Rossendale travelled over the hill to Cross Green, Otley with the hope of coming away with a win against an Otley side who had been struggling of late. Unfortunately, Dale were soon on the back foot conceding an early try following missed tackles in the midfield. The hosts soon extended their lead courtesy of a penalty for an alleged high tackle by Sam Bedlow who was playing his first game of the season. 10-0.
Dale regrouped an took the game back to Otley. Some strong work in midfield saw the ball shipped quickly out to winger Terence Babarinsa who made his way to the try line. He was tackled just short, but managed to offload to the supporting Krisnan Uni who gleefully dived over. Finn Rogers conversion was good and Dale were back in the game, 10-7.

Dale shortly found themselves on the back foot. They were penalised around half way for another alleged high tackle. Rather than go for goal Otley chose to kick to the corner. They managed to secure line out ball. Pressure was put on the defence, Dale conceded yet another penalty, but still playing the advantage the hosts managed to cross the line. The kick sailed over and the score extended to 17-7.

From the restart Dale pressed into the host’s half and were awarded a penalty. They failed to make the most of it and lost the ball being penalised for holding on in the tackle. The ball was kicked deep and following a catch and drive from the ensuing line out the hosts further extended their lead scrambling over the line for a try. The conversion was missed. 22-7.

Dale were not downhearted and continued to attack the hosts. A good scrummage on the halfway line resulted in quick ball. It was taken on by Mac Duaibe who sold the defender a good dummy before passing the ball inside to Bedlow who crashed forward. The ball was then quickly worked out to the left wing where Luckas Sableman-Blue theatrically dived over in the corner. It was a well worked move which was deserving of a try. Rogers’ conversion drifted wide. 22-12.

Just before half time the ball was kicked deep into Dale’s half. Dale were given the opportunity to kick the ball out, but they failed to do so allowing the hosts to mount a further attack. Under the cosh Dale conceded a number of penalties. The referee’s patience was pushed too far resulting in a yellow card for prop Taylor Gayle who had replaced Matt Probert. Dale appeared to have done well at the following scrum, but were adjudged to be offside. Otley took the kick which was good and that was the last action of the half. 25-12. Dale’s failure to get the ball off the park resulted a further three points against them, but crucially finding themselves a man light.

Fourteen-man Dale started the second half well, attacking down the left. A cross-field kick to the right from Bedlow found full back George Stephens all on his own. He caught it cleanly and dived over in the corner. Rogers’ conversion went over. 25-19.

Jack Wilkinson then found himself embroiled in an off the ball fracas with four Otley players. Despite the numbers strangely it was only Wilkinson who received a yellow card, further reducing Dale’s numbers.

Otley used the numerical advantage well, putting pressure on Dale deep in their half. A clearing kick went out on the full and from the resulting line out Otley won the ball passing it infield where the centre crashed through going over to the left of the sticks. The conversion was successful. 32-19.

With around 14 minutes left in the game there was still time for Dale to try and get the two scores needed to snatch a win.
Dale attacked down the left and from a line out secured good ball which was moved quickly through a number of hands before reaching Seb Pemberton who dived over for a bonus point try. The score was no 32-19 with the conversion to come. The extra 2 points would get Dale within 7 points and thus a second bonus point. Rogers duly delivered the goods and the referee blew for full time. 32-26.

A win had eluded them yet again. Whilst showing good endeavour in attack, Dale only have themselves to blame allowing the opposition easy points due to unforced errors. Dale return to Marl Pits next week to take on a resurgent Sheffield Tigers in what has now become a must win game.

Phil Johnson