Good Contest

Rossendale kicked off and followed up well, pinning Blackburn into their own half and they were first to strike after a long period of possession and handling skills. Jack Whittaker finished the move using strength and good footwork. Joe Bedlow converted to capitalise on the try. Blackburn struck back shortly afterwards and converted their try to equalise. In the second half Rossendale brought on a number of their newer players who although keen to get involved often found themselves out of position allowing Blackburn to exploit the space and score two converted try's and run out winners 21 - 7.

Rossendale once more had a large turn out and the Rossendale coaches had 20 players available on the morning all eager to play.

From the kick off it was evident that both sides were determined to move the ball and play open rugby. This attitude meant that both sides had to stay alert, Haig Howarth and Elliott Newell playing centre and right wing respectively had to make several committed tackles to keep Blackburn at bay.

On the attack Ieuan Dwyfor-Jones and Joe Bedlow both proved hard to stop particularly with the support from their front row forwards Nuri Stoner, Sam Ashworth and Reece Howarth who have already shown marked improvement in their rucking skills this season.

Rossendale's try followed several phases of play culminating in a scrum between the half way and the 22. The new scrummage ruling has proved quite effective in getting both front rows set firm and square before the put in. On the day the sides were fairly evenly matched in this department but on this occasion Scrum half Nathan Waddington was the quicker to react releasing his backs, first Joe Bedlow made good ground and then found Cai Astley in close support who passed to Jack Whittaker, timing his run perfectly and completing the move in style. Joe Bedlow converted. Blackburn were anxious to make amends and were rewarded with a try just before half time.

Coach Beeken brought on 8 subs in the second half allowing some of his newer players to gain valuable match experience. There was no shortage of endeavour from the newcomers and they proved a real handful for the Blackburn defence being unlucky not to break through. Blackburn, once in possession, were only able to exploit the spaces after several phases eventually spreading the Rossendale defence to create overlaps for their wingers to score the two try's of the second half.

Overall a very close match that could have gone either way, well played to all players on both sides.

A big thank you from the coaches of both sides to Gwilym Dwyfor-Jones for his splendid refereeing once again, allowing a good game of open, flowing rugby.