Where do I begin?
In half a century of involvement in rugby union I have never seen anything like this. More than one hundred points scored, sixteen tries,(eight a peace), some poor defending but some amazing attacking. Rochdale’s “never say die” mentality was immense! We must remember that very few of our players have played at this level previously. To make the step up (and hopefully stay up) to this level takes some doing.
The comeback was staggering – being at one stage, just before half time, down 35-7 and down 48-47 after 37 minutes in the second half. Come the last play (44 mins into the second half) Danny Joesbury gets the winning try!
Tries were scored by the following: Joesbury (2), Dom Serridge, Ben Sunderland (2), Ben Parton, Joe Donnelly, and Luke Fowden. Steve Collins converted 7.
Front row saw the welcome return of James O’Connell and good play from Ben Coulter, Johnny Bradley and Ben Parton (great try). The second row of Eddie Shanks and Paddy O’Loughlin was steady in the scrum and made good carries. The remaining forwards made good tackles and carries from Dec Connor, Sunderland and Joesbury. Harry Hayes returned from injury, showing experienced game management. Jacob Jackson showed his versatility to fit a number of forward positions.
The half backs ran the show. Serridge and Collins using their experience to good effect. Midfield saw the little and large combination of Donnelly and Fowden – a great match up.The back three – skipper Josh Schofield, Joe Horne and Dan Taylor showed good composure and blistering pace.
Well done the Dale! Three more league games left and still the chance of more points to be had in the challenge to remain in NW League One.
Gregory Hayes Rochdale RUFC
