Steady progress

The Rossendale coaches and their Rochdale counterparts agreed to play 4, 10 minute quarters to make it easier to allow both teams the chance to rotate their players and give everyone a runout.

The match developed into a fiercely contested affair with little quarter given. Both sides succeeded in crossing over 3 try's and whilst Rochdale converted 2, Rossendale managed to convert all 3 to emerge victors.

Rochdale collected efficiently from the kick off and made a purposeful foray which soon had them threatening the Rossendale try line. The speed and ferocity of this initial attack surprised the home side and Rochdale took full advantage and opened the scoring. Despite some good possession Rossendale could not even the score in the first quarter.

Starting the second quarter an overlong kick off by Rochdale allowed Rossendale the opportunity of a scrum on the half way. Both sides were fairly evenly matched in this department but Rossendale had the edge in scrum half Nathan Waddington, who's quick thinking frequently put the opposition on the back foot. On this occasion he passed to Cai Roberts to charge forward, when tackled Cai fed back to Rowan Hopkinson, who's determination always carries him forward the extra few yards.
Jack Whittaker, ever alert, timed his run perfectly to take on the pass and feed to Joe Bedlow who set his sights on the try line & was unstoppable, mixing skilful footwork with strength to finish off a fine passage of play. Joe Bedlow also converted to level the score.

The third quarter rewarded the crowd with 3 try's, 2 for the home side. Rossendale kept on the pressure from the kick off with any Rochdale attacks quickly snuffed out by Dan Dunham or Haig Howarth's merciless tackling. Ieuan Dwyfor-Jones seized on an opportunity from a loose ball, took the tackle and released Josh Beeken, who with some metres to cover crashed through the first line of defence before being held but stayed on his feet. Reece Howarth offered quick support and power soon followed by Sam Ashwoth, Nuri Stoner and Tyler Johnson who's combined muscle forced Beeken, still in possession, over the line and then use his skill to ground the ball. Rowan Hopkinson converted to put the home side ahead.

Rochdale would not give in and fought back aggressively, resulting in a fine try for their captain running half the length of the pitch to score. They were unable to equalise however as the conversion attempt slipped outside the left upright.

Rossendale surged forward again with James Robinson ferocious both on the ball and in contact. Similar commitment from the rest of the players allowed Rossendale to cross the line only for a staunch Rochdale defence to hold up the ball. Rossendale held fast at the resulting 5 metre scrum and once more speedy work from Nathan Waddington gave Josh Beeken the opportunity to score his second try with a determined run & quick thinking to ground the ball, despite being held by 2 or more defenders.

The final quarter became more open as both defences tired but Ieuan Dwyfor-Jones continued with his tackle rate and refused to give the visitors any opportunity to gain any attacking momentum. Rochdale did eventually succeed in levelling the try count cutting the Rossendale lead to only 2 points as the final whistle blew.

Special mention for the new comers to rugby today on the Rossendale team, Max, Joe S and Lewis. The Rochdale coaches stated that they did not know who the new comers were as the standard of rugby was so good by all the team, so well done.