IT HAS been a long time coming after, by Rossendale’s standards, a somewhat lethargic start to the season but this win was straight out of the ‘top drawer’, a 50-26 seven-try thrashing of Cheshire outfit Lymm.

With the Albinson brothers and close season signing Sam Atiola out injured consultant coach Mark Nelson had used his good offices to bring in half back Lewis Allen on loan from National One side Fylde and he certainly made a difference.

Lymm took the lead with a converted try but a penalty from Steve Nutt and try for George Peel gave Dale the lead.

A free kick quickly taken by Collins carried on by Paddy Pole got Allen over for the second, Nutt again successful with the extras.

Lymm replied with a second converted try but Rossendale went in at the interval 17-14 ahead.

The second half however belonged to the home side.

Ryan McKibbin was put over by James Bramhall for the bonus score and Peel scored Dale’s fifth.

Lymm crossed for four tries of their own but Dale’s victory was never McKibbin picked up to put Collins in for his second. Rossendale rounded off the scoring with this time Collins putting McKibbin in for the seventh.