Off to a stormer , though the weather was brilliant

Start of the new season and Rossendale RUFC second team had the opportunity to show case new playing staff and their honed skills from a good pre season training regime in a curtain raiser before the first team match at Marl Pits last Saturday. What a contrast it was from the dark dismal sodden weather that hampered the end to the last games from the previous season. No better location than the Valley to watch a game when the sun is shining and the atmosphere around the club bubbling. A real feel of a festival of rugby.
Visitors for the day where Wirral and they certainly showed that their own pre season had gone well. The first fifteen minutes or so of the game being a very nip and tuck affair. It took a George Peel try to break the deadlock when he supported a through hands move before powering over the line . Wirral responded well and took the lead themselves with a try of their own and a well taken penalty goal.
Rossendale not to be outdone lifted their game and the team started to gel to create more opportunities. Callum Whelan fielded a down field kick within his own half and promptly evaded defenders with some neat swerves and steps before putting his foot on the gas to provide the exceptional pace he has to round the final defenders and score to the side of the sticks. That deserves a pint for me Callum.
Toby Cole was next up to show he has pace when receiving the ball in his wing position some 30 yards out outstripped his opposite number and then came back inside the field to record a try under the sticks and leave AJ Potgieter an easier kick to convert the extras. Dale went into half time then with a slim leading margin of 17-15.
Second half started slightly different with Rossendale truly on the ascendency. Very quick scores within minutes of each other turned the game completely. First up James Willetts completing a good move down field and using his trade mark steps to jinks himself over the line , AJ again adding the extra 2 points. Johnny Dutton then showed his continued rise and class when he absolutely powered down on his wing side knocking defenders away as they attempted to make tackles and soon after Hayden Wells added to the score by finishing off another team move.
Wirral didn't give in the ghost but the score line was well in advance of them by this time. A mid half try and conversion from them was reward for their efforts but with a further score by Johnny Dutton to complete his brace and an excellent effort from Joe Burns with an added conversion by Wells ensured Rossendale took the spoils with a 46-22 final score.
Rossendale finished the game strongest despite being men down and can be happy overall with their performance. Some slight tweaks are needed but that's only to be expected with not having played a competitive game since early March and the new players drafted into the team. Good performances on the day worth highlighting came from Callum Whelan whilst Rory Clark and Joe Robertson Maher provided a back bone for the forwards with their work load.
When the coaching staff were approached for comments after the game Coach Birtwistle was to busy having his new hearing aid fitted for the first team game whilst Andy Potts being the Yarkshire man as he is never gives anything away .
Its not often we can say that heat was a factor but it certainly played its part on the Costa del Rossendale on Saturday ( Roll on Winter and cooler days !!!!) but great effort from both sets of players to provide some great entertainment in harsh conditions.