Rossendale 15 - 20 Stockport

12 months ago this fixture would have been postponed following the Friday night downpour that affected the valley, that it went ahead pays testament to the efforts of all concerned with the pitch redevelopment at Marl Pits. The visitors, high flying Stockport, found the conditions damp but prevailed to move into 2nd place in National 3 North.

The opening encounters saw Dale hit the ground running and produce some lively rugby as Port adjusted to the slippery ball and greasy surface, and after only minutes the home defence managed to force a turnover in an attacking position outside of the visitors 22. Quick thinking by DeJager saw the ball moved to Albinson; who after, drawing the defence, delivered a well weighted pass to new signing Bingham - on loan from Sedgley Park - who showed his considerable pace to beat the covering defence to touch down in the corner. The conversion eluded DeJager, but Dale were off to a flyer. 5 - 0

Stockport applied themselves to redressing the balance and pressed hard into the home side and forced Dale to scramble a clearance off their own line - and concede a lineout 5m out. At this set piece Fourie was deemed guilty of a professional foul, entering the maul from the wrong side, and was sent to the sin bin. But Rossendale survived the handicap and Ports' attack fizzled out, but the Valley side were not content to merely count down the clock until parity was regained and they ground their way up the field. Following several phases of play and much spirited defence, Short barged over for Rossendales' 2nd, this time DeJager found his mark and the conversion was claimed. 12 - 0

Dale were now very much in the ascendant and it was somewhat against the run of play that Stockport scored next, their forwards driving over from a lineout close to Dales line. 12 - 5

And they managed to repeat the feat on the stroke of half time to go in to the break only 12 - 10 down

Rossendale had taken the game by the scruff of the neck in the 1st half and forged a handsome lead - could they repeat this feat in the 2nd half and claim a notable victory?

The second period was a very even contest but Rossendale could not seem to find the fluency and continuity of the opening period, and conceded the lead after a penalty for offside was readily accepted by Port. 12 - 13

The visitors scored next too, several phases produced some level of disarray in the home defence and this mismatch allowed Stockport to crash through Dales midfield and score under the posts for a converted try. 12 - 20

The writing was on the wall moments later when Bingham was sin binned for a seemingly innocuous slip - the referee interpreting his actions as a deliberate trip.

Dale - true to form - fought till the end but could only manage a penalty for their efforts. 15 - 20

And so the game ended, a bonus point earned, but after such a splendid start Dale were left downbeat - This being an almost carbon copy of their last home fixture. Injuries to Wood and Short will also leave Dale with selection issues prior to next weeks away fixture at West Hartlepool.