ROSSENDALE 16 HARROGATE 24
It's far too easy to say 'forget the result it's the performance that matters' but with Rossendale going down for the seventh time this season and taking note of their precarious position in the league, results are very important indeed.
Yet that not withstanding this was a far more spirited and 'gutsy' performance against one of the best sides in the competition which if built upon will surely see the fortunes of the club turn for the better as the season unfolds.
This game also saw the debut of former colt Callum Whelan, the young scrum half looking a good prospect right from the kick off.
Rossendale were first to score, a penalty from Lewis Allen affording a 3-0 lead . Harrogate replied with a try from Mason Knowles but from a break by Chris Mayor, Brad Cave came up on the outside from full back to restore his side's advantage with a try converted by Allen.
Unfortunately two further tries for the visitors from Tom Driscoll and Andy Boyde converted by Sam Fox gave the Yorkshire side a 10-17 lead at the interval.
Allen pulled a penalty back early in the second period but a final try by Harogate from Ollie Rosillo also converted by Fox sealed the win for the visitors despite a third penalty for Rossendale from Allen.
Rossendale are away this coming Saturday to Carlisle, one of last season's promoted sides, who are currently just two places above them in the table. It is a must win game before they travel to bottom club Ilkley the following week for a game re-scheduled from 26th October
Geoff Lightfoot
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