Rossendale 0 - 10 Chester

Inspite of the heavy rains during the week prior, Marl Pits was deemed fit to play and Rossendale entertained high-flying Chester in Nat3North this weekend. Already having won once against "the Druids" this season, a reshuffled Dale were looking for more league points from this game but foundered on the rocks of an impressive Chester defence this time round.

In spite of the low scoring nature of this game it was, nevertheless, a thrilling encounter which was not decided until the dying minutes.

The opening encounters saw the hosts pressurise Chester for long periods but fail to capitalise as the visitors disciplined defence matched every challenge to breach it. Indeed, even when their 8 was "binned" for not releasing after a tackle inches from his line Rossendale could not penetrate "the Druids" stoic line and for all Dales' endeavour the half finished 0-0 though Chesters' use of the wind assisted their cause every time Rossendale turned the ball over.

The second half saw more of the same, committed rucking and excellent ball retention from both sides as the pitch and weather conditions deteriorated. Chester played the close quarters game well in this half and matched Dales industrious pack blow for blow.

As the half hour mark was reached Rossendale were penalised by referee Jon Owen for standing up in the scrum, a somewhat strange decision as Dales dominance in this area was a strong factor in the game. Chester gladly converted to give them a slender lead as the game wound down to a close. 0-3

The enthralling encounter was decided 6mins later after the visitors kept Dale out for 15 phases on the goal line before winning a scrummage following a Rossendale knock on. The scrum won they cleared their lines and took the game out of their own half. The kick chase caught Dales defenders on the 10m line and forced another scrummage which, eventually, saw the pacy Chester back 3 conspire to bring about Dales downfall - the right wing shrugging off a tackle to touch down to seal the win. 0-8

The extra 2 added to deny Dale anything as the whistle blew moments later. 0-10

Other results from the weekend close this league up even more with Stockport dropping points at Birkenhead Park, and bottom team West Park(St Helens) picking up a win. Dale must now look to use their games in hand to maximum effect, to upgrade their standing in this league.