Wigan Fourths 33 Rossendale Thirds 5

10:21am Tuesday 18th March 2008

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ROSSENDALE Thirdsmay have missed out on a place in the Halbro Plate final but they left high-flying Wigan with compliments ringing in their ears.

Wigan, with five former professional rugby league players in their ranks, lived up to their pre-match billing as favourites to run out 33-5 winners.

But the Miller Homes League Division Two leaders said Rossendale are the best team they have come up against this season.

Wigan opened up a 19-0 lead at the break but Dale hit back with a try from hooker Simon Entwistle early in the second half following several phases of play by the visitor's dominant pack.

Dale were then camp in the home sides 22 but could not make the pressure count and Wigan weathered the storm to add to their total.

Although they crashed out of the cup, player/coach Andy Johnson was not too down-hearted.

"We played well but we could have played a lot better," said Johnson. "Our strength is in our forwards and we had Wigan worried in the opening 10 minutes. But the match became disrupted and our game plan kind of went out the window."

Johnson said number eight Bryn Clemence and centre Jason Diggle were Dale's stand-out players but Wigan were impressed with the Marl Pits outfit in general.

"They told us later they thought they might lose after the way we started," added Johnson. "Wigan also said we were the best side they had faced this season which is a nice compliment."