Forward thinking is the key for Dale

6:26pm Tuesday 11th March 2008

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ROSSENDALE Thirds compete in their first ever Halbro Plate semi final on Saturday and they will be looking to use forward thinking to cause an upset at Wigan.

Dale travel to the unbeaten Division Five North leaders hoping to use their powerful pack to fashion an unlikely win.

The Marl Pits side have already won through four rounds but this is by far their toughest challenge.

However, captain Andy Johnson is not daunted by the task the lies ahead in a match the promised to be a clash of styles.

Dale are currently in fourth place in Divison Five - 17 behind leaders Wigan.

"We go there as underdogs but we still fancy our chances of causing an upset," said Johnson, who is set to pack down in Dale's second row. "Wigan tend to play a Rugby League style of game so like to get rid of the ball in the tackle.

"Our strength is up front so we will be looking to dominate in the forwards."

And Dale could have a secret try-scoring weapon in their front row in the shape of Ian Morton.

The prop has crossed for seven tries this season - most of them reserved for the cup run.

Centre Danny Hothersall has also been in fine form, with seven tries himself, as Dale go in to the tie on the back of three straight wins.

Johnson added: "We haven't played Wigan in the league yet but that might be a good thing.

"We have beaten teams above us so we have no reason to go there thinking we are going to lose."

"But whatever happens, to get to the semi finals for the first time is a great achievement for us."

The final of the Halbro Plate will be held at Blackburn RUFC on May 3.