Sun smiles on Rossendale

Rossendale captain Joe Bedlow got the proceedings underway and having fielded the ball Littleborough were quick to launch a foray into their visitors half. This initial encounter set the tone for most of the rest of the match as determined tackles reined in on the attackers.

Haig Haworth exemplified this spirit as one of the biggest Littleborough players found himself in space and was charging towards his opponents 22 when Haig lined him up, smashed into him and brought the move to an abrupt halt. It was this type of fierce tackling that was to eventually affect the outcome of the match. Despite stiff defence from Rossendale the home side scored two well worked try's, recycling and moving the ball across their back line. They were not fortunate enough to convert either try but after 10 minutes they were 10 points ahead.

The visitors finally got themselves on the score board after a secure scrummage allowed Nathan Waddington, playing at scrum half, to slip through the first line of defence. He was well supported by his forwards Joe Starkie and Nuri Stoner and as he was tackled they protected the ball allowing a second phase of possession to give Fin Wilby the opportunity to cross over the line, Joe Bedlow converted.

Littleborough re-started but the kick was too long and rolled through the in goal directly into touch and feeling they were gaining the upper hand in the scrum Rossendale elected to take the set piece on the half way. It proved to be the correct decision as they won the ball cleanly Nathan Waddington again breaking through before off loading to Bradley Watts who burst over the line to put his side into the lead. Joe Bedlow converted to add a further 2 points.

Rossendale's confidence was growing, the New lads had a good first outing in the back line demonstrating good handling skills, Cai Astley, Elliott Newell and Will Whinton harrid their opposition at the breakdown and this combined with the tackling was generating some hesitancy in Littleborough's handling. This gave rise to Rossendale's third try as Littleborough stalled in fielding a loose ball granting Joe Bedlow a chance to fly hack the ball over the try line and dive on it for a try, after the conversion this put the visitors 21-10 ahead at half time.

Littleborough kicked off the second half but were soon under pressure again as Rossendale forced a penalty. Bradley Watts took a quick tap and caught his rivals off guard racing down his left wing to score.

The Rossendale scrum continued to work well providing the launch pad for most of their offensive work and their fifth try. As they worked the ball forward, Ieuan Dwyfor-Jones and Tyler Johnson were on hand to ensure possession was maintained until eventually the ball was fed out to Rowan Hopkinson on the right wing who finished off with a strong run. Littleborough had the final word however with a well deserved try just on the final whistle which they converted to bring the final score to 17-35.

Rossendale man of the match was Bradley Watts.
Back of the match was Nathan Waddington.
Forward of the match was Fin Wilby
And a special mention for Joe Bedlow for his 100% conversion rate with 5/5.