That they failed to do so at home to Sandal last Saturday was due in large part to unforced handling errors and too many mistakes in crucial areas of the field particularly at the line out which malfunctioned for much of the afternoon.

Sandal had the better of the opening exchanges and took a 0-14 lead through tries by Jack Townend and Austin Thompson both converted by James Ellar.

However on the half hour Rossendale did manage to put a few phases of play together and from a scrum close to the visitors line Dominic Moon picked up to go over for a try. Lewis Allen converted to bring the East Lancashire side into contention at 7-14.

Unfortunately Rossendale were unable to capitalise and as mistakes mounted it was Sandal who pushed ahead with a try by Don Fawcett.
Coming up to the interval Allen slotted a penalty to close the half with Sandal 10-19 ahead.

In the second period Rossendale lost Jordan Lord to the sin bin, punished by Sandal with a penalty from Ellar.

The home side tried to come again but were unable to hold onto the ball long enough to create any sustained pressure and it was left to the Yorkshire side to round off proceedings as Cameron Lee went over for his side's fourth try to take the try bonus point.

Geoff Lightfoot