ANTHONY Bingham made a little bit of history when he became the first Rossendale player to represent Lancashire in a County Championship final at Twickenham.

And while he ultimately ended up on the losing side as Cornwall clinched a narrow 18-13 victory, the 30-year-old said defeat did not detract from what was a memorable occasion.

“Being part of the county set-up, culminating with playing in the final at Twickenham has been an incredible experience,” said the winger, known as Bingo to his team-mates.

“Obviously, I would have liked to have been on the winning team but it did not take anything away from a special day for me.”

For Bingham, an American Football convert, it was his first ever trip to Twickenham and running out on to the pitch before kick off was his first sight of ‘HQ’.

“We didn’t get to warm up on the pitch before the match so running out just before the kick off was the first time I got to see Twickenham. It was amazing.

“Rugby wasn’t my sport when I was youngster, I was more involved in American Rugby and I only took it up about four years ago.

“But it is definitely my sport now.”

The flying winger caught the attention of the county coaches for his try scoring exploits in National League Three North.

He made his Lancashire debut against Cheshire as a replacement and then came off the bench against Durham before started for the first time against Yorkshire - where he promptly got knocked unconscious.

“It was touch and go whether I would make the final but thankfully I got the all clear and managed to get in the starting line-up,” he said.

Bingham formed a back three partnership with England Counties flyer Jordan Dorrington and Italian international Warren Spragg.

“I was happy with my own performance,” added Bingham who has completed his second full season at Marl Pits. “It would have been nice to have got my hands on the ball a bit more and make a few breaks but I was still happy.”

Having tasted the Twickenham experience, Bingham - who was Rossendale’s top try scorer last season - wants to sample it again.

And with Lancashire head coach, Mark Nelson, set to take up a consultancy coaching role at Rossendale, Bingham will have plenty of time to impress - and so will his team-mates.

“Nelly is a great coach and I learnt a lot in the four weeks I was with Lancashire,” he said. “It is great to see that he is coming to work with us at Rossendale because it will be a great chance to show what we can do.

“Hopefully, there will be more of us in the county squad next season.”

Bingham’s county capers earned him his Lancashire tie after his debut and his county badge after his fourth appearance which was presented to him by former England captain Bill Beaumont at Twickenham.

He has now set his sights on earning his Lancashire cap which is awarded after 10 appearances.

Meanwhile, there has been a coaching restructure at Dale with Danny Collins, who is player and forwards coach, taking on a more hands-on role along with other senior players including Jamie Albinson and Steve Nutt who will work with Nelson who is former Sale Sharks, Fylde and England Counties head coach.

“We have had a bit of a rejig to freshen things up which you need to do from time to time,” said Collins.

“Some of the senior players will be taking more of a major role with the coaching, working alongside Mark. I think these are exciting times for the club.”

Nelson is hoping to use his experience to bring out the best in the club’s talented youngsters.

“I have had several meetings with Danny and key people at the club,” said Nelson.

“Rossendale are keen to develop local talent through the colts into the senior teams, and attract quality players from further afield to create a highly positive team culture within the club.

“This is a very progressive move forwards.”

Players wishing to join the club are welcome to attend pre-season training that startson Thursday, July 2 at The Marl Pits from 7pm.