“Four-Try Dale Collect Maximum Points”
On a murky afternoon at Moorgate Avenue, Rochdale welcomed first-time visitors Long Eaton—who started the day just ahead in the league standings.
The opening 10 minutes were all Long Eaton as they camped in Dale’s 22, but resolute defending kept them out. Despite losing lineouts and being pressed hard in the scrums, there was no movement on the scoreboard until Steve Collins slotted a penalty from 30m to make it 3–0 on the half hour.
Dale’s defence was outstanding, with Emerson Lopez and Dec Connor leading the way. From pressure on the visitors’ attack a loose pass went into touch, and from the resulting scrum Dale struck. A slick passing move involving Luke Fowden and Collins sent Joe Horne charging through to score under the posts. Collins converted: 10–0.
Minutes before half-time, another sharp pass from Connor found Josh Schofield, whose pace carved through the defence for a fine try. Collins added the extras: 17–0 at the break. Dale had turned defence into attack brilliantl.
Second Half Drama
Long Eaton finally broke through after a high kick was chased well, scoring under the posts: 17–7. They struck again after a deep dropout caused problems for Dale, forcing a try wide on the right (conversion missed): 17–12.
Dale responded with changes—Danny Joesbury and Eddie Shanks bolstered the pack. From a lineout on the visitors’ 5m line, Schofield chipped over the defence but the Full Back called the mark. The resultant kick was taken by Lopez who made good yards before releasing the ball inside to Schofield for his second try. Collins converted: 24–12.
Long Eaton weren’t done. After a penalty close to the line, their pack powered over: 24–19. Game on!
But Dale had the final word. Collins orchestrated play, and when the ball came back to Jacob Bower he found a gap through the Long Eaton defence to score. Collins converted: 31–19.
Despite late pressure, Dale’s defence held firm for a superb win—four tries, maximum points, and a climb to 10th in the league. Next up: Burton away, currently 2nd in the rankings, so no problem there!
