Rossendale completed their Regional One North West programme with a 38-26 win at home to fourth-placed Sandbach to finish third in the league table.

Out of the 22 games played, the Marl Pits side have won 16 and lost six and now move on to the Regional One Championship Cup.

Rossendale did not have the best of starts conceding three penalties in quick succession converted by James Preston to give the visitors a 9-0 lead.

However, once the Rossendale ‘machine’ went into gear, the Marl Pits outfit opened their tally with a try from Brad Cave after some good work behind the ruck by Liam Canning and a break by Scott Jordan, the full-back supplying the scoring pass to the oncoming centre.

And it was Jordan again soon after, this time entering the line at pace to go in for the second to give his side the lead. Lewis Allen added both conversions for a 14-9 advantage at the interval.

In the second period, Jordan racked up his second try and his side’s third, gathering a chip over the defence by Allen. And with the pack now on top, a drive by Canning and good hands across the line put Oliver Molloy over for the bonus score, Allen again on target with both conversions.

Sandbach responded with a penalty try, before Allen slotted a penalty for Rossendale.

But with the visitors showing some late enterprise, James Preston and Laurie Essenhigh crossed for them in quick succession to narrow the score to 31-26 with all to play for.

With the game now in its final stages, Rossendale managed to seal the win with a try from James O’Rorke, taking an interception as the Cheshire side made a last-ditch attempt to snatch a win, Allen again adding the extras.

This Saturday Rossendale are at home to Blackburn in a Lancashire Cup fixture before starting their regional cup trail on April 1 with a home tie against Regional One North East side Driffield who, like Rossendale, finished third in their league.