ROSSENDALE 8 PRESTON GRASSHOPPERS 26

It was also the first time these two sides had met in serious league combat following PGH's relegation from N2N at the end of last season.
The visitors have made the intention of an immediate return to the higher level right from the start of the campaign and have bolstered their squad accordingly with a number of judicious signings. With previous league leaders Lymm only managing a draw away at Kendal the bonus point win at Marl Pits has them at the top where they want to be.

As for Rossendale they battled well but had no real answer to the power of the visitors. However playing as they did against a very good side they will certainly win far more matches than lose before the season is over.

Rossendale opened the scoring with a penalty from Lewis Allen but 'Hoppers' hit back with a try from Alex Ward, the conversion from Jack Squirrel affording a 3-7 lead.

Playing with the slope and the wind Rossendale got their first try following a charge down by Dominic Moon, Allen was on hand to pick up and send Jack Wilkinson in to give his side an 8-7 lead at the interval.

In the second half, a catch and drive from a penalty line out created the opportunity for Matt Lamprey to force his way over, the conversion from Squirrel giving the visitors a 8-14 advantage.

A catch and drive got Paul Arnold over for the third with Lamprey claiming the bonus point with a push over in the closing minutes, Squirrel slotting both conversions.

Geoff Lightfoot