The scoreline belies a feisty second half performance by Rossendale who came back from 39-0 down just after half time to cross for five tries and take the half 24-29.

Dale picked up a well deserved bonus point, few imagined there were possible at half time and few that have been taken out of Caro Road so far this season.

Disrupted by the loss of hooker Paul Keys after two minutes, the first half was all Harrogate who controlled both possession and territory to cross for five tries.

The second period proved a different affair as Jamie Albinson rallied the troops, the Dale pack fronted up and it was a break by Albinson that set up the first try, Roger Dennison entering the line at pace from full back to cross close to the posts, Steve Nutt adding the conversion.

Harrogate hit back with a try before Nutt intercepted a promising move by the home side to score from half way.

Harrogate then conceded a penalty try from the five metre scrum and Nutt again added the extras He scored his second try after good pick and go by Paddy Pole and the pack with Sam Greenwood bringing up the fifth after forceful work by Pole and Tim Fourie.