HARROGATE 29 ROSSENDALE 24
Rossendale might not have come away with a win but taking two bonus points from a side vying for promotion could be considered a satisfactory afternoon's work.
Although their league position remains unchanged they are now three points clear of their nearest rivals Wirral who's game away at Macclesfield was called off.
Harrogate took the early lead through tries from Ollie Rosillo and Andy Boyde converted by Dan Matthews. Rossendale replied with a try from Curtis Strong from an interception on the '22' converted by Lewis Allen but a try by Luke Edwards for the home side closed the half with Harrogate 17-12 ahead.
In the second period a neat pass out wide from the break down opened the way for Tom Waring to cross for the visitors before Phil Wickham struck back for 'Gate' the conversion affording the Yorkshire outfit a 24-12 lead.
Rossendale came again and off a break by Tom Bedlow and a neat grubber through from Allen, Chris Mayor brought his side back into contention at 24-19, Allen on target with the extras.
Harrogate however looked to have sealed the win after Jordan Cummings went in for his side's fifth but with Rossendale still in the hunt, Dominic Moon picked up on a loose ball to cross for his side's bonus point leaving an exciting and tense final few minutes with Harrogate managing to hang on.
This coming Saturday Rossendale are at home in another crucial game this time to Carlisle who are back in twelfth place in North Premier .
Geoff Lightfoot
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