Rossendale, who defeated Jim Kilfoyle’s team at Marl Pits last September, threatened to do the double over Sandal when full-back Steve Nutt kicked two penalties to give the visitors a 6-0 lead with half-an-hour played. With several chances missed by Rossendale’s outside backs in the first half! Rossendale could have easily taken a bigger lead into the second half. A similar inaccurate story awaited in the second half For the Rossendale outfit.

The hosts finally cut out the indiscipline and got their ruck working in the final four minutes of the half however and Tom Coad raced over for a try converted by skipper Greg Wood.
Sandal’s lead was extended to 10-6 when Wood sent over a penalty with the final kick of the half.

The home captain added another penalty seven minutes into the second period and then played a crucial role in bagging the game’s decisive try.
With Rossendale exerting pressure deep in Sandal territory and after several dubious decisions from the Ref including Number Eight Danny Collins judged to be held up over line, Wood pounced on a loose pass to intercept and the supporting Simon Frewin galloped over the line for a Wood-improved score that made it 20-6 with 10 minutes remaining.

Rossendale’s endeavour was rewarded with a five-pointer From replacement prop Ian Marshall two minutes from time but it was not enough to stop Sandal who have seven wins and a draw from their last eight outings.

Report by DC