Blackburn's Foggy Win(s) again

As Dale got the game underway it was clear that they would have their work cut out dealing with some big powerful Blackburn runners.

The home sides first breakthrough came within minutes of the kick-off as one of their big centres charged down his right wing shrugging off tackle after tackle seeming certain to score only to drop the ball after crossing the line. The attack recommenced from the 22 drop out and despite brave tackling from Haig Haworth, Noah Taylor and of course Dan Dunham at fullback, today's Captain, they could not halt the onslaught and Blackburn scored on their left wing. The second and third try's from Blackburn were scored in similar fashion with the powerful centre again barging his way through the Dale defence.

Rossendale were not short of their own endeavour, creating opportunities for Rowan Hopkinson and John Wayne to set off on several threatening runs but the Blackburn defence held fast. Although the Young Bucks were performing well at the breakdown, forcing their opponents off the ball and gaining the upper hand in the rucks they were sometimes slow to pick up the ball and turn this advantage into points. Blackburn ran in their fourth try of the half with only minutes to go but Rossendale had an opportunity to score on the last play of the half Bradley Watts made a break, passed to Cai Astley who then offloaded neatly to Nathan Waddington who managed to pierce the staunch defence only for the ball to be held up as he crossed the line.

Within minutes of the second half starting Rossendale were awarded a penalty on their own 22, a quick tap ball was played to Will Whinton who set off on a blistering run handing off tackles to score his debut try for the side, with Rowan Hopkinson slotting over the conversion from a difficult angle.

Rossendale never gave up and stirred by their early second half score put real pressure on their opponents. The Dale scrum performed well again, the front five, Nuri Stoner, Fin Wilby, Reece Howarth, Tyler Johnson and Joe Starkie, providing a solid platform, frequently allowing Ieuan Dwyfor-Jones at number 8 to pick up from the back of the scrum and launch an attack.

Despite their spirit the visiting side could not manage another breakthrough and Blackburn were to get two more try's to seal their victory.

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