Rossendale started well with youngster Simpson using his speed on the outside to rip round the defence to cross for the opening try. And it was the 'flying wing' who brought up the second backing up a forward drive and a break by Curtiss Strong to take his chance under the posts.

A move off the back row down the blindside got Jordan Lord over for the third, Lewis Allen tagging on the extras.

Unfortunately four penalties and a try by Kendal just before the interval made it 17-17.

Kendal were the better at the beginning of the second half with a try and conversion affording them a 17-24 lead.

Rossendale re-grouped and stormed back with a try from Jake Neary on the back of a forward drive sucking in defenders before spinning the ball wide for the winger to cross wide out for the bonus score. And regained the lead from good line out ball and an intervention from Strong and Jack Wood to get Simpson in for his third, Allen adding the conversion for a 29-24 lead.

It proved not enough as Kendal forced the issue with a penalty try to take the points.

It was two points for the home side but it could well have been five.