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James double as Rochdale stay in promotion race

Mike Floyd
7/12/2004

Rugby Union
Rochdale 18
Sandbach 6

THIS was far from Rochdale's best display in a game which didn't get off the ground until the last 10 minutes.

Visitors Sandbach, while at the lower end of the table, have a good defensive record and had lost most of their games by only a few points. They were well served by a good stand-off who kicked well to keep his team in the game.

Rochdale once again had to make last-minute changes. Mark Bramwell injured his back during the warm-up and stand off Greg Wellings pulled out through illness.

Sandbach took the lead when Rochdale were caught offside in open play and the penalty was converted.

The home team mounted a series of attacks through the forwards, but mistakes and wrong options prevented a breakthrough.

The visitors were a hard nut to crack and when they went in at half-time leading 3-0 it needed harsh words from Rochdale coach Mick Gould to fire up his team.

Chris Johnson slotted a penalty to level the scores and Rochdale slowly started to gain the ascendancy.

Good work by the back row, from a five-yard scrum, kept the ball alive and scrum-half Darren James got the touchdown.

Sandbach kept themselves in the game with another penalty and it took a mighty effort by Rochdale to set up a scoring position.

From a ruck on the 22-metre line the pack broke for the line and excellent passing saw James get his second try of the day. Johnson converted and added a penalty in the closing stages to seal the win.

Rochdale will have to play better when they travel to the Isle of Man on Saturday to play Vagabonds.