Dale welcomed Sheffield Tigers back to Marl Pits after a 10-year absence. The earlier rain abated and the game was played in conditions conducive to running rugby. From the off it was clear that both sides wanted to play with ball in hand.

Dale started well playing up the hill, but unfortunately turned the ball over in the visitor’s half. Tigers attacked quickly and were rewarded with a try down the left wing. The conversion attempt failed to reach the posts and the score remained 0-5.

Dale were soon back in the game courtesy of Sam Bedlow. From the kick off Tigers punted the ball deep into Dale territory, but straight down Mac Duaibe’s throat. He charged forward before slipping the ball out to Seb Pemberton who broke through a couple of tackles before passing to the supporting Bedlow on his left who crashed over. Finn Roger’s conversion drifted to the left of the posts, but we were all even at 5 all.
Tigers then took the game back to Dale and following a high tackle were gifted a penalty in front of the posts which they gratefully accepted. 5-8.

Dale were not fazed by this set back and continued to press the visitor’s defence. The ball found its way to Jack Lightbown in midfield. He took the ball at pace breaking through a number of tackles before racing away to the try line. Roger’s conversion was successful and Dale took the lead at 12-8.

The visitors were next on the score board. Dale were pressing the Tiger’ defence deep in their half, but following a lucky bounce of the ball Tigers regained possession and quickly broke away. There was a hint of a forward pass as they neared the try line, but it was not picked up by the officials and the try was good. The conversion in front of the posts was a formality and the score was now 12-15.

Dale were quickly back in front. Rogers intercepted a pass around the halfway line and outstripped the defence scoring out to the left wing. He converted his own try leaving the score at 19-15. That proved to be the last action of the half and Dale were good value for their lead.

Playing down the hill in the second half Dale quickly took the attack to Tigers constantly putting them on the back foot. Dale broke at pace down the left. The ball was kicked through and the faithful crowd viewing from “The Wagon” thought Vinnie Durcan had won the chase touching down in the corner. However, the referee sought advice from his assistant, who ruled the try out for lack of control. From the restart Dale pressed forward again and from a penalty for offside extended their lead courtesy of Rogers. 22-15.

Tigers were next on the score board. Dale had defended well and were in the process of clearing their lines whilst the referee was playing advantage. A potential chip through was intercepted by Tigers who managed to scramble over for another try. Dale thought play would be brought back for a penalty as no advantage had been gained. The referee had other ideas and the try stood. The conversion was successful and we were all square at 22 all. As suggested in post-match discussions, the referee was perhaps testing Dale’s character.

That indeed did seem to steel Dale’s resolve and they appeared to up their game. They continued to press the Tigers defence. The ball was won well in midfield, was shipped quickly through a number of hands before reaching winger Terence Babarinsa who made his way down the right wing. As he reached the line, he drew his man before slipping the ball inside to the supporting Rogers who dived over for his second try of the game. Once again, he converted his own try and Dale were back in front at 29-22, but also crucially had secured a try bonus point.

Tigers were not done and for the remainder of the game constantly tested the Dale defence. The home side were unable to clear their lines on numerous occasions and following a number of phases of play Tigers worked their way infield. To their credit Dale dug deep into their reserves and constantly thwarted the advancing Tigers. Their steadfast defence won out and despite playing 48 minutes in the second half the win eventually came when Tigers knocked on and the referee blew for time. Final score 29-22.

The win was hard earned, but thoroughly deserved. Once again Dale showed good endeavour in attack, but crucially deep determination and resolve in defence to keep the Tigers at bay, especially in the last 10 minutes when they were under the cosh.

Dale are at home next week for their rearranged fixture with runaway league leaders Sheffield.

Phil Johnson.