ROSSENDALE 7 WIRRAL 11
A close result, just a try apiece, but two crucial penalties in the first half from the boot of James Annetts proved decisive as Rossendale went down at Marl Pits in their opening National Three North to last season's runners up Wirral.
However against a side that led the league for much of last season this was a creditable performance and one which the club can build on for encounters to come.
Wirral were first on the scoresheet with a penalty from Annetts but with Rossendale given an attacking scrum close to the visitors line, the ball squirted out for James Bramhall to pick up and go over to give his side a 5-3 lead, Steve Nutt slotting the extras.
With half backs Bramhall and Nutt orchestrating proceedings Rossendale did everything but score as they found the Wirral defence in excellent form.
Yet at 7-3 it looked comfortable but a second penalty from Annetts just before the break turned it into a one point game.
The second half could have gone either way with neither pack really on top but it was Wirral who eventually broke the deadlock with a try from Simon Flavell who wriggled over in the corner to take the match leaving the home side with at least a losing bonus point.
Geoff Lightfoot
Team Sponsors