DMPRFC 20 v ROSSENDALE RFC 20

If Mowden’s previous games against Rossendale RFC were anything to go by, this game was no different to any other, except that this time Mowden nearly pulled off the win.

Rossendale’s tactics have always appeared to be, batter the opposition for the first half, whilst trying to accumulate as many points as possible, then try to hang on.

This game was no different. But it nearly backfired, as Mowden came back from a 3 – 17 half time deficit, to draw the game at 20 – 20 at the final whistle.

Prior to the kick off, Mowden had to reshuffle as No. 8 Tom Wilkinson broke down in the warm up, forcing centre Ian HODGSON to the back row, with Marty LITHGO moving up to the bench, for his first involvement with the 1ST XV since returnng from a long lay off through injury.

Rossendale were the better team in the first half, as Mowden tried in vain to compete up front with bigger opponents who were well used to the bump and grind game.

The deadlock was broken after fifteen minutes by a sweetly struck Gavin PAINTER drop goal, something of a rare occurrence in the game these days, but very pleasing to watch when it does actually occur.

Rossendale responded well with a try from one of the overseas contingent, but the conversion was missed.

Mowden discovered a ten minute period when they thought they had found the key to opening up the visitors, by utilising the running game, which did bring some territorial success, but chances were squandered.

This was short lived for the home side as Rossendale deservedly ran in two further tries in quick succession, with one being converted, as Mowden seemed to lose the plot about how to compete, with the forwards coming off second best and the backs making little but lateral progress.

Oranges came with the score at 3 - 17 and and with it, an opportunity for the home side to settle, re-group and try to assess the way forward.

Rossendale at this time were sensing victory by a bigger margin, but when the second half commenced, it was Mowden who found early impetus, scoring through Robin EATOUGH, who up until then had been well policed by the visiting defenders

Rossendale tried to respond with a penalty to make it 8 – 20, but all could see that the tide was turning and with it, a noticeable desperation in the visitors style of play, with attempts to slow down all facets of play beginning to fail.

Mowden were in complete control in the last ten minutes, with Matt LISTER running in the second, as Mowden seemed to unleash the shackles and run.

Rossendale’s forwards were blowing out of their preverbials by this stage and Matt LISTER motored in for his second try, cleverly running from wide out to behind the posts, giving Gavin PAINTER the easiest of afters.

As Mowden hoped for more time however, this was the final piece of action as the official called time with things all square.

Credit to the Mowden players who never gave up and nearly pulled off the win,which to be fair, would have been a little harsh on Rossendale.

Marty LITHGO did get game time and showed that he is not far from being back to his best.