Strong’s hat-trick keeps Rossy rolling on
NATIONAL LEAGUE THREE NORTH KENDAL .......................... 12 ROSSENDALE................. 24 SHELDAN KEAY ROSSENDALE RUFC kept up their good run of form in the National League Three North after picking up a victory at Kendal.
A hat-trick of tries from Rossendale’s Curtis Strong helped his side come out on top at Mint Bridge.
The bonus-point victory, which is their seventh consecutive league triumph, means second-place Rossendale remain in the title hunt, five points behind league leaders Huddersfield while six points clear of third placed Sandal.
The hosts were the better team in the opening stages, and after a loose maul ten metres from the Rossendale line, James Gough broke through to score the home side’s opening try converted by Chris Park.
Rossendale immediately responded by putting pressure on the Kendal scrum and from a kick that missed touch, George Peel countered to put Curtis Strong away and, looping with Sam Atiola, the full back stormed down the wing to touch down, Steve Nutt’s conversion levelling the scores.
Both teams worked hard in attack and defence but were unable to make any further advance, meaning that it was 7-7 at half-time.
Rossendale used the wind to their advantage after the break, playing most of the half in Kendal’s 22 metre area where through constant pressure from Rossendale, James Bramhall and Jack ●● Curtis Strong Ward created the opportunity for Atiola to use his pace for the visitors’ second try of the afternoon.
That gave the away side confidence, and they were soon in again when Strong crossed to increase his side’s lead.
He wasn’t finished there, as good work by Bramhall, a break by Duncan Tout and with Ward providing the link the full back went in for the bonus score and his hat-trick to put Rossendale firmly in the driving seat.
The try came when Nutt caught the restart and sent Atiola away. Despite being forced into touch, the winger slipped the ball inside to Strong who went over under the posts leaving Nutt with the easy conversion.
Kendal never gave up and were eventually rewarded with a late try in the final minutes by John Dervey, but it wasn’t enough and Rossendale picked up the impressive win.
It was a good win by Rossendale on the road and just shows this year how they have developed into a solid team that can now win away as well as at home.
An all-round performance from the players, but special mention must go to the work rate of Reece Tomlinson in both the set play and line out.
Rossendale will now hope that they can continue their winning streak when they host Billingham at Marl Pits this weekend.
Billingham are fourth in the table, but head into the match on the back of a 27-7 defeat to Cleckheaton.