BILLINGHAM 17 ROSSENDALE 18

This was as close as it gets with a try from Paddy Pole in the
final quarter needed to snatch a win away at Billingham to
maintain their position in the top four of National Three North
although 5th place Sheffield Tigers have chipped a point off
with a bonus try 38-10 win at home to Cleckheaton.

Despite the scoreline this was a game which, other than an
aberation in the opening stages, Rossendale were always in
control but having been forced to make changes to their backline
the usual cutting edge was just not there.

Billingham opened the scoring with a try from Chris Hopkinson
converted by Luke Wilson. Rossendale replied with a try from
Anthony Bingham taking advantage of a series of drives by the
pack sucking in fringe defenders to create space out wide and
with Wilson and James Bramhall exchanging penalties it was 10-8
to the home side at the interval.

Rossendale took the lead early in the second half, the pack
going through the phases with a kick to corner by Ryan McKibbin
opening up the opportunity for the winger to win the chase for
his second.

Billingham hit back with a try from Will Turnbull converted by
Wilson restoring the lead at 17-13 but with Rossendale upping
the tempo good ball from the line out got Paddy Pole over for
the winner.

Geoff Lightfoot