ROSSENDALE were left kicking their heels at the weekend as their clash against Stockport at Marl Pits was called off - one of just two games in National League Three North that failed to beat the weather.

And it was a blank weekend in more ways than one as all but one of the teams above them played and they all won to stretch the gap between Dale and the promotion places.

With Sheffield Tigers looking odds on to win the title - bar a dramatic collapse in the second half of the campaign - Rossendale are one of seven sides still in with a shout of finishing in second spot and a place in the end of season play-offs.

Wirral currently occupy that second place following their 29-22 win at Hudderfield YMCA. They are now 11 points ahead of Dale but have played a game more.

Third-placed Firwood Waterloo also won, beating Birkenhead 36-21, while promoted Sheffield remain in fourth place despite their match at Lymm being postponed,

Dale, coached by Danny Collins, slipped down to sixth place an account of Hull beating Billingham 12-6. Dale have chance to reel in one of the sides above them at the weekened when they host third-placed Firwood Waterloo.

In North One West, Blackburn, who were narrowly beaten at Eccles on Saturday, are at home to Altrincham Kersal this weekend.

In Lancashire (North), Burnley are going great guns thanks to their derby day victory over Colne and Nelson to remain in third place and hot on the heels of leaders Trafford MV and second-placed Littleborough.

In contrast, Pendle remain rooted to the bottom of the table, although thier match with Hutton was postponed at the weekend.

Getty Schinkel's side have a tough test on Saturday when they go to Littleborough while Colne and Nelson will be looking for their first win of 2016 when they host Bury. Burnley go to Didsbury Toc.