Match Report – West Hartlepool V Rossendale

In perfect conditions for playing fast open rugby, both teams struggled early doors to work through the phases and create any space for the outside backs to exploit; time after time too many unforced errors let both teams down.

Fortune struck when Dale took the lead through a well taken penalty from young fly half Will Sharratt. However, it wasn’t long before West struck back from a fine individual try from their lively scrum half. The game was progressing at a slow rate with far too many mistakes and ill discipline, until West gained the upper hand with a push over try after Johan Goosen was sent to the sin bin. With the conversion missed again West lead 10 – 3 at half time.

Dale flew into life in the second half and looked the better team with Tom Albinson and Wynand Van Zyl outstanding in both attack and defence.
Van Zyl scored another well worked try following good work from the forwards and when Sharratt converted to tie the game it looked like the game was turning Dale’s way.

From the re-start Dale were soon on the attack again and when Tom Albinson dived over with Sharratt converting making it 17 – 10 the game looked as good as won.

Obviously West had other ideas, and with a combination of fight and spirit from the home team and some interesting refereeing decisions they scored a try and penalty to win the game 18 – 17.