DANNY Collins says Rossendale can be the pride of Lancashire if they can clinch promotion from National League Three North.

And ‘Dale can take another giant step towards achieving their goal when they tackle third-placed Hull at Marl Pits on Saturday.

“It is our biggest game so far and it is going to be a dog fight against Hull,” predicted forward coach Collins.

“If we finish second then that would guarantee a home tie in the play-offs, so there is a lot riding on this game.

“We are eight points clear of Hull, so another win would put us in a very strong position.”

While the Stags are on the march, other clubs in the county, Fylde and Preston Grasshoppers, for example, have struggled this term.

“Rossendale Rugby Club play on the side of a mountain and if we win promotion then perhaps other people will be forced to take us seriously,” added Collins.

“We are all really proud of the players for what they have achieved so far, we are on the verge of doing something very special indeed.”

Coach Mark Nelson has worked wonders at Marl Pits, with ‘Dale having lost only three times in the league.

“Mark has made us a force to be reckoned with and the whole club is buzzing,” added Collins.

“We’ve good strength in depth, and there’s a lot to be happy about in terms of the club’s progress.

“The second team are top of their league and are through to the semi-finals of their cup, so that’s a great sign.”

Rossendale stalwart Collins was forced to retire due to injury earlier this season, adding: “All the players have bought into what Mark is trying to do here and he has given the club a new direction.

“There’s been a lot of change, but the players are enthused by his coaching methods and there’s a tremendous drive and enthusiasm to try and win promotion.”

n Rossendale Colts travelled to Liverpool St Helen's Senior Colts looking to avenge the heavy defeat they suffered in their previous meeting but ended up losing 33-0.

In what was a fiercely contested game with pride, aggression and commitment on show. And despite the score line and lack of any Dale scores, it was a closer affair than it suggests.

Dominic Martin and Tom Unsworth both went close to scoring in the first half while a strong LSH defence kept Dale out after the break.