Rossendale secured a commanding 17-62 victory over Birkenhead Park on a warm afternoon at Birkenhead’s home ground. In a match that saw Birkenhead Park start strongly until the Rossendale took control and then did not look back, their dominant kicking game and clinical finishing proved too much for the home side.

First Half: Rossendale Pull Ahead After a Scrappy Start

The game kicked off at 3pm, with both sides showing early intent. Rossendale applied pressure inside Birkenhead's half, and after eight minutes, they were awarded a penalty in front of the posts. Lewis Allen made no mistake, slotting it over to give Rossendale a 0-3 lead.

After 14 minutes, Birkenhead won a penalty kick after some good defensive play by the visitors inside their own 22. Fortunately for Rossendale they hit the post and Rossendale cleared. Score still 0-3.

On the 19th minute Birkenhead responded swiftly. After constant pressure in the Birkenhead 22 by Rossendale, it led to a knock on with the ball being turned over. Birkenhead then managed to stroll up the pitch and drive over the line with a driving maul from a lineout, as Rossendale couldn’t hold them out. The conversion was missed, Score now 5-3.

Birkenhead continued with their pressure on Rossendale. Mike Burn crossed over in the 31st minute, breaking through Rossendale’s defence again with a driving maul, to score between the corner flag and the posts. The missed conversion left the score at 10-3 to the home side.

Rossendale responded with a series of well-executed plays. A swift move across the pitch found Babarinsa, who beat his man and passed inside to Zane Ainsley, who ran in uncontested to score out wide. The conversion left Rossendale level 10-10

Just before the break, Rossendale’s second row, Parkinson, powered over for another try after excellent build-up play from the backs. Lewis Allen converted, giving Rossendale a 10-17 lead at halftime.

Second Half: Rossendale Take Control

Rossendale started the second half in blistering form. A short kick from Birkenhead fell kindly into the hands of Zane Ainsley, who sprinted from the halfway line, beating several defenders before slipping a pass to Canning. He then fed John Tuia, who finished unopposed under the posts. Allen converted, stretching Rossendale’s lead to 10-24

Birkenhead struggled to keep up with Rossendale’s pace and skill. In the 49th minute, Birkenhead’s number 8 sliced an attempted kick, which was collected by Babarinsa. He offloaded in the tackle to Zac Stevens, who crossed for a simple try near the posts. Alex Ropeti converted, taking the score to 10-31. Bonus point secured for Rossendale.

Rossendale continued to pile on the pressure, dominating territory through Allen’s accurate kicking. Another loose clearance from Birkenhead was seized upon by Babarinsa, who ran in unopposed to score out wide, bringing the score to 10-36

20 minutes into the second half a delightful chip from Allen caused some pressure on Birkenhead’s defence. Three Rossendale lads piled on the pressure but unfortunately fumbled giving the ball back to the home team in the form of a scrum. Rossendale were dominant but needed to make it count on the score board. Score still 10-36

Another fantastic score for Rossendale, with Babarinsa collecting on the halfway line carries the ball forward swiftly, with the ball making its way to Lewis Allen. He then makes a wonderful cross field kick over to the Rossendale’s winger ben Stephens for him to cross the line unopposed. Conversion was taken by Allen. Score now 10-43.

Birkenhead’s defence was ragged, and Ainsley once again broke through in the 63rd minute with a great catch in midfield, running from his own 10 metre line to Birkenhead’s 22, setting up Stevens for another easy try. The score now stood at 10-48, with Rossendale firmly in control.

Rossendale had a try disallowed when John Tuia appeared to ground the ball, but the referee ruled he hadn’t ground the ball properly. However, Sam Lowthion quickly followed up with a well-taken try, cutting inside and beating several tired defenders to score under the posts. Allen converted, extending Rossendale’s lead to 10-55.

Birkenhead’s struggles continued, and in the 78th minute, Ben Stevens added another try after picking up from a knock-on in midfield. Allen’s conversion made it 10-62.

Late Consolation for Birkenhead: In the dying minutes, Rossendale’s Jack Wilkinson was sin-binned for a high tackle. From the resulting scrum, Birkenhead moved the ball along the line to score a consolation try, which was converted, bringing the final score to 17-62.

Final Thoughts

Rossendale’s performance, especially in the second half, was a masterclass in attacking rugby. Lewis Allen was instrumental with his boot, while Zane Ainsley ran fantastically well and the forward play of Liam Canning was aggressive and as always looking to be on the front foot.

Final Score: Birkenhead Park 17 - 62 Rossendale