Youngsters step up to bolster Rossy

LEE SMETHURST ROSSENDALE RUFC under-16s entertained Rochdale at the weekend in a contest which promised to be a tasty encounter and did not fail to deliver.

Unfortunately, Rossendale were again short on numbers to injuries and let-downs, so enlisted Rowan Hopkinson, Thomas Moore and Haig Haworth from the under-15s just to get a team on the pitch.

In an entertaining game it was Rochdale who raced into a 12-point lead within the first ten minutes with some good strong running in the forwards.

Dale struggled to match Rochdale, especially at the breakdown, and found it hard even to retain their own ball.

However, they did not let their heads drop and slowly edged their way back into the game with a Bedlow penalty.

The lads who played up an age group settled in well and looked at home with some really strong play from Moore especially.

Rochdale went further in front with a converted try but Dale struck back with an outstanding pick up from Oliver Molloy who finished under the posts and Bedlow converted the kick.

A great scrum against the head for Rossendale resulted in some smart play and Faris Lorgat going over for a try but the conversion was missed.

Rochdale scored a further two tries to put the game beyond Rossendale at 15-31.

Man of the match went to Thomas Moore.

If you are interested in playing visit Rossendale RUFC website for contact details.