As the team travelled across a snow‑filled M62 corridor, it was difficult to understand how the game against Rossendale was going to go ahead. With late cry‑offs to an already injury‑hit squad, both DoR Danny Brown and Backs Coach Richie Young were drafted onto the bench at the 11th hour. You wouldn’t be mistaken for thinking a tough afternoon at the office was in store.

However, on arriving at Rossendale RFC’s Marl Pits HQ, we couldn’t have been more wrong. The pitch was in perfect condition, and the only signs of the earlier snow were seen on the hills above.

The opening 10 minutes were as expected, as a rejuvenated Rossendale came flying out of the blocks with carry after carry, pinning Mowden to the bottom of the slope. Mowden, buoyed after a fantastic defensive display the week before against Wharfedale, continued where they left off as they repelled the onslaught to hold firm. In one of the few attacking moments for Mowden, a quick tap penalty from Vice‑Captain Jacob Butterill saw him cross over from short range, with Flynn Ward making no mistake with the conversion (0–7).

From the resulting kick‑off, the ball landed with Shaun McCartney, who switched play to his partner in crime, Callum Mackenzie. Mackenzie made a 50m break from his own try‑line to feed Flynn Ward, who lifted the ball onto his shoulder to the eventual scorer, James Bent. Ward again added the extras (0–14).

On the 20‑minute mark, Rossendale came back into the game. With some dominant forward surges, they put Mowden under pressure again but were unable to take advantage, as Mowden held firm and turned over possession, winning a series of penalties for holding on. Unfortunately, their attacking options were thwarted as several kicks to touch were missed and the pressure stayed on. Rossendale finally converted possession into points on the 25‑minute mark, stealing a Mowden lineout and allowing their big forward pack a series of drives before second‑row Tom Clark dotted down under the sticks for an easy conversion by fullback Kieran Tyrer (7–14).

Almost straight from kick‑off, Rossendale won back possession and pinned Mowden back again. Another stolen lineout in Mowden’s 22m saw the strong‑running Ross pack drive forward and release centre Joe Burns to go untouched under the posts, giving Tyrer another simple conversion (14–14).

Mowden were next on the scoresheet with a typical break around the ruck from scrum‑half Ben Douglas, who was supported by Liam Checksfield. Checksfield dotted down on his 50th appearance for the club, again converted by Ward (14–21).

It was back and forth. Rossendale responded with a flurry of attacks and found the midfield sleeping as the Ross 10 danced through and put Sableman‑Blue in at the corner to peg Mowden back just before oranges. The conversion was missed (19–21).

With the whistle for the break looming, Mowden launched one more attack. A catch‑and‑drive lineout from a penalty saw Shaun McCartney fed by Ben Douglas, who spotted space blind. Ward again converted—far more effective off a rugby tee than a golf tee, according to sources from Tuesday’s team bonding at the driving range (19–28).

Half‑Time: Rossendale 19 – 28 Darlington Mowden Park

On resumption, it was clear Mowden needed to be less wasteful with attacking ball and return to basics with their set piece. Another missed lineout and a penalty to touch, followed by a turnover within the first 5 minutes, didn’t bode well. Rossendale had the better of the early exchanges and, on 45 minutes, scored through No. 8 Macui Nabogi, converted by Tyrer to bring them within two points (26–28).

The Rossendale score seemed to spark Mowden into life. Moving the ball well and stretching the Rossendale forwards from east to west, Mowden found momentum from another catch‑and‑drive lineout. Callum Mackenzie dived over for the first of his hat‑trick, with Ward converting (26–35).

From the kick‑off, Mowden secured possession and Reuben Dyer, with his first touch of the game, collected from the base of the scrum and darted clear, finding the support run of Mackenzie for his second try. The conversion was missed (26–40).

The next try came from another impressive break by Mackenzie at No. 8 from his own 5m line. He played in centre Liam Checksfield, who broke, kicked ahead, and forced a Mowden scrum after the retreating Rossendale fullback carried the ball over. From the scrum, Mackenzie finished what he started with a pick‑and‑go and stretch for the line. Ward added the conversion (26–47).

Rossendale never gave up and offered several attacks, but Mowden’s defensive effort was huge, forcing mistakes and turnovers. With the resulting pressure, Mowden kicked well and, from another attacking lineout inside Rossendale’s 5m, made inroads before play switched to James Bent, who stepped his way over for the eighth and final try, converted by Ward (26–54).

This was still not the end. With only two minutes remaining, Vee was replaced by DoR Danny Brown to join his son on the field. The Rossendale kick‑off failed to go 10m, giving Danny his first involvement as he packed down with Bruno—not once, but twice more. As Mowden moved the ball wide, Rossendale received a yellow card for a high tackle. From the resulting penalty, a trick‑play lineout saw Danny Brown fall just short. In the final play of the game, Bruno collected from his dad but was adjudged to have made a double movement over the try‑line, denying what would have been the perfect ending to a memorable day in the Dale.

Worthy mentions go to Talite Vaioleti for a fantastic 80 minutes in the front row, Tom Larder for his effort and energy around the park, and the returning Dylan Thompson, whose defensive effort in the first half was outstanding. Not forgetting our captain, Liam Checksfield, for a dominant display on his 50th appearance. However, this week’s Man of the Match performance belonged to hat‑trick hero Callum Mackenzie, who brought energy, passion and pace to the back row—showcasing just how effective we can be when we are as one.

Next week, we return to the arena for the visit of in‑form Hull Ionians, who currently sit fourth on points difference ahead of Mowden Park. Bring the noise and carry the boys home in what should be a cracker.

Come On You Park!!!