Stormy weather put pay to the hope of any running rugby as heavy rain and strong winds battered Marl Pits. As well as taking on the weather, both sides tried their best to get the upper hand on their opponents. Neither side were unable to string together good phases of play and playing for territory seemed the order of the day.

It was the visitors, Wirral who were first on the scoreboard. A crossfield kick sailed into the left corner and was chased down by the winger who managed to get a hand on the ball and was deemed to have grounded it to the satisfaction of the referee. The kick from the wing into the wind failed to reach its target and Wirral led 0-5.

Dale continued to battle away probing the visitors defence, hoping for a breach which would secure some points. Dale secured the ball on the right wing following a line out. Despite the ball at times resembling a piece of soap the backs managed to work the ball across the field where Junior Sa’u dived over in the corner to level the score. The wind won the battle with Hunt’s conversion attempt and we were all square at 5 all.
Neither side were unable to create any meaningful chances in the remainder of the half, so at half time the score remained 5-5 with Dale playing downhill in the second half.

Dale went straight on the attack pushing Wirral back towards their own try line. Dale were dominant in the scrum and following one won against the head the ball was shipped left where Marl Ioane charged for the line. He was stopped short, but managed to off load where Hunt collected diving over for the try. Wirral suggested the ball was knocked on, but the try stood. Hunt was unable to convert his try with the wind again winning the battle. Dale now led 10-5.

Neither side were unable to dominate the other and the territorial battle continued. With 5 minutes to go Wirral were penalised around 10 metres from their line and just to the right of the posts. Dale chose to kick for goal, which if successful would leave the visitors needing two scores if they were to snatch victory.

Once again it was Hunt versus the storm and again the storm won with the ball drifting agonisingly wide. This lifted Wirral hearts and for the remainder of the game they probed around the Dale tryline. The Stags held firm and were able to clear their lines up to the halfway line. Dale managed to secure ball from the lineout, kicking for touch and taking the ref’s final whistle. Final score 10-5.
It wasn’t pretty, but to their credit both sides tried their best to entertain the stalwart supporters who braved the elements.

Dale’s man of the match was Chris O’Donnell.

Next week Dale travel the short distance over the hill to take on neighbours, Blackburn. This fixture usually draws a large crowd, so please back up the lads and bring your voices to Ramsgreave Drive, kick off 3pm.

Phil Johnson