The perfect conditions set the stage for an action-packed match, with both teams delivering a high-intensity performance. Rossendale, playing uphill in the first half, absorbed early pressure before taking control of the game and finishing off strong with a bonus-point win.

First Half: Early Kendal Pressure, Rossendale Response

Kendal got off to a fast start, applying pressure on Rossendale right from the kick-off. After 10 minutes, their persistence paid off when Dini Noyo crossed for the opening try in the corner, giving Kendal a 5-0 lead. The conversion was missed, leaving the visitors with a narrow advantage.

Rossendale responded in the 17th minute. A penalty in Kendal’s 22 led to a scrum, and from the set piece, Rossendale moved the ball from left to right. A missed pass found Lowthion, who cut inside, drew contact, and offloaded to Zac Stephens, who scored out wide. Unfortunately, Stephens missed the conversion, levelling the score at 5-5.

As the game progressed, Rossendale began to dominate possession. After 25 minutes, Gabriel Maguire finished off a brilliant attacking move that started with a break down the touchline by Babarinsa. The ball went inside to Ainslie, who weaved through tackles before offloading to Maguire, who scored midway between the corner and the posts. Zac Stephens slotted the conversion, putting Rossendale ahead 12-5.

Just three minutes later, Rossendale extended their lead. Ainslie, the fullback, beat several defenders before feeding Gabriel Maguire, who crossed for his second try. The conversion was good, and the score moved to 19-5.

Rossendale kept the pressure on, and in the 30th minute, they struck again. A loose kick from Kendal was collected by Ainslie, who charged into midfield, beat a couple of defenders, and moved the ball out wide to Tuia. Tuia had a one-on-one situation before passing to Lowthion, who ran in unopposed and touched down between the posts and the corner flag. Rossendale now led 24-5.

Kendal fought back just before halftime, with their number 8, Steven Nelson, picking up from a scrum on Rossendale’s 5-metre line and crashing over for a try. Aaron Stephens converted, cutting the score to 24-12 as the teams headed into the break.

Second Half: Fast-Paced Action and Rossendale's Bonus Point

Rossendale, now playing downhill, hoped for a smoother second half. However, Kendal struck within the first minute after a Rossendale error. A dropped ball from a promising attack allowed Kendal to pounce, running the ball from inside their own 22 to score. The conversion brought the score to 24-19, tightening the game.

Rossendale quickly regrouped, and in the 45th minute, Zac Stephens crashed over in the corner after a fast-moving attack from a breakdown inside Kendal’s 22. A Bonus point try for Rossendale. The missed conversion left the score at 29-19.

Kendal closed the gap in the 48th minute with a penalty converted by Aaron Stephens, bringing the score to 29-22, but Rossendale immediately hit back. In the 53rd minute, a penalty scrum on Kendal’s 5-metre line saw Matt Lamprey pick up at number 8, power through two tacklers, and score. Lewis Allen converted, extending the lead to 36-22.

Kendal continued to battle, with Luke Atkinson scoring in the 57th minute, and Aaron Stephens converting to make it 36-29. However, Rossendale’s Matt Lamprey struck again in the 62nd minute, charging over after sustained pressure inside Kendal’s 22. Another conversion from Lewis Allen put Rossendale in control at 43-29.

In the 73rd minute, Rossendale sealed the victory when Alex Ropeti broke through Kendal’s defence. From a quick break inside the 22, the ball moved smoothly along the line before Ropeti stepped back inside and finished under the posts. Allen’s conversion made it 50-29, which would be the final score.

Full-Time: Rossendale 50-29 Kendal

Rossendale’s strong second-half performance ensured a comfortable win, with Gabriel Maguire and Matt Lamprey playing key roles in the team’s attacking play. Kendal showed plenty of heart, but Rossendale’s dominance, especially after halftime, secured them a deserved bonus-point victory.

After the game, Head Coach Byron McGuigan said “it was a highly competitive match; Kendal capitalised on a couple errors early on. We managed to dominate the following 20 minutes before we conceded for a second time. “

“Kendal really brought a physicality and kicking strategy that kept them in the game for 65 minutes. Massive credit to their group and I’m sure they will be even strong when we go to their place in round 2. I’m really proud of the 80 minute performance the Rossendale boys put together- we took a step forward and will continue to work hard at training to develop our game. “

He concluded “Matt lamprey was excellent for us once again with a Man of the Match performance”.

Next week, Rossendale travel to Birkenhead Park looking to continue to develop their game.

By Sophie Macintosh