Second-Half Revival Almost Sees Dale Home
Rochdale Dale came agonisingly close to a remarkable comeback as they narrowly lost 34–31 away at Leek RFC at St Edward’s Park.
Dale were without captain Josh Schofield, who was injured in training, with Joe Horne moving to full-back and Dom Serridge taking over as captain. On a grey, calm afternoon, both sides expected a close contest following Leek’s earlier 10-point win at Moorgate Avenue.
Leek started strongly and capitalised on early Dale errors to score two tries in the opening 15 minutes, one converted, to lead 12–0. Dale struggled at the line-out and were repeatedly penalised, allowing Leek to maintain pressure. A slick passing move led to Leek’s third try, converted under the posts, making it 19–0 after 25 minutes.
Dale finally got on the scoreboard when Serridge released Ben Coulter on the right wing to score, though the conversion fell short (19–5). Leek responded quickly with their fourth try before half-time, the conversion missed, to go in 24–5 ahead.
The second half brought renewed energy from Dale, helped by changes in the pack, but Leek initially extended their lead with two more tries, both unconverted, to make it 34–5.
Dale then mounted an impressive fightback. Joe Donnelly scored under the posts after a break by Ben Sunderland, and Collins converted (34–12).
Ben Sunderland crossed next after Dale finally secured line-out possession, with Collins converting to make it 34–19. Sunderland added another try in the 75th minute to complete the four-try bonus point, narrowing the gap to 34–24.
In the dying minutes, sustained pressure led to a scrum five metres out, and Collins burrowed over for Dale’s fifth try, converting himself to set the final score at 34–31.
Despite falling just short, Dale claimed two vital bonus points after a gritty and dramatic second-half performance. Ben Sunderland was named Man of the Match.
Next Match:
Re-arranged fixture vs Huddersfield
Moorgate Avenue – Saturday, 2:15pm kick-off
David Rhodes
R.R.U.F.C.
