PRESTON GRASSHOPPERS 31 ROSSENDALE 14
Forget this score line against run-away league leaders Preston Grasshoppers, this was still a had fought and encouraging performance by the Marl Pits side who certainly deserved more than the outcome would suggest.
Playing on the the RFU sponsored pitch was alway going to be difficult and perhaps if the East Lancashire side enjoyed similar facilities the outcome might have been much closer.
The irony is that Rossendale put in a rival bid with the RFU but were unsuccessful .
Rossendale opened up well and forced a penalty try to take a 0-7 lead but PGH came back with a try from Ogu Mbae. A penalty try for the home side followed and with Naill Crossley getting over for a try just before the break converted by Sam Scott the home side went in 19-7 ahead at the interval.
In the second period the lack of two first choice props, Nick Flinn and Simon Walker both injured, began to tell as Alex Hurst went over for a try converted by Scott followed by Matt Lamprey to secure the home side a bonus point.
In the final ten minutes Rossendale began to play some of their best rugby of the afternoon and got Jack Ward over for a superb try the ball going through well over 20 phases of play, Lewis Allen on hand with the conversion.
Geoff Lightfoot
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