Rossendale 32

Kirkby Lonsdale 23

A WIN and five valuable points has propelled Rossendale further up the North Premier table with the Marl Pits side now in fifth place.

But it could have been all so different if a promising KL attack had not been intercepted by Leon Simpson who went over close to the posts for a converted try in the closing stages.

A try at that late stage for the visitors could have given them the match. As it was the Cumbrian side left with nothing, all the spoils going to the home side.

A penalty from Ryan Currie opened the scoring for the visitors but from a penalty line out and a catch and drive sucking in the fringe defence, Jack Ward broke away, with a missed pass finding Simpson coming onto the ball at pace for his side’s first try.

A second penalty from Currie restored the Cumbrians lead before a try by Harry Huddleston increased the advantage with a third penalty from Currie affording a 5-14 lead.

A penalty from Lewis Allen closed the gap but a second try from Huddleston and a fourth penalty by Currie sent the visitors in 8-23 at the interval.

In the second period Rossendale moved up a gear with a catch and drive getting Jack Wilkinson over, Allen on song with the extras before a penalty try gave the home side a slender two point lead despite the dismissal of Ward to a red card.

It looked as though it would not last but Simpson’s intervention and Allen’s boot proved enough.

Dale have a tough test if they are to record a third win of the season on Saturday when they travel to Ilkley who are one place above them in the table