With emotions running high for the home side, Dale had to withstand some serious pressure from the outset to not let Waterloo cross the line for a try. Only resolute defence and penalty offences prevented Dale from conceding. Waterloo's fly half did take the opportunities provided early on to give his side an early 6-0 lead. When Dale finally had some possession of the ball they quelled the crowd and took some of the tempo out of the game. The game settled down and Dale had the upper hand. Tactical kicking and Dale's big pack proved too much for a stern Waterloo defence; Paddy Pole picked up from a ruck to dive over from short range. Steve Nutt added the extras from the touch line. However only minutes later, at the end of the half, a lapse in concentration from Dale allowed a loose ball to be snapped up by the Waterloo winger who happily obliged to race 60m and score in the corner.

The second half began and continued to be a scrappy affair throughout. Neither team had any sustained pressure or territory. Following a yellow card to Waterloo's flanker they managed to have two shots at goal through careless penalties. Only one was converted to extend the home sides lead to 4 points. Dale finally came into life during the final 10 minutes - needing a try to steal the game. With Waterloo back to a full compliment, it was not long before they were back down to 14 once again. The sustained pressure and numbers advantage played into Dales hands. Some good handling close to the line put Wynand Van Zyl into space in the corner before he forced himself through a defender to touch down and win the game for Dale.

Next week sees Dale travel south to face a strong Dudley Kingswinford in the playoff.