Unlike Chester and Rossendale's previous encounter, this game was a low scoring affair with only one try. The only bonus point in this game was earned by the Chester side for losing by less than 7 points.

From the whistle, Dale knew that it would be a hard afternoon. With the weather shifting from mild drizzle to hailstone and heavy rain at frequent intervals there was bound to be mistakes. Steve Nutt capitalised on the first of these, a penalty infringement just outside the Chester 22, striking a penalty sweetly through the uprights. Chester had two attempts to hit back with their own to level the score however their kicker could only knock over one. Dale attempted to get their big runners over the gain line and play phases before releasing their backs but mistakes crept in before the overlaps and mismatches could be utilised. Only good scramble defence kept Chester from scoring more points early on. Nutt added a second penalty from a similiar position minutes later to push Dale into the lead. Chester finished the half the stronger of the two - an outside break by their illusive centre paved the way for their scrum half to collect the final pass to scamper over to score. The conversion was missed leaving the half time score 8-6 to the visitors.

The second half was won by the home side albeit narrowly. The game failed to come alive. Dale rarely threatened and Chester's expansive passing game was easily counteracted by good drift defence. Paul keys, in his 100th consecutive game for Rossendale, did not put a foot wrong and along side the old heads of Tim Fourie and Johan Goosen steered Dale into advantageous positions. This resulted in a kick able penalty being slotted over by Nutt to top the scoring with very little time to the final whistle. Dale managed to maintain their defence to keep out a desperate Chester side. Final Score 9-8.