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New Brighton 18 Rochdale RUFC 15

22/12/2007

ROCHDALE travelled for the first time to New Brighton last Saturday, on a breezy and very cold afternoon.

The home side was in control for the first 10 minutes, putting Rochdale under a lot of pressure near their own line.

And a blindside move saw the home team’s Samoan number eight Tu’ipulotu, with only two yards to make, dive over for the opening score.

With the wind in their faces the Rochdale forwards provided good ball for the backs to work their way upfield with a series of darting breaks by Thomas and Gareth Adams.

The visitors’ backs then tore open the New Brighton defence with good breaks from Adams, Thomas and Wellings before Sean Campbell showed his pace and strength to score a superb try. Mike Bradwell converted.

Rochdale continued to have the better of the exchanges until late in the half when New Brighton threatened. But the visitors' defence worked solidly, and superb tackling by captain, Riddle and second rowers, Healey and Helliwell restricted the home team to a penalty as Rochdale went into half time 8-7 down.

Despite this the large contingent of travelling supporters were confident their team would take advantage of the wind at their backs.

But New Brighton started the second half strongly and a driving maul brought them a second try.

Rochdale continued to battle and reduced the arrears with a Bradwell penalty.

At 13-10 down the visitors were still in touch, and excellent play by Wellings, Mair and Aaron Howorth kept the New Brighton defence busy.

But when Helliwell received a yellow card for a technical offence, another rolling maul provided space for the New Brighton fullback to score.

Undeterred, Rochdale launched another superb move which saw fullback Blackburn power over for a try in the corner.

But time was not on the visitors’ side and they were unable to post a winning score.