In a fiercely contested match at Leek on Saturday, 12th October, Rossendale RUFC secured a hard-fought 38-22 win, despite playing with a reduced squad for much of the game due to multiple cards. The match saw an early blitz from Rossendale, disciplined forward play from Leek, and a series of contentious refereeing decisions that kept tensions high throughout.

First Half: A Fast Start and Early Controversy

Rossendale wasted no time in getting on the scoresheet, crossing the whitewash in just the first minute. A powerful break through the centre by John Tuia split Leek’s defence wide open, before he offloaded to Zac Stephens, who finished the move with ease. Lewis Allen added the conversion to put Rossendale up 7-0.

However, just two minutes later, the game took a controversial turn when Rossendale’s Lowthion was shown a yellow card for what seemed a textbook tackle, deemed high by the referee. With Rossendale temporarily down to 14 men, Leek capitalised, driving over for a pushover try from a five-metre line-out. Their conversion attempt went wide, leaving the score at Rossendale 7, Leek 5.

Despite being down a man, Rossendale regained control soon after. Alex Ropeti crashed through the Leek line from a five-metre scrum to score another try. Allen slotted the conversion to extend the lead to 14-5.

The cards kept coming, with Matt Ringland receiving a yellow in the 22nd minute, which gave Leek another opportunity. They struck back with another pushover try, this time converted, closing the gap to 14-12.

In the 26th minute things worsened for Rossendale, when Ben Stephens was shown a straight red card for a head-high tackle, leaving the visitors down to 13 men. Despite this, Rossendale applied heavy pressure and just before half-time, Zane Ainslie crossed the line after working the ball across the field from right to left. Allen’s reliable boot made it 21-12 at the break, although the first half was overshadowed by Terrance Babarinsa receiving yet another yellow card, leaving Rossendale continually battling with fewer players.

Half-time: Rossendale 21, Leek 12

Second Half: Resilience and Ruthless Finishing

Leek began the second half with renewed energy and took advantage of their numerical superiority. Their number 10 broke free for a well-taken try, though once again, they missed the conversion, narrowing the gap to 21-17.

But Rossendale responded swiftly. Kieran Dunne finished off a fantastic break through the middle by Ropeti, with Allen’s conversion pushing the lead back to 28-17. Leek weren’t done yet and hit back with a try from a five-metre scrum, but their inability to convert once more left the score at 28-22.

Rossendale's determination shone through in the final stages, and they were rewarded with another try. Jack Wilkinson powered over the line after sustained pressure and strong ball retention, giving the visitors some breathing room. Allen’s conversion extended the lead to 35-22.

In the final moments, Lewis Allen capped off a solid performance with a penalty, securing the win at 38-22.

Full-time: Rossendale 38, Leek 22

Despite being hampered by multiple cards, Rossendale displayed remarkable resilience and composure, managing to secure a crucial victory. Their forward play and clinical finishing ultimately made the difference in a game where Leek's inability to convert their chances cost them dearly. Rossendale’s win, built on grit and determination, sets them up well for the rest of the season.

Report by Sophie Macintosh.