Taylor Try Highlights Battling Rochdale Performance Against Promoted Vale
Saturday saw Rochdale play their final pre-season game against newly promoted (to North West Division 1) Vale of Lune RUFC, travelling from Lancaster.
Rochdale had selected a strong squad of 24 players, including some stalwarts of the club and also players experiencing the new joys of selection into the first team.
The starting line-up included in the front row Poole, O`Connell, with long timers Hill and Coulter available from the bench. Second row saw a new combination, experienced Shanks linked to newcomer Jakeman. Back row saw much of last season`s combination of Joesbury, Sunderland and Hayes. Halfbacks saw Dan Taylor at scrum half and Matty Johnson outside half. Centres, Mitch Holt and Donnelly. Back 3 Davies, Kershaw and skipper Schofield.
Tom Callaghan pre-match interview
Rochdale forwards coach Tom Callaghan discusses pre-season preparations and what Rochdale supporters can expect this season.
Vale kick-off
Rochdale receive and follow their standard playbook.
Tidy Rochdale lineout
Rochdale forwards showed promise at set pieces from good positions near the Vale line.
Rochdale did look threatening with the ball in hand. Speed of ball creates space; Josh Scolefield was typical of Rochdale's speed and skillset, one break leading to a disallowed try for a knock forwards.
The first try was scored near to the end of the first half by Dan Taylor from his own break who is growing in confidence. Conversion by Johnson; 0-7.
In the last play of the half Vale of Lune`s forwards broke the valiant Rochdale line. 7-7.
Also key to Rochdale creating space was tying in the Vale backrow and half backs. Strong runs in the tight channels from Dan Joesbury and Dougie Poole proved very effective at keeping the Vale backrow tied in.
Vale also wanted to move the ball quickly and used a strong drift attack to look for space out wide.
On numerous occasions they cut-back a nice line that kept Rochdale forwards working, with players like James O'Connell putting in a high tackle count.
New players had some strong runs at the Vale defence
The second half saw a number of changes from the home team, reflecting the squad size.
Appearances were made by Jack Holt, Rawlinson, Frazer, Bentham, Bland, Dring and Smith.
Rochdale's man of the match went to Mitch Holt for this great defence and work rate. As a relatively new play to the first team, Mitch combined well with his teammates like Joe Donnelly.
In the end Vale of Lune dominated, scoring four tries throughout the second half. It was a valiant performance from Rochdale, but still this was a pre-season game.
Steve Collins post-match interview
Head coach Steve Collins identified areas to work on but wasn't too disappointed with the end result but more what he learnt from this pre-season friendly, including the great opportunity to see new players against a strong Vale opposition.
The season proper will start on 26th September when Rochdale will take on Vale of Lune once more. This time in North West Division One. It will be interesting to see the outcome for real.
Well played everyone, players and officials, and the groundskeeping team for keeping the pitch in great condition.
Looking forward to the new season proper!