Four Tries again but no result!
In the first of the early kick offs Dale visited Huddersfield who were 2nd in the league and with some key players missing it looked like a daunting task. However Dale started well when from the kick off Captain Josh Schofield took the ball in his own half and jinked his way through the home defence to score a brilliant solo try under the posts. Collins converted and with less than 3 minutes gone Dale were 7-0 up, which stirred Huddersfield into action.
Their huge pack dominated the scrums (of which there were many) and most lineouts went their way. The backs had lots of ball and only good defending by Dale kept them at bay until the 15th minute, when a good passing move saw the ball move to the left wing and a gap for the centre to score near the posts. An easy conversion brought the scores level.
Dale were in the game with Emerson Lopez and Dec Connor making breaks down the middle and Steve Collins keeping the home side pegged back with good kicks. It was not until the half hour mark Huddersfield got a 2nd try from a lineout on the Dale 22. The ball was passed across to the winger who crashed by the posts – the extras were added bringing the score to 14-7.
Two quick tries by Huddersfield split the Dale defence and at 26-7 with half-time looming, it was beginning to look ominous for the visitors. With the penalty count rising and the brave Dale defenders tiring, another score came in from the Huddersfield centre who darted in under the posts making it 33-7.
The re-start by Collins was a tricky one to the right and caught the Huddersfield defence off guard. Dale won a lineout, and a quick inside pass from Dom Serridge was met by Joe Horne (back from injury) to score a fine try. Collins converted to make it a more respectful 33-14.
This spurred the Huddersfield pack to cause more problems for Dale and two more tries left the score 47-14. The defence by the visitors was heroic, but the pressure was almost continuous. Despite the best efforts of Collins and Captain Schofield, the home pack continued to dominate and, before long a wide pass found the left winger to go in at the corner 52-14.
Just to show they never give in, Dale produced a fine individual try when, following a rare penalty, Collins produced a grubber kick which was followed up by Jack Holt who kicked on into the Huddersfield goal area and Jack carried on to score a super try – 52-19 with 10 minutes left.
Huddersfield had one more try in them which was converted 59-19. Dale were still full of fight and determined to get the 4th try for a bonus point.
From a free kick for the home side, Dale collected the ball and, after another good break from Joe Horne, the ball was taken on the line and Dan Bentham dived in for the all-important try. With the conversion by Collins, the final score was 59-26.
A great game of rugby well won by Huddersfield but a fine contribution from Dale and a well-earned point for a battling performance.
Next Saturday the long trip to table-topping Anselmians.
Dave Rhodes
