The stags started brightly and showed signs of promise early on by getting the ball out wide to the speedy youngsters on the flanks (Danny Harrison & Sam Lowthian). However in order to put this game plan in place, you need to win the breakdown and get quick ball; something that The Stags struggled with all afternoon, partly due to Bradford's ability to kill the ball unseen by the match official.

A frustrated Rossendale could have won the game, having been in the lead and always within 7 points of the opposition, but due to the same mistakes - misplaced kicks , missed tackles and a torrid day in the line out - it was the Bees who closed out the game drawing on their experience on the pitch in their midfield and then off the bench in League Legend Henry Paul assisting to the final nail in the coffin for dale Taking the tally to 41 against Dale's 30. Despite a late try from Dan Collins, it was too little, too late.

When the stags put things into place they are a formidable force and could beat any team in the league, unfortunately so far this season it has come together in fits and starts and is showing in the results.