Rochdale Valiant in Defeat Against Promotion Hopefuls

In 1st XV Match Reports by Richard Bradley

Rochdale 24 Anselmians 40

Rochdale produced a spirited display against one of the division's strongest sides but ultimately fell to a 40-24 defeat against promotion-chasing Anselmians at Moorgate Avenue.

Rochdale look calm and collected
Before kick-off, players, officials and supporters observed a minute's applause in memory of Darren Sanderson, a much-loved club member who tragically passed away last week.
With Anselmians having finished runners-up last season and narrowly missing out on promotion to National Two West, Rochdale knew they faced a testing afternoon. Despite the challenge, the hosts started brightly in warm sunshine and took the game to their visitors in the opening exchanges.
Pre-match interview (please turn your volume up)
However, Anselmians applied significant pressure in the Rochdale 22 following two consecutive penalties and were first to strike after seven minutes. A well-worked move across the field created space for Cotgrave to cross, with Smith adding the conversion for a 0-7 lead.
Rochdale kick-off
Rochdale responded impressively. They applied the pressure forcing two penalties and gaining good field position with strong runs from the Dale forwards. A solid lineout platform enabled the ball to be moved through the backs, allowing Mitch Holt to exploit a gap and race over for a try. Johnston's conversion levelled the scores at 7-7 after 14 minutes.
Strong pick-up from the scrum by Jacob Jackson
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James O'Connelly driving forwards
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Eddy Bateman using his power and footwork to find the gap
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    The visitors suffered a setback four minutes later when Smith was shown a yellow card for kicking the ball away after an Anselmians error deep inside the Rochdale 22. The hosts capitalised on their numerical advantage and, after a slick passing move, Sunderland crossed for Rochdale's second try. Johnston again converted to put the home side 14-7 ahead.
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    Anselmians soon demonstrated why they are regarded as one of the league's leading outfits. Shortly after Smith returned to the field, their well-executed rolling maul saw Sanders power over, with Smith converting to level the scores once more.

    The visitors finished the half strongly. After sustained pressure and a scrum awarded from a penalty, the Rochdale defence was drawn in before Dodd was released out wide to score. Smith's conversion gave Anselmians a 14-21 lead at the interval.

    Rochdale had further injury concerns during the first half but showed great resilience with cover from local players Mitch Holt and Taylor, further demonstrating Rochdale’s successful player pathway from youth rugby.
    Mitch Holt also showing his versatility moving from centre to fly-half
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    Dan Taylor showing his versatility moving from scrumhalf to wing
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      Rochdale emerged for the second half determined to stay in the contest and were rewarded almost immediately. Excellent work from Hartley at the breakdown allowed Parton to break clear before finding Fowden in support for a superb team try, reducing the deficit to just two points.

      Any hopes of a comeback were quickly checked as Anselmians stuck firmly to their game plan. Whittaker finished off another attack in the 45th minute and Smith converted to restore the visitors' cushion. Ten minutes later, another penalty at the scrum led to a dominant driving maul from a lineout resulting in Cotgrave's second try of the afternoon, again converted by Smith, extending the lead to 19-35.

      Although Anselmians continued to probe the hosts out wide, Rochdale defended resolutely and refused to let the game drift away. Rochdale's running game remained a constant threat, with scrum-half Serridge providing quick ball and creating opportunities for powerful runners such as Fowden to create the space out wide.
      Ever present Dom Serridge
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      Luke Foden always a threat
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      Josh Schofield always a threat
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      Dan Taylor trying to find the space
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        Rochdale’s efforts were rewarded after 71 minutes when captain Schofield finished a breakaway move to secure a fourth try and an important bonus point for the hosts.

        Anselmians had the final say, however. With three minutes remaining, they kicked a penalty to touch, secured possession from the lineout and moved the ball through the hands for Grabe to score in the corner, completing a 24-40 victory.

        While Anselmians' clinical rolling maul and dangerous backline ultimately proved decisive, Rochdale can take considerable encouragement from a performance full of endeavour, attacking ambition and defensive commitment. Against one of the strongest sides in the division, the hosts more than matched their opponents for long periods and secured a deserved bonus point. If they continue to play with the same attacking ambition and defensive commitment, brighter days are undoubtedly ahead.
        Post-match interview (please turn your volume up)
        Rochdale Man of the Match Ben Sunderland typified the hosts' spirit, combining relentless work-rate with powerful carries that consistently put the visitors under pressure.
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        Report: Mike Henry
        Interviews & Videos: Jim Shanks
        Photos: Tim Taylor