Hornets leave it late to tame Lions
ROCHDALE HORNETS moved up to eighth in the Kingstone Press Championship table with a 33-28 victory over SWINTON at the Crown Oil Arena.
The Lions had earlier confirmed speculation relating to the club’s financial situation, revealing that salaries for June were only met because of recent supporter initiatives, logistical support is being provided by the Rugby Football League and that discussions with potential investors are ongoing, with a view to producing a firm proposal for the club’s future funding by the end of the week.
Despite the off-field pressures, John Duffy’s side took the lead with a Chris Atkin penalty early on, before Daniel Yates crossed for the first try of the day for the home side. Swinton were awarded an eight-point try soon after, Atkin slotting both kicks, but Ryan Maneely’s scoot from dummy half closed the gap, only for the Lions to cross once more just before the break.
Tries from Josh Crowley and Jake Eccleston gave Hornets the lead midway through the second half and Jono Smith’s four-pointer cancelled out a Lions’ score under the sticks. The visitors drew level through an Atkin penalty with 10 minutes remaining, but a late Lewis Foster dropgoal and Rob Massam try sealed a vital Rochdale victory.
OLDHAM remain just one point ahead of Swinton in 10th position after falling to a 32-14 defeat at home to high-flying Featherstone.