Browse Sections

• Rochdale FC
• Rochdale Hornets
• Local football
• Local cricket

Rochdale swamp opponents in pool match

27/ 3/2007

Rugby Union

ROCHDALE drew Marple from the pool on Saturday and what a mis-match it turned out to be.

The Cheshire side, two leagues below Rochdale, was unable to cope with Rochdale's pace and power, and the game turned in to more of a training session than a full blown match.

In fairness to Marple they never stopped trying, and they did surprise the Rochdale backs a couple of times with some try-saving tackles.

Their veteran out-half worked hard throughout and tried to get his backs going, but they were always well covered by the Rochdale back row which easily forced mistakes from the attackers.

In the early stages Marple did get to the Rochdale line after some spirited play by their forwards, but the Rochdale pack just upped a gear and cleared their line.

The tries started to come thick and fast from Rochdale. Jonny Mair, playing at out-half, soon got his backs going and his centres Ali Harper and Andy Tilley used their strength and pace to force the breaks. Wingers Mark Thomas and Aaron Howarth had a field day.

Sean Campbell was unlucky when he tweaked a hamstring early in the game, but this gave youngster Chris Hodgkinson his first senior team run out.

He took his chance well and looks another good prospect for the future.

When Marple lost their prop forward the official rightly ordered uncontested scrums.

This did give Marple some respite and possession, but they were now under so much pressure that they had to kick away good ball to break the siege.

Midway through the second half, with Rochdale virtually scoring at will, the referee called a halt to proceedings.

Most recent 1 of 1 user comments