Rossendale 27 Fleetwood 3

8:26pm Tuesday 4th March 2008

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ROSSENDALE moved a step closer to securing a place in the end-of-season promotion play-offs but it was a less than impressive victory.

The Marl Pits side may have crossed for four tries but it did not stop the coaching staff berating a below par performance with a potential play-off final a matter of weeks away.

But despite the unusual subdued display - all-action team captain Danny Collins the exception - Dale were still too strong for Fleetwood.

Amid the uninspiring play, first half tries by Paul Woodward, who emerged from a forward drive close in, and the elusive Jonny Appleton put Dale in control. Both tries were converted by Shaun Stirrup who added a penalty as Dale led 17-0 at the break.

Dale played in to the wind after the break but Fleetwood could only manage a solitary penalty. The match was put beyond Fleetwood thanks to tries from Joel McKenty and Mark Walmesley.

Dale travel to Upper Eden on Saturday (ko 2.30pm).

ROSSENDALE: Dennison, Kolinisau (Connolly 60 mins), Harper, Diggle, Walmesley (Hilliard 65 mins), Appleton, Stirrup, McKenty (Mitchell 50 mins), R Horrocks, Collins, Woodward, Ellinor, John, Entwistle, D Horrocks.