Sandal 24 Rossendale 15

 

Down to 14 men for the whole of the second half due to the sending off of Danny Collins proved too much of a handicap as Rossendale lost for only the second time this season 24-15 away to Sandal.

Rossendale dominated play right from the kick off and without the opposition touching the ball, forceful driving play by the pack opened up a gap for Will Sharratt to cross wide out.

In a rare foray into the Rossendale half Sandal levelled matters with a try from Ian Jackson after Steve Nutt had failed to hack clear a difficult bouncing ball, the conversion by the outside half giving the home side the lead.

Rossendale came again with a catch and drive setting up the opportunity for Paddy Pole to power his way over, Nutt’s conversion restoring the advantage before Sandal narrowed the gap with a penalty close to half time after the visitors had lost Collins (below) for punching.

Rossendale still were having the better of both territory and possession as Nutt slotted a penalty but as the pressure of Sandal's extra man began to tell the Yorkshire side drew level with a try from Sam Chitavura, the conversion from Jackson putting Aandal ahead for the second time . At 17-15 Rossendale were still well in it and were unfortunate not to take the lead after Sam Lothian went over but the move was called back for a suspected forward pass from Jamie Albinson.

In the closing minutes Sandal sealed the win with a second try from Chitavura, Jackson again successful with the conversion.