Billingham 28 Rossendale 18 IT was not the best of days for Rossendale losing 28-18 away to Billingham - a result that has pushed the Marl Pits side down to sixth place in National Three North.
This was a fixture against the ninth place side they would have expected to win.
As it was, a slow start allowed the home side to build up a ‘head of steam’ to take a 17-3 lead from which they found it difficult to recover. Rossendale, in fact, were first on the scoreboard with a penalty from Lewis Allen as Billingham strayed off-side.
But tries from Adam Radwan and Matt Kirby - both converted by Peter Evans who also landed a penalty - set up the lead.
However, in the closing minutes of the half Rossendale did manage to offer some hope with a try from Allen through some enterprising back play on the back of a driving maul for 17-8 at the interval.
In the second half, a try by player/coach Danny Collins from a catch and drive converted by Allen brought Rossendale into serious contention at 17-15.
However, a penalty from Evans and try from Luke Wilson put them two scores behind again.
Allen hit a penalty which looked to have secured at the least the losing bonus point but a third penalty from Evans in the closing stages sent the the visitors home with nothing to show for their efforts.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here