Backs’ key role
ON the Tom Downham-clarke Memorial Day Rochdale welcomed Leigh as well as over a hundred guests for lunch and to remember a great player and servant of the club.
The wet and gloomy weather could not dampen the enthusiasm of both sides. Dale after their emphatic 73-0 win last week were looking to consolidate their place near the top of the division.
Leigh had put up a good display at home last time out against league leaders Anselmians and were looking to get back to winning ways.
Dale had one or two pack regulars missing but welcomed back Shaun Needham in the second row and Travis Townsend in the centre.
On the bench were Andy Redfern and new boy Dougie Poole.
From the kick off Dale were on the attack with the ever busy Townsend feeding the ball out to Pat Gillan who was stopped just short of the corner flag.
Travis Townsend set up another attempt in the right hand corner this ended in a 5m scrum to the home side.
Leigh defended doggedly and cleared the ball high only to find Schofield at full back he made good yards then chipped high over the Leigh defence only to see the ball run dead.
The drop out took the visitors to half way and gradually they gained some ground into the Dale 22, the home defence were solid as ever and as the rain battered down Oli Coldman recovered the ball from a Maul and started a blind side run which just ended up in touch.
With about 30 minutes on the clock Leigh somewhat against the run of play got a penalty 30 m out and Rob Drake converted, 0-3.
Dale had all the ball but could not penetrate the solid Leigh defence but finally a good break and pass by Harry Hayes found Josh Schofield on the burst and he made no mistake – the conversion fell just short 5-3 to Dale with five minutes to half time.
Leigh had another chance on half time but their penalty attempt fell short. At half time the score was 5- 3.
Dale started the second half in a positive frame of mind and good breaks by Needham and Callum Mulkeen playing at No. 8 saw Dale over the line and right under the Leigh posts for an easy conversion 12- 3.
Both sides were beginning to tire and make mistakes dropped balls and knock on’s punctuated the game a big clearance kick by Leigh went straight into touch and from the scrum Dale moved the ball from half way into the visitors 22.
Townsend fed Jack Green the ball moved through the backs for a text book try converted by Coldman 19-3.
A series of kicks tested both full backs but overall the game was scrappy in the driving rain.
Dale had the last chance to get the elusive fourth try and bonus point but Needham and Mulkeen were seen to be held up on the line.
19-3 was the final score in this hard fought game, credit to Leigh for a tough defensive performance but Dale had the backs to make the difference on the day.
Rochdale travel to thirdplaced Southport this weekend in what promises to be another tough encounter coach leaves at 11.30am for a 2.15pm kick off.