1st XV Match Reports

Macclesfield RUFC 50 Rochdale 26 RUFCRochdale travelled to a sunny Priory Park to face an undefeated Macclesfield side, with several players, including Joe Horne, unavailable, adding to their list of injuries.Before the game head coach Steve Collins talked about this injury roller coaster and how impressed he’s been with the players who have step-up. He expressed how well the team …

Rochdale RUFC 8-14 Stockport RUFCIn conditions that tested both sides to their limits, Rochdale and Stockport battled through relentless rain and swirling winds that turned this Regional 1 North West encounter into a war of attrition rather than a showcase of expansive rugby. The final score saw Stockport emerge 8-14 winners, but the contest was pretty even with both sides …

Leek RFC 19 v 14 Rochdale RUFCSaturday saw Rochdale against the Moorlanders, Leek RFC. It was to be a close game, one of two halves, conditions suiting Rochdale, a dry, sunny day and grassy pitch.Pre-match interview with Tom CallaghanSelection saw Rochdale more recognisable to that of the start of the season. Steve Collins back at fly half the two Joes, …

Rossendale RUFC 54 V 28 Rochdale RUFCThe delayed start to the season had led to what was going to be a blank fixture weekend becoming today`s match. Combined with a few injuries, Rochdale was selecting a team that would have been unrecognizable at the start of the season. However, all twenty players in the squad were homegrown, a true testament …

Rochdale 24 Anselmians 40Rochdale 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 collectedBefore 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 …

Late Vale Fightback Breaks Rochdale Hearts in Thrilling ContestRochdale 28 Vale of Lune 32 Rochdale were left to rue a dramatic late score as Vale of Lune snatched victory with the final play of an absorbing encounter, turning a 17-point deficit into a 32-28 triumph.Tom Callaghan pre-match interviewRochdale forwards coach Tom Callaghan explains how the players have worked hard on …

Taylor Try Highlights Battling Rochdale Performance Against Promoted ValeSaturday 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 …

Dale travelled to the Memorial Ground to meet Wirral with both sides looking to avoid a relegation play off. Dale had a strong side out for this important fixture and after three good wins they were confident in the blustery conditions. They started in the best possible fashion with a good passing move finding Cliff Howard on the wing to …

Dale made it three wins on the bounce with maximum points, climbing to seventh in the table after a blustery battle at Blackburn. Facing a fierce headwind, Dale struck early. A smart lineout move sent Dougie Poole over after five minutes, before Dom Serridge sliced through for try number two. Josh Schofield powered in for a third, giving Dale a …