Broncos stand in way of top-eight finish
IN the penultimate game of the regular season, Rochdale Hornets welcome London Broncos to the Crown Oil Arena on Sunday afternoon.
It will be the last home game of the Championship season before the split for the Championship Shield, where a further seven games will be played.
Hornets could secure four home games in the next stage of the campaign if they finish in the top eight, as they currently occupy eighth spot.
They had temporarily slipped to ninth after a disappointing defeat to Dewsbury Rams, before moving back up a space with a win over Swinton Lions.
It was a victory that was described as their most “courageous” by head coach Alan Kilshaw, as they fought hard for a 33-28 derby triumph.
The game was in the balance until the final hooter sounded, as a drop goal from Lewis Foster, right, edged the hosts ahead, before Chris Atkin had a chance to give his side the lead with a penalty goal.
He struck the post though, and up the other end of the field Rob Massam charged over in the corner to seal the points, as Rochdale saw out the final minutes to pick up a crucial win.
The Broncos also had a positive result last weekend, as they cruised to a 52-16 victory over Sheffield Eagles to secure their place in the top four.
They will want to cement second place though, as that gives them four home games in the Qualifiers, where they will meet the bottom four of Super League.
The last time these two sides met was back in round 7 at Trailfinders Sports Ground, where a late flurry saw the home side pull away to a 28-8 lead.
Rochdale were in front at the break thanks to a Massam double, but the introduction of Jarrod Sammut in the final 20 minutes saw London run in three late tries, as the score line flattered them.
It was a good showing against full-time opponents, and with some smarter play and the rub of the green it could have been a different outcome.
Kilshaw will assess the fitness of trio Gary Middlehurst, Lewis Palfrey and Miles Greenwood as they all missed last week’s win due to injury.