KIRKBY LONSDALE 25 ROSSENDALE 22

Yet behind 25-7 and seeming out of contention with less than ten minutes remaining they ran in three late tries to get within a score of the opposition.

They were not helped with injuries to three key players, Lewis Allen, Rob Bramhall and Dominic Moon during the course of the game which certainly upset the game plan but credit must be given to the way they came back in those closing minutes.

Kirkby Lonsdale took a 13-0 lead through a try from Scott Armstrong converted by Mike Fearon who also added two penalties.

An interception by Lewis Pattinson and a kick to the corner by Allen was picked up by George Peel who went in under the posts for Rossendale's opening score.

Unfortunately the home side hit back with a second try by Armstrong to close the half Kirkby Lonsdale 18-7 ahead.

In the second period a third try for Armstrong converted by Fearon extended the lead but from forward pressure Curtiss Strong who had entered a maul from full back was driven over.

Again pressure from the pack and a break by Phil Mills got Jordan Lord in before some great handling across the back line ended with Jack Ward crashing over wide out to bring up both a try and losing bonus point.

Geoff Lightfoot