorkshire Dales to take on mid-table Wharfedale. The hosts had struggled recently and buoyed by a good first half display last week Rossendale were hoping for a much-needed win.

However, things did not go to plan and the hosts were quickly into their stride running in two tries in the opening 10 minutes. The first followed a strong scrummage and the ball being kicked cross field for the wing to dive over. Matt Probert was then the recipient of a yellow card; from the resulting penalty the ball was kicked to touch and from the line out a catch and drive was successfully executed for another try. Both were converted 14-0.

Rossendale regrouped and got the ball down into the opposition’s 22. The hosts were under pressure and following a couple of penalties the ball was slipped out to Joe Burns who scored wide on the left. Kieran Tyrer’s conversion drifted wide. 14-5.

This did not faze the hosts who went straight back on the attack, breaking through the Rossendale defence with ease for a third converted try. 21-5. The hosts further extended their lead with a bonus point try following another penalty conceded by Rossendale. The ball was kicked deep and from the lineout ball was secured and forced over the line. The conversion truck the upright. 26-5. Worse was to come with the hosts scoring a fifth try. Again, the ball was won at the line out, shipped quickly infield where the centre crashed through under the posts. The conversion was good. Half time 33-5.

Rossendale then managed to secure some ball and following some slick passing mid field the ball found its way out to new loan signing Luckas Sableman-Blue on the wing who dived over in the corner. The conversion was missed.33-10.

Poor tackling from Rossendale allowed the hosts to score again. 40-10. Rossendale were again penalised at the breakdown. The ball was kicked to touch and from a catch and drive at the lineout the host scored again. The conversion was good. 47-10.

Rossendale then got themselves back on the scoreboard. Following good scrummage the ball was passed out to the right wing where Terence Babarinsa dived over in the corner. Tyrer’s touchline conversion was good. 47-10.

The game was obviously lost, but Dale were hopeful of scoring a fourth try for a bonus point. They pressurised the hosts defence, but poor options resulted with the ball being turned over. Wharfedale attacked quickly, Rossendale were again penalised 5 metre out. The ball was kicked to touch and from the line out another catch and drive resulted in a try. The conversion was missed and the final whistle went. 52-17.

For all their endeavours Dale came away with no points. When they managed to secure some ball, the attack lacked cohesion and opportunities were squandered. As in previous matches poor tackling and discipline around the breakdown allowed the opposition too many opportunities which they took full advantage of.

Phil Johnson

Some photos on Flickr here