Rossendale Stags travelled the short distance over the hill to take on a Blackburn side containing a few ex-stags. In perfect playing conditions, the opposite of last week’s storm, it was the hosts who were quickest out of the blocks. Blackburn were awarded a penalty on the Stags 22. They chose to kick for goal, which was successful and after 7 minutes they led 3-0.

Within a couple of minutes, they extended their lead. A clearing kick was charged down and collected by a Burn forward who went over for the first try of the game. The conversion was good and they now led 10-0.

Straight from the restart the Stags regained the ball and went on the attack. Blackburn were penalised for a high tackle and the ball was kicked deep into Burn territory. From the ensuing lineout the Stags collected the ball and then drove strongly to the line allowing Mark Ioane to drop over. Hunt’s conversion drifted wide leaving the score 10-5.

Dale then got their noses in front courtesy of a try from Junior Sa’u. The ball was won at a line out and from a strong drive Sa’u went over close to the sticks. Hunt converted this time putting the Stags ahead 10-12.

Rossendale were then penalised for collapsing the scrum and ex-stag Lewis Allen duly put the penalty over for Burn to return into the lead 13-12 mid way through the half.

This did not prevent the Stags from taking the game to the hosts. Stag’s forwards ran straight through the Burn defence before working the ball left and right. A gap appeared in the defensive wall which Hunt gladly capitalised on diving over for the Stags second. He converted his own try and the Stags were back in front 13-19.

On the half hour the Stags intercepted the ball deep in their own half allowing Junior Sa’u to sprint out towards the host’s try line. He was caught around the 22, but still managed to pop the ball up to Finn Rogers who went over by the posts. Hunt added the extras and the Stags lead moved out to 13-26.

Stags were penalised just inside their own half and Burn relying on the trusty boot of Allen (who clearly had brought his kicking boots with him) chose to kick for goal rather than take the attacking option of a line out near the Stags line. The kick was good, 16-26. Stags were again penalised at the tackle just inside their own half and up popped Allen to drag the score back to 19-26 keeping Burn well in the game.
Stags went back up the other end and following a catch and drive got over the line only to knock on. The half ended 19-26 with Stags dominant up front, but were guilty of too many penalties allowing Burn to stay in the game.

Stags started the second half continuing to take the game to Burn. However, the hosts benefited from yet another penalty and kicked deep into the Stag’s territory. They secured the ball from the line out, but steadfast defence kept them out. Another penalty was given away at the breakdown and Allen closed the score to 22-26.

This did not down hearten Dale and courtesy of some dominant forward play were rewarded with a penalty of their own. Rather than taking the host’s route of going for goal they went for touch. The ball was secured at the line out and once again the forwards pressed on allowing Junior Sa’u to go over. Hunt added the extras leaving the score 22-33.

A further penalty conceded allowed the hosts back in it with another 3 points, 25-33.

The Stags went back on the attack scoring a further try this time by Masi Clark. Again, this followed some dominant forward play. Hunt failed with the extras this time. The lead extended to 25-38. However, the penalty count continued to mount up against Dale and the hosts picked up another 3 points closing the gap to 28-38.

The Stags dominance up front continued and it was no surprise that they were able to cross the whitewash once again. A great pick-up from skipper Callum Whelan at the breakdown allowed the forwards to drive on with Mark Ioane going over. The conversion was missed and the score was now 28-43.

With time almost up Rossendale were awarded a penalty which Hunt kicked through the posts for the final score of the afternoon. The final score was a more respectable 28-46. With the Stag’s winning the try count 7-1, the number of penalties conceded left some cause for concern allowing their opponents to stay in the game. Stags man of the match was Jake Pope.

Rossendale return to Marl Pits next Saturday to take on Bowden, kick off 2-15pm.

Phil Johnson