MORPETH 19 ROSSENDALE 17

Rossendale might well have taken the try count three to one but were far too profligate in the penalty count with four conceded which proved costly indeed as the east Lancashire side went down 19-17 away at Morpeth. To 'rub some salt into the wound' after leading 12-17 into the final minute, the home side crossed for a try to level matter with the conversion sealing the win for the home side and sending the visitors back down the M6 with just a losing bonus point to show for their efforts.

Rossendale took the early lead with a try from Curtis Strong on the back of some solid pressure and neat handling across the line.
It was Strong again crossing for his second chasing a grubber through from Lewis Allen before hacking on and winning the chase to the line to take a 3-10 lead in at the interval, the home penalty slotted by Ben Hornby.

In the second period Hornby added a second but turn over ball and quick hands got Allen over, Allen also adding the extras to give Rossendale a 6-17 lead.

Unfortunately the penalties kept coming and two more from Hornby put the home side in touching distance a 12-17.
At this point Rossendale could be thinking of the points but a late flourish from the home side as Sam Hornby went over from the final play, Ben Hornby landing the conversion sealing the win.

Rossendale have now dropped down to eleventh spot ahead of Wirral one place below on points difference and far too close to the relegation zone for comfort.

Geoff Lightfoot