Dale kicked off down the slope on what appeared to be an ideal day for running rugby. However, the sunshine was short lived, and so was Dale's good start. Mistakes crept in bunches from the start, leading a long period of defensive duties for the Dale XV.

When Dale finally found some territory through tactical kicking and penalties, from fly half Steve Nutt, they capitalised well. Paddy Pole caught the Kersal defence napping and dived over from metres out to claim the first score. Steve Nutt failed to add the extras. Kersal replied with a well taken penalty kick from their fly half. The remaining part of the half was tit for tat and dominated by both defences until, a controversial decision by the referee resulted in captain Jamie Albinson spending 10 minutes off the pitch. Kersal, with the man advantage, capitalised, slipping a tackle and scoring in the corner through some direct forward play. The half ended 8-5 to the visiting side.

A half time deficit of 3 points left Dale with a job to do in the second half. With the return of Jamie Albinson, and the intention to try and play some attractive rugby eventually paid off for the home side. Dale notched up 3 second half tries and only conceded another penalty kick. Prop forward Leyton Taylor brushed aside numerous tacklers from a lineout the opposition 10m to crash over and swing the momentum in Dale's favour. A Dan Collins break created the go forward ball for, several phases later, Steve Nutt to break the defensive line and squeeze over the try line in the right corner. Paddy Pole snatched another opportunistic try from close range to give the bonus point. He even improved the angle for the conversion, giving Steve Nutt an easy opportunity to add the extras. Final Score: Rossendale 22 - Altrincham Kersal 11.

The win sees Dale move above rivals Chester to take 2nd place. Dale's next game sees them travel away to Beverley. Despite their difference in the league table, the travelling squad face a stern test to continue their fantastic run of form.