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Close call, but Rochdale reach final

26/ 4/2008

ROCHDALE Rugby Union Club’s Senior Colts travelled to play a much-fancied Widnes’ side in a semi-final of the Halbro North West Colts League Plate and made progress with a 14-13 victory.

The match got under way on a pitch which, within 20 minutes, was suited more for motocross.

The visitors forwards were quickly on the attack, forcing a scrum, and it was obvious Rochdale were going to dominate in the battle of the packs.

The visitors piled on the pressure and it needed a desperate clearance to clear the home lines.

Widnes charged down an attempted clearance and were unlucky not to score. But they soon cashed in on another wayward kick and scored in the corner.

Rochdale responded, and the ball was spun out to Blackburn who stormed through to score to the right of the posts. Coldman converted.

The hosts fought back and after a series of baffling decisions by the referee they were awarded a try, despite the scorer appearing to have been held up.

At half time Rochdale coach Collins rallied his troops for what was one of the best displays of the season.

From the restart it was obvious that Rochdale were the hungrier of the teams.

Woolfenden and captain Foster led from the front and quickly wrapped up any loose ball around the rucks. Time and time again only desperate fly kicking by the Widnes backs saved their team.

A penalty put Widnes 13-7 ahead. But this spurred Rochdale to greater efforts and scrum-half Rigby gave his opposite number a torrid time.

Rochdale launched attack after attack before Rigby charged down a kick, collected the ball, and raced clear. Wolfenden was on hand to accept his pass and score a glorious try. Coldman added the extras.

Rochdale forwards Bowe, Philbin and Stevens were then at their best, driving forward and keeping the ball to seal the win.

This was by far the best team performance of the season. Every player gave their all, no more than Rigby who was man of the match.

Rochdale, who have been runners-up for the last three seasons, now face Fylde in the final at Sandbach tomorrow.