Rochdale 22 Fylde 27

It was a close run thing at Bamford on Thursday night when Rochdale almost caused what would have been the upset of the season when they went down in the closing stages of an enthralling Lancashire Cup tie by five tries to three against a very pacey Fylde outfit.

It was an excellent game of Rugby with both sides throwing the ball about at every opportunity to provide a spectacular game of open rugby for the enjoyment of the large crowd. Both sets of backs had pace to burn and it was only in the closing ten minutes that Fylde with their slightly extra pace overcame a resilient Rochdale defence.

In the early stages Rochdale maintained possession for long periods to probe at the Fylde defence and it was a little against the run of play when Rob Banks peeled off the back of a loose maul to cross the line unopposed for Fylde’s first try. It looked to the spectators that this may have been the signal for Fylde to up the ante and put Rochdale to the sword.

Rochdale were having none of this and stormed back into the game, their pack were on top in the set pieces and they were getting good line out ball, they were also managing to keep possession away from the Fylde backs. The visitors in their attempts to get the ball fell foul of referee Andy Daniels, giving away a series of penalties which allowed Rochdale to keep them on the back foot.

It was Ross Hartley who broke the deadlock when he stole the ball in a tackle and quickly handed on to David Healey who put Phil Cowburn into space, the winger turned on the gas and scored well out to put Rochdale on level terms. Surprisingly, Rochdale scored again when Gareth Adams broke through a loose maul to race to score under the posts, Steve Collins converted, and Rochdale went in at the interval with a 12 points to 5 lead.

Fylde had a change of players at the restart and upped the pace straight from the kick off, testing the Rochdale defence. Craig Aikman was causing all sorts of problems with his blistering pace and having put Fylde in a good attacking position, their forwards at last got it right and Tommy Banks scored their second try. It was all Fylde at this stage as they put some very slick play together and with Aikman calling the shots they got Sam Russell over for an unconverted try to lead by 15 points to twelve. Rochdale lost Ben Cullen with a repeat injury to his shoulder which will be a costly loss to the club.

To their credit Rochdale did not lose heart and hit straight back with good back play between Steve Collins and Steve Pitcher putting replacement Aaron Howarth away, the winger took his chance to squeeze in at the corner. Collins knocked over a beauty from the touchline to restore a four point lead. It did look at this stage that Rochdale could do it and when Steve Collins broke down the middle a try looked on but having failed to see his support players he was caught near the line. Phil Cowburn broke down the middle and was unlucky as he slowed to chip over the full back he just got caught and the ball went loose.

As the current holders of the Lancashire Cup, Fylde were determined not to relinquish their hold so early in the season and a scintillating try from Aikman put them into a one point lead. The home side had a chance to go ahead again when from a penalty Collins found a good touch near the visitor’s line, but for the first time in the game they lost their own lineout and Fylde cleared their line with a sixty yard move. Quick hands saw Fylde cross again for a converted try. Trailing 27 - 19, Rochdale refused to lie down and Collins knocked over another beauty from a penalty by the touchline to put Rochdale within one score. With time left for only one more play, Fylde cannily kicked the restart directly into touch depriving Rochdale of their final chance of victory as referee Daniels whistled for the end of the game.

Rochdale will have taken a lot from this encounter; the combination of Collins and Pitcher looked good and will get better, Tom Helliwell and David Healey in the second row were on top form while the rest of the pack made a massive contribution.

Rochdale’s first league game at the unknown heights of newly named National Division 3 North is on Saturday 5th Sept away at Darlington Mowden Park. A number of seats for supporters is available on the coach at £7.50 a seat, for reservations please contact Steve Helliwell.