Rossendale 38 Workington 10
5:19pm Tuesday 12th February 2008
ROSSENDALE produced a scintillating performance to run out 38-10 winners against Workington.
There were several positives to be taken from the game which was crucial to the outcome of this year's league campaign.
This victory means Rossendale will now have to lose five of their remaining six games to finish below automatic promotion or the play-offs.
With three of those games at home, it now looks definite Dale will have a decent shot at promotion.
The game saw Rossendale score six tries in total. The first two scores showed the difference in class between the two sides.
Fullback Roger Dennison finished the first after some great flowing rugby before Ollie Connolly capitalised on a five phase move to add a second.
Sean Stirrup converted both and Dale led 14-3 lead in the opening twenty minutes.
Seta Kolinisau then broke through one on one with the Workington full back and unselfishly passed inside to Danny Collins who scored under the posts.
The second half saw more of the same free-flowing rugby - although Workington did enjoy a ten minute spell of pressure which gave them a seven point score.
But Dale pushed forward time and time again. New fly half Jonny Appleton impressed on his debut and one break led to Connolly grabbing his second try of the afternoon.
But Dale weren't finished and Mark Walmsley, who impressed on the left wing, gifted Duncan Horrocks an easy score, again converted by Sean Stirrup.
As the game drew to its conclusion, second row Mark Ellinor was at his rampaging best to barge his way over.
The excellent Stirrup converted leaving a final score line of 38-10 to Dale.
Forwards coach Danny Collins said: "This was a great win although we lacked a little polish at times and we could have scored many more points."
Manager Mick Barnes added: "We scored some divine tries. It was an absolute joy to watch. I'd always like us to be a little more confrontational in our defence but this was a much improved performance from recent weeks."