On Wednesday, Rossendale Rugby Club was shaken to its core by the devastating news of Liam Canning’s passing. The following evening, the players held a heartfelt meeting to discuss their options for the upcoming Saturday game. It was an emotional discussion, but after much thought, they decided not to postpone the match, knowing that Liam wouldn’t have wanted that.

Because of this, the past week has undoubtedly been one of the most emotionally challenging for the Club in the last decade. It was an incredibly tough decision for the players to go ahead with the match, but they rose to the occasion with an outstanding victory. Club Chairman Nick Ingham expressed how “deeply proud” he was of how everyone responded in such difficult circumstances, stating, “It truly highlights the strength and unity of our Club.”

First Half: A Clinical Start from Rossendale

Rossendale came out firing, and within the opening two minutes, they found themselves in Stockport’s red zone. After a deliberate and patient build-up, Ben Stephens crashed over for the first try of the game. Lewis Allen added the extras to put the home side 7-0 ahead.

Just three minutes later, Rossendale’s forward pack exerted immense pressure on Stockport's defence. Once again, it was Stephens who powered over for his second try, this time close to the posts. Allen’s conversion extended the lead to 14-0 within six minutes of play.

Stockport responded quickly, with their full-back Callum Owen crossing the line in the 10th minute. Ewan Holt added the conversion to bring the visitors back into the contest at 14-7. Both teams settled into a quieter period, struggling to gain dominance, but Rossendale were awarded a penalty after 30 minutes. Lewis Allen calmly slotted it over, extending Rossendale’s lead to 17-7.

Just five minutes later, Ben Stephens completed his hat-trick following sustained pressure on the Stockport line. The missed conversion left the score at 22-7. Stockport narrowed the gap to 22-10 after Euan Holt converted a penalty following an infringement by Alex Ropeti.

As half-time approached, Rossendale’s forwards once again demonstrated their strength. Following some excellent work in midfield, the ball was spread wide, allowing Zac Stephens to finish a well-worked team try. Allen’s conversion took the score to 29-10 at the break.

Second Half: Rossendale’s Defence Stands Strong

Rossendale started the second half with a setback as John Tuia was shown a yellow card for a high tackle in the 42nd minute. However, it didn’t stop the home side from extending their lead. From a scrum, Lamprey broke from the back and passed to McGuigan, who beat his man to score behind the posts. Allen converted to make it 36-10.

Stockport applied heavy pressure as the game wore on, but Rossendale’s defence held firm despite losing Jack Wilkinson to the sin-bin in the 64th minute. Stockport eventually broke through in the 69th minute, with prop Paul McGookin crashing over for a try, which Holt converted to bring the score to 36-17.

Rossendale quickly regained control, and after a massive midfield hit from Solomona, McGuigan scooped up the loose ball to score under the posts. Allen’s conversion extended the lead to 43-17.

Stockport continued to battle, and prop Elliot Worthington burrowed over from a line-out in the 75th minute. Holt’s conversion made it 43-24. However, Rossendale had the final say, with Ropeti collecting an offload from Lamprey to score under the posts in the dying moments. Allen added the final conversion, sealing a 50-24 victory.

Rossendale’s defence stood resolute for most of the second half, repelling waves of Stockport attacks. On an emotional day for the club, the team rallied to secure a significant victory in the sunshine, honouring the memory of Liam Canning.

Full-time: Rossendale 50, Stockport 24.

A Fitting Tribute

In Liam’s honour, the 2nd and 3rd XV games were postponed allowing those players to attend, pay their respects, and support the team. After the game, in a touching tribute, Liam’s number 6 shirt was presented to his wife Paige. The number 6 jersey will be retired for the rest of the season, ensuring Liam’s legacy remains a part of Rossendale Rugby Club’s journey.