Five‑Try Bonanza as Dale Charge Up the Table!
In bright sunshine at Moorgate Avenue, Dale faced high‑flying Burton — a side who had edged them earlier in the season. Fresh off last week’s heroics at Long Eaton, Dale were hungry for more points and a route out of the danger zone.
Dale burst out confidently, Collins’ booming kicks pinning Burton back. After early exchanged penalties, a sharp line‑out move put Cliff Howard over for the opener, converted by Collins for 7–0. Burton hit back quickly, finding a rare gap to level at 7–7.
Dale struck again before the break: Sunderland — outstanding all day — sliced through and fed Joesbury for try number two. Collins made it 14–7 at halftime.
Burton levelled early in the second half 14-14 when their centre sped through the Dale backs, then took the lead with another converted try 14–21. But Dale refused to fold. With Connor, Shanks, and Poole making hard yards, Howard finished a slick inside ball from Collins to level at 21–21.
Howard was unstoppable, completing his hat‑trick after another clean 5‑metre line‑out to put Dale 28–21 up with ten minutes left. Burton weren’t done either, grabbing a fourth converted try to tie it again at 28–28.
From the restart, a penalty followed by a perfect kick gave Dale territory. A crisp line‑out, fast hands, Sunderland breaking, Joesbury supporting — and the decisive try under the posts. Collins nailed the extras for a thrilling 35–28 win.
A superb end‑to‑end contest, with Dale’s fitness, belief, and attacking intent proving the difference. Next stop: Blackburn away, before the season finale at Wirral on April 11th.
David Rhodes RRUFC
