ROSSENDALE 7 MIDDLESBROUGH 23

Alas it failed to materialise, as Rossendale succumbed to their second consecutive defeat. It has to be said that the loss of influential scrum half and captain James Bramhall to a strained hamstring late in the first period didn’t help matters. This coupled with a keen 21 year old official eager to make his mark made for a frustrating afternoon for players and spectators. The visitors made the better start with their more energetic forwards gaining the upper hand.

But it was from a Rossendale attack that the visitors opened the scoring, with winger Campbell racing clear following a missed place pass from Dale’s Tim Fourie who’s intention was to put winger Alastair Harper free.

The conversion was missed by O’Farrell but he made amends shortly after with a penalty, before his forwards conjured another try from close range.

Rossendale failed to maintain possession and so control it. An occasional knock on and a wayward throw to the lineout were common ailments throughout the contest which didn’t help the home side finding a cure to Middlesbrough’s supreme mobility and craft, particularly in the forwards.

Along with the loss of Bramhall, Dale rearranged the front row with Leyton Taylor departing to allow Tom Short his first start of the season, early in the second period. It didn’t improve matters, as Dales forwards were second best in the race to the loose ball. They have no doubt sufficient power houses in Paddy Pole and the industrious Danny Collins but a thoroughbred of a flank forward like Middlesbrough’s Kirman would help matters. The visitor’s number seven was the pick of their pack as they racked up another ten points. Dale’s reply came late on when the reappearance of Taylor saw the powerful prop forced his way over from close range, with DeJager completing their consolation score. There’s no need to press the panic button yet, but an impressive Boro gave plenty for Dale’s coaching staff to ponder. The club have this week signed former Manchester back row forward Cameron Thompson. The eighteen year old is a current member of Sale Jets and comes highly recommended. His pace and youth will certainly be welcome given what was witnessed in this match.

Next weekend Dale are on their travels over the border into Yorkshire, where they take on Morley 3.00pm kick off