10-66 and all that!
In a rearranged fixture at a wet Moorgate Avenue, Rochdale faced league‑high‑flyers Huddersfield. Despite recent heavy rain, the pitch was in great condition thanks to the ground staff.
Dale handed debuts to brothers Max and Will Rawlinson and welcomed back Harry Hill and Harry Hayes from injury. However, Dougie Poole was injured in the warm‑up, and Josh Schofield was still sidelined. Callum Hill also returned after a spell at Rossendale.
Dale started well with a 16‑phase move but lost the ball close to the line. Huddersfield quickly punished this, scoring the first of their ten tries. Two more tries followed, helped by Dale mistakes and a yellow card, putting the visitors 21–0 up. Dale hit back through Danny Joesbury to make it 21–5, but another yellow left them down to 13 men, and Huddersfield added a fourth right on half‑time: 28–5.
Changes in the pack gave Dale some momentum, and Sunderland and Hill made strong runs, but Huddersfield’s pace out wide extended their lead to 33–5 and then 40–5 before Paddy O’Loughlin grabbed Dale’s second try (40–10). Huddersfield responded with two more scores and, after another pair of yellow cards (one each), added their ninth try. Dale kept fighting, with Sunderland nearly scoring after a clever chip from Hill, but Huddersfield had the last word with a final breakaway try: 66–10.
A tough day for a young Rochdale side, but with encouraging signs from Callum Hill and another strong effort from Ben Sunderland. Next up: at home to Manchester, 2:15pm.
—David Rhodes, R.R.U.F.C.
