Rossendale Two's in spirited defeat

Saturday saw a return to action for Rossendale Rufc Seconds in the Cotton Traders premier Division following last week's bye round. This week's visitors were Macclesfield who are traditionally a strong side. Dale were again subject to a number of enforced team changes but in welcoming back several others from injury and unavailability the team looked strong and expectations were high . Right from kick off however Macclesfield showed their intentions for playing was purely to win . They were strong in the ruck and put the ball sweetly though hands with some great backing up. Dale couldn't match the intensity and soon succumbed too two early tries. If the spectators thought the writing was then on the wall for the home side the players responded differently . They rolled their sleeves up and with true grit and determination plugged their earlier defensive failings and despite continued pressure being brought to bear put some solid hits in to prevent any further scores . The turn around by Dale in defence was also seen in their attack as several forays in to Macc's territory looked promising but by half time Dale couldn't put points on the board. At the turn around Rossendale had the advantage of the slope and certainly made use of it. A number of excellent plays saw Dale make plenty of decent breaks and create half chances but all came to nought with final passes going astray or turning the ball over at the ruck. Macclesfield pushed back and were able to record a further score when they over lapped the defence. True grit and determination has been part and parcel of Rossendales season and that never say die attitude came through again when the forwards showed some domination and Leighton Taylor thought he'd gone over from a crash ball only to be adjudged to have been held up. From the resulting scrum Dale held the ball well and when Matt Ringland was being tackled just short of the line he some how managed to extend his arm and place the ball down. Rossendale try , a great knock by the Captain. The last ten minutes of the game was a tense affair with Rossendale probing again but no further points were scored and the final score was 15-5 in Macclesfield favour. Fine lines between winning and losing were once again on show and whilst Macclesfield were good for the win Dale can take heart at being so close at the levels they are playing at. Forwards Matt Ringland , Chris Hull and Paul Nield all put some good shifts in along with Remy Lunuard in the back line.