BLAYDON 32 ROSSENDALE 26

If the Marl Pits side can show the same attitude and resilience they showed on Saturday as the season moves into the latter stages then there need be no thought of relegation at all.

They remain out of the relegation zone above Carlisle on games won although they have dropped down a place due to both Alnwick and Wirral recording victories. However with next to the bottom Morpeth at home this Saturday Rossendale should be looking not only for the win but maximum points.

Blaydon took the early lead with tries from Elliott Beattie, converted by Sam Stuart, and Jack Appleton however with the visitors taking the initiative through their pack, Dan Rylance, the prop standing out from a forward drive, went over for the first, Lewis Allen adding the conversion for 12-7 at the interval.

After the restart Rossendale took the lead with a try from Tom Waring on the back of some good work by the pack and a break by Drew Frew, Allen again on hand with the conversion.

In what was proving an entertaining encounter despite the conditions, Blaydon came back with two further tries from Frazer Wilson and a second for Appleton, Ryan Freeman this time on hand with the extras.

From a penalty line out Rossendale worked the ball across the pitch for Dominic Moon to cross near the posts, Allen successful with the conversion for 24-21 with the visitors looking to be in with a chance before a try for the home side from Dan Marshall increased the north east advantage.

Now out of bonus point territory Rossendale came late with one last effort and from turn over ball and break by Allen, Chris Mayor went in for the bonus try to put his side within seven of the opposition.

Geoff Lightfoot