Rossendale let lead slip at the last...
ROSSENDALE .............. 25 BURNAGE ..................... 27
AHEAD 25-8 on the hour when the game should have been closed down, Rossendale allowed Burnage to come back in the final quarter to cross for three tries and two conversions to take the match and leave the home side with just the losing bonus point.
Against a side struggling for survival at this level following promotion, Rossendale began as firm favourites but it was Burnage who opened the scoring with a try and a penalty for a 8-0 lead.
Two penalties from Liam McGovern brought the home side into the game for 6-8 at the interval.
In the second period Rossendale began the half with some purpose and looked well in control. Some forceful driving play from the pack had the visitors on the back foot and with the opportunity close in Jordan Lord forced his way over to give his side the lead.
Rossendale came again as Anthony Bentham, newly returned after a few seasons with Fylde, took the ball midfield and showed real class as he cut through beating three would-be defenders to score in the corner, McGovern on hand with the extras.
Burnage tried to rally but from an interception of a Burnage attack, Brad Cave went from the ‘22 under the posts leaving McGovern with the easiest of conversions.
At that point this should have been game won but Burnage had other ideas. A second try just after the hour gave the visitors something to work on as the Rossendale effort began to fade.
And, as the home defence opened up, the Manchester side crossed twice more to take the maximum five points.
The Marl Pits side are away to bottom of the table Northwich in what must now be a must-win game for the East Lancashire side.