Depleted Rossendale beaten late

WITH Leyton Taylor absent through suspension and Paddy Pole, Johan Goosens and Danny Collins all absent through injury, Rossendale took a very much understrength pack away to relegation threatened Percy Park.

The task proved too much as a combination of lack of power up front and a side desperately fighting to avoid the drop consigned the visitors to a 32-15 defeat.

Park took an early lead with a try from Toby Davidson converted by Todd Harrison.

Rossendale hit back with a try from Danny Harrison, the winger going the length of the pitch after intercepting a promising Percy Park attack, Steve Nutt on hand with the conversion.

A penalty from Nutt edged the visitors ahead but Park regained the advantage with try from Ben Bell, but following a penalty from Nutt and a try from James Bramhall, up in support of a break by Tom Albinson also converted by Nutt, Rossendale enjoyed a 12-20 lead at half time.

Paul Ponton pulled a try back for the home side and a penalty from Harrison levelled matters at 20-20.

A bonus try by Alistair Blaire converted by Davidson restored the home side’s advantage and although Harrison crossed for his second, a try in the closing minutes by Andrew Dunn sealed the win for the hosts.