Sale 55
Rossendale 19

Not the best of days for Rossendale whose much weakened side with four pack men missing through injury were subjected to a seven-try defeat at the hands of promotion-chasing Sale FC.

It wasn’t that fact that the visitors failed to compete but up against a lighter pack – particularly at the break down – Sale were able to commit fewer men to that area and utilise some of their big forward further out wide.

The difference was apparent right from the start as Sale took a 27-0 lead in at half time through tries from Jack Moorhouse, Ben Stelmaszek and Chris Mayor all converted by Liam McGovern who also slotted two penalties.

The second half was a closer affair with, following a bonus try for Joe Kelly also converted by McGovern, Rossendale got Danny Harrison over off the second phase following a penalty line out, Steve Nutt adding the extras.

Sam Stelmaszek crossed again for Sale but enjoying the best of the action so far, a break by James Bramhall (above) brought a try for the outside half, again converted by Nutt.

Rhodri Mayor and Moorhouse ran in further tries for the home side before Kane Bevan crossed for a deserved third try for Rossendale supporting a break by Alex Isherwood.